Patient Information

Preparing for Your Procedures

  • After your comprehensive evaluation, an individualized treatment plan may be recommended. A treatment plan may include one or a combination of vein procedures. Treatments may include endovenous (radiofrequency or laser) ablation, a non-thermal (VenaSeal or Clarivein) ablation, an ambulatory phlebectomy and/or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. At Minnesota Vein Center, patients receive personal pre- procedure instructions prior to their scheduled procedure date.
    Click below to view or print pre-procedure information.
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  • Pre-Procedure Instructions
 

Patient Procedure Instructions

  • Individualized patient post-procedure instructions are also provided to the patient prior to their scheduled procedures. Click below to view or print specific post-procedure instructions.
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    Endovenous Ablation Instructions

    Endovenous Ablation with Ambulatory Phlebectomy Instructions

    Ambulatory Phlebectomy Instructions

    Sclerotherapy Instructions

    Endovenous Thermal Ablation

    • You may experience redness or mild bruising along the treated vein site following ablation. This redness may last one week or more. Many patients have no redness or bruising (especially with radiofrequency thermal ablation) but may have transient bruising at the vein access site.
    • You may notice a mildly firm, palpable, cord sensation along the ablation treatment area. This may or may not have a pulling sensation which is not uncomfortable. This sensation may occur in the inner (medial) thigh or the treated area of the calf. This is the vein shrinking in length and in diameter. This sensation will resolve after two to four weeks normally.
    • Occasionally patients may develop a reddened line that seems like a fine blister where the compression stockings contact the bandage. These are temporary. If you experience this, you may adjust the stocking or even remove it to allow healing. You may also call for specific instructions if this occurs.
    • Some patients may experience a numb sensation along the inside of the lower thigh or the inside of the calf. This is also temporary, resolving in 8 – 10 hours post-procedure, but occasionally there are those who have numbness that persists two or more months. This sensation does not affect flexion, extension or mobility and is usually transient.

    Ambulatory Phlebectomy

    • You will experience superficial bruising along the ambulatory phlebectomy (AP) site. This is normal and resolves quickly, within one to two weeks, typically.
    • Some patients experience redness and warmth to the touch along treated vein tract areas. This is a normal inflammatory response and will resolve usually in one to two weeks, if it does occur. Please call for further instructions if significant tenderness is present.
    • In the first two to three hours, bleeding from one or more phlebectomy sites could occur. A very concise and effective dressing which is always applied by MVC usually prevents bleeding. You are also provided a reinforcement dressing to apply to the stocking, were this to occur.
    • Following a phlebectomy (AP), you may notice one or several areas of firmness or lumps beneath or near the tiny incision/puncture sites. These are tiny vein segments that will soften and will be reabsorbed over time.
    • Steri-strips are applied during the phlebectomy and remain for approximately nine days. Some steri-strips may fall off during your dressing removal at two days and also during the first shower at day two. This is not a concern. If the strips remain after nine days, please remove them.

    Sclerotherapy

    • Patients often experience focal (localized) tenderness at the injections sites. This may feel like a deep bruise and may last a few days to one month after the procedure.
    • Hard lumps are also associated with sclerotherapy at the treated vein sites. These lumps are scar tissue and gradually are being reabsorbed by the body.
    • At times, superficial sclerotherapy can cause small skin bronze stains. In most instances this is temporary, lasting three to four months. In a small percentage of patients this bronze discoloration will fade but remain permanently. This is a small risk associated with sclerotherapy.
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