Ambulatory Phlebectomy . . .

Micro-incision vein removal - a new technique of removing varicose veins was introduced in Switzerland by Dr. Muller in the late sixties called " La phlebectomie ambulatoire". It was met with skepticism at first but in the last 10-15 years it has become recognized as a major advance in the treatment of varicose veins. This is due in part to recent progress made in the understanding of the superficial venous anatomy through non-invasive diagnostic techniques such as Doppler and Duplex ultrasound. In addition, along with the development of microsurgical methods, ambulatory phlebectomy has become part of the trend towards effective yet minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Ambulatory phlebectomy permits removal of any size vein in the office under local anaesthesia. The diseased vein segments are first identified and marked with the help of Doppler and Duplex ultrasound. The vein is then extracted through tiny incisions or even needle punctures using delicate instruments designed for this purpose. It is important to keep in mind that the ropy varicose veins visible on the surface are almost always part of a "system" of veins, which have at their source either in an incompetent saphenous trunk or a perforator vein. The treatment therefore, should always address the veins at their source first and ambulatory phlebectomy is usually performed in conjunction with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment or ligation.  Nevertheless, by its nature, the procedure not only allows safer treatment of varices but also facilitates recuperation and yields excellent functional and cosmetic results