Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency closure therapy FDA approved?
A. They are both FDA approved as non-surgical procedures to treat varicose veins.
These modalities are rapidly replacing traditional vein stripping as the treatment of choice for varicose veins. The endovenous ablation procedure is
much better than traditional vein stripping because it is more precise, is minimally invasive, and does not require general anesthesia or hospitalization.
Q. Does the loss of the saphenous vein pose any problems to the circulatory system?
A. No. Veins are not responsible for blood flow to the legs but away from the legs and back to the heart. When a varicose vein is ablated or removed the
blood flow will simply be diverted through other healthy veins.
Q. How long do the ablation procedures take and is there any anesthesia involved?
A. The entire procedure takes about 45 minutes. There is local anesthesia involved. We call it tumescent anesthesia. This involves a dilute
Novocain type of solution injected directly around the vein that we ablate. It is done as part of the procedure and will numb the area up so
that the patient feels nothing as the vein is being ablated with the catheter.
Q. What is the recovery time?
A. We suggest that you refrain from vigorous activity including workouts in the gym and swimming for approximately two weeks following the surgery. Since
the procedure is minimally invasive you can go about your usual non-strenuous activities later that day or, at the latest, the next day. After the
procedure is complete we recommend wearing compression hose continuously for 72 hours, and then during the day for eleven days thereafter.
Q. I know that sometimes a great saphenous vein is needed for coronary bypass surgery, what happens if I undergo ablation of this vein?
A. That’s a great question. Since Dr. Schiro is a heart surgeon, he has used thousands of great saphenous veins to do coronary
bypass procedures. He can assure you that he will not ablate a vein that could potentially be used for coronary artery bypass grafting. The veins
involved in varicose vein disease are usually dilated and lumpy, and not good conduits for bypass surgery.
What’s more, there are conduits that can be used such as the internal mammary artery, the radial arteries of the arm, and even other veins in the legs.
Q. What are the potential complications associated with endovenous ablative therapy?
A. Potential complications include numbness and tingling, skin burns, blood clots, and temporary tenderness or bruising. Complications are rare, and usually temporary.
Q. Will insurance cover my treatment?
A. Dr. Schiro always tells patients that spider vein treatments are mostly cosmetic and usually not covered by insurance companies but endovenous
ablations and ambulatory phlebectomies are almost always covered. We have billing experts in our office to navigate through the insurance maze on
behalf of the patient.
Joseph C. Schiro M.D., F.A.C.S
1762 Hawthorne Street, Suite 4
Sarasota, FL 34239
Tel: 941-364-VEIN (8346)
Fax: 941-955-2916
EMail: info@veincenterofsarasota.com
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Serving Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, Northport and Lakewood Ranch
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