The doctors and staff at the Vein Center treat spider and varicose veins with the most effective and minimally invasive ablation procedures.
Our vein care specialists understand that each varicose or spider vein diagnosis is unique. That's why we take a patient-centered approach to your care, with attentive physicians and staff dedicated to delivering the best possible outcomes.
Led by our Vein Center Director, Stuart B. Pink, MD, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI, our staff of physicians, nurses, and specialists are trained in all types of blood vessel conditions. Every year, our specialists – including Nitin Jaluria, MD, FACC, Robert E. Martin, MD, and Margaret Kueny-Beck, PA-C – treat hundreds of people with varicose and spider veins.
Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure, using thin, flexible tubes called catheters or tiny needle injections. Through the catheter or the needle, the vein specialist delivers heat or chemicals to damage the tissue and close the vein. There are three types of ablation procedures:
Most healthy patients with varicose veins are eligible for varicose vein ablation. If you are pregnant and want to treat varicose veins, you'll need to consult with your doctor to discuss any risks that may be associated with ablation procedures.
Ablation takes about one hour under local anesthesia or with a mild sedative. Your doctor will use ultrasound to map your leg veins and mark them on your skin. A catheter is then inserted into a tiny incision in your skin above the vein and then moved to the end of your vein where it injects a chemical or uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the tissue along the length of your vein.
After the procedure, your treated vein(s) will no longer be able to fill with blood, forcing the blood to reroute through healthier veins.
You'll be able to resume normal activities immediately after an ablation procedure however, you should avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks. To prevent blood clots, you will wear compression socks or bandages for several days or weeks following the procedure.
Call the UPMC in Central Pa. Vein Center at: 717-920-4500
UPMC Vein Center
2808 Old Post Road
Lower Level
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: 717-920-4500
Fax: 717-920-4501
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