Thermal and Nonthermal Endovenous Ablation Options for Treatment of Superficial Venous Insufficiency

Open saphenous removal, phlebectomy, and venous ligation were historic mainstays of surgical treatment of venous disease. Duplex ultrasound scan has become the standard to diagnose venous insufficiency. Percutaneous modalities have allowed treatments to include thermal and nonthermal endovenous ablation. These treatments vary in preoperative planning, procedural steps, and postprocedural care, but all are safe and effective. An individualized approach should be taken in determining which modality is offered to each patient. Endovenous options, which often are minimally invasive and safely performed in an outpatient setting, allow access to effective treatments with low risk and discomfort.