The ClariVein® procedure

for treatment of backwards flow (or “reflux”) in your saphenous vein(s). The great and small saphenous veins are the two main superficial veins of the leg. They run along the inner leg and the back of the leg, respectively.

This minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the office in less than an hour and patients return to their usual level of activity the same day.

HOW DOES THE TREATMENT WORK?

The skin is numbed with lidocaine, then the ClariVein® catheter is placed into the unhealthy vein. The catheter closes the vein painlessly by delivering two treatments:

drawing of ClariVein® catheter
  1. Mechanical treatment with a tiny rotating wire.
  2. Chemical treatment with polidocanol. Polidocanol is a detergent-type sclerosant medication that is commonly used in varicose vein treatment.

This technique is highly effective in closing the vein and only requires one skin puncture, similar to placing an IV.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON THE DAY OF TREATMENT?

The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, but many patients elect to use a mild oral sedative (Valium), which is taken after checking in and completing all paperwork.  You will change into a gown and leave underwear on.  Depending on the vein to be treated, you will lay on your back or on your belly. We do our best to make special accommodations (for example, if you cannot lie flat or cannot bend a knee very well) with body positioning and using pillows. We will do our best to make you comfortable.  Then, we will give you the option of watching a movie on Netflix or listen to music.  Once you are comfortable, you leg (s) will be prepped with cleansing solution for the sterile procedure.

The doctor will perform an ultrasound to map the vein (s) to be treated.  Then, a numbing agent (lidocaine) will be injected into the skin. In the numb area of the skin, a tiny puncture is made to pass the Clarivein® catheter.  Once the catheter and rotating wire are in place, the doctor will start the treatment.  You may feel a tickling or vibrating sensation as the she treats your vein.  You should have minimal to no pain during this procedure.

Once your vein has been treated, we will help you into your compression stocking, which you will wear for 72 hours continuously.  You will walk for 30 minutes prior to getting in your car.

In the video below Dr. Bunke discusses the ClariVein® proceedure.  The other video shows  the how the treatment is done. We offer many other videos on our YouTube channel.   After care instructions can be found on our website under patient resources tab.

Icon11

OUR PATIENTS SAY

Wonderful!! Dr. Bunke and staff are absolutely the best!!

The office is the perfect combination of professionalism, kindness, efficiency, empathy and expert medical treatment and care.

Dr. Bunke is kind, friendly and so knowledgeable that you feel very comfortable that you will receive excellent treatment.

Rosemary P.

Dr. Lucas and her staff are incredible. They were so kind and nurturing while I was having the vein procedures. Highly recommend

Lauren G.

Extremely happy with every aspect of my experience here. Dr. Lucas was completely professional and my radio frequency ablation procedure was a complete success. So incredibly happy with my results.

R. W.
Icon3

Make An Appointment

Contact US today to find out how La Jolla Vein Care can help with your Vein Care needs!

Use the chat window or call 858-550-0330