Common vein treatments include endovenous radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation. These treatments are used on the abnormal vessels feeding the varicose veins. Therefore, the root of the system is treated first.

Endovenous means from within the vein. Therefore, with this procedure a small nick is made in the skin. Then, the vein is entered with a small tube (catheter) and the treatment is performed from inside the vein. Ugly scarring is nearly eliminated when the abnormal vessel is treated from within. In addition, since the surrounding tissues are not disrupted there is faster healing with endovenous procedures.

Radiofrequency refers to the energy source used to heat and seal the vein closed. Some patients report less bruising and pain with radiofrequency ablation than with laser ablation. The decreased incidence of bruising is because of the lower energy level of radiofrequency ablation.

Ablation is simply a medical term for removal or destruction. In this situation, the vein is destroyed (ablated) by the radiofrequency heat source. Then, the ablated vein collapses. Eventually the ablated vein becomes scar tissue and is broken up and destroyed by the body. The blood flow is rerouted through normal, healthy veins. The body functions better without the abnormal, diseased vessels.