Address

1501 Presidential Way, Suite 21
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Office Hours:

9:00am – 5pm (Mon-Fri)
9:00am – 3pm (Saturday)

Clinic:

(561) 227-9237

Fax:

(561) 923-8171

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Ambulatory Microphlebectomy Treatment

What is Microphlebectomy treatment and is this treatment appropriate for me?

Microphlebectomy (also known as ambulatory phlebectomy, stab phlebectomy) is a minimally invasive varicose vein treatment usually performed either during the EVLA procedure or scheduled at a later date where large varicose veins located at the surface of the skin are removed with very small incisions (usually less than ¼ inch) usually in segments. A small microphlebectomy hook is used to expose and remove the vein. Once the area heals, incision points are virtually undetectable after a few months.

It is important for patients to understand that Microphlebectomy and vein stripping are not the same thing. Vein stripping is a term of the past which describes the surgical removal of a major vein using a vein stripping device, usually the Great Saphenous vein (now treated with EVLA).

Microphlebectomy is appropriate for most patients who have large visible tortuous varicose veins as these veins must either be removed or injected. It is recommended that larger varicose veins be removed via microphlebectomy after EVLA is performed on the faulty vein which is causing the varicose veins to come about.

How is the Microphlebectomy procedure performed?

During the Microphlebectomy procedure we will first mark the skin overlying the varicose veins while you are standing. The leg is cleaned with antiseptic and the skin overlying the varicose veins is numbed with local anesthesia. A tiny puncture is made and a special instrument called a Microphlebectomy hook is used to gently lift and extract the varicose veins. During extraction of the vein the patient should feel no pain but simply gentle tugging or pressure like sensation. At the end of the procedure medical glue and steri-strips are placed over the small skin punctures. The leg is then wrapped with a pressure dressing. Lastly compression stockings are applied over the pressure dressing.

What to expect after the Microphlebectomy procedure?

Once the procedure is completed we will place a pressure dressing over your leg, and compression stockings will be placed over this bandage. It is recommended you wear both for 24 hours, at which they may be removed allowing you to shower. After showering it is recommended that you resume compression stockings for a total of 7-10 days. It is expected for you to be sore and bruised in the treated areas after the procedure. Hard lumps may appear in the leg and be slightly red or tender along areas treated, which are small areas of trapped blood usually self resolves and are not dangerous. If hard lumps appear, apply a heating pad to these areas 3 times a day for 20 – 30 minutes. Be careful to avoid burning the skin. You may take Advil, ibuprofen, Motrin or Aleve regularly until it feels better. Call our office if you have any questions or if these areas appear to get worse. If you have fever, chills, weakness, fainting, chest pain or difficulty breathing, or severe leg pain, swelling, or redness, you must immediately call our office or go to the emergency room.

It is advised to avoid sitting or standing for any period longer than 30 minutes. You should also avoid taking hot baths and avoid exposing treated areas to direct sunlight for 2 weeks. You should also walk each day after the procedure for at least 1 hour in total.

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