Vein Stripping/Vein Ligation
Occasionally, due to anatomic challenges or the presence of clot within the vein, endovenous ablation may be difficult or inappropriate. Prior to the development of endovenous ablation with the laser or radiofrequency catheter, surgeons would address venous insufficiency by tying off the problematic superficial vein and stripping a large portion of it from the body. This surgery requires an incision in the upper thigh, hidden in the groin crease, or an incision in the back of the knee, depending on the malfunctioning vein. The junction of the superficial and deep vein is tied off to prevent back-pressure within the problematic vein due to reflux. When endovenous procedures are unsuccessful due to difficulty accessing the vein with a needle, ligation is a viable alternative. Also, occasionally an ablated vein may reopen, especially if a patient is taking a blood thinner such as warfarin. Ligation in this case becomes an effective alternative. At Vascular Surgery Associates, our surgeons are facile at both minimally invasive endovenous procedures as well as traditional open surgical techniques for venous disease.
