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:
- Mechanical treatment with a tiny rotating wire.
- 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?
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.
OUR PATIENTS SAY
To make an appointment or to inquire about how we can help you understand your treatment options
La Jolla – Text us or Call 858-550-0330
Vista – Text us or Call 760-249-7007
