Ambulatory Phlebectomy (Conservative Treatment)

Ambulatory Phlebectomy(AP), sometimes called microphlebectomy, or even Minimally Invasive Venous Ablation(MIVA), is a minor in office procedure to remove veins that cannot be treated with endovenous laser. Ambulatory literally means being able to walk. Phlebectomy means to remove a vein. So, it means to remove a vein in such a way that you are able to walk immediately.

Ambulatory Phebectomies are sometimes done on the same day as the EVLA. During the procedure the doctor will prepare your leg by carefully cleaning it with antiseptic soap, and draping it with sterile surgical drapes. The veins will have been marked before you lay down on the surgical table. You leg will be injected with the same local anesthetic as is used for the EVLA. Tiny incisions, about 2mm in length are made near or over the vein. A small instrument called a phlebectomy hook is used to tease out a length of vein which is then removed. This process is repeated until all the veins needing treatment in this way are removed.

You leg will be wrapped with a bandage and compression stockings applied. After remaining on the bed at bod:evolve for about 30 minutes with your legs elevated you will be allowed to go home. There is often some bleeding with ambulatory phlebectomies, but this is never a severe problem.

Recovery is about the same with ambulatory phlebectomies, and EVLAs. Results are very pleasing. The incisions are so small they leave essentially no scar.

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