Varicose veins, the gnarled, enlarged veins that occur mostly in legs and feet aren’t just a cosmetic problem. They decrease adequate circulation in the legs which causes pain and heaviness. The general surgery department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea now offers a new treatment for this common circulatory problem.

The endovenous radiofrequency obliteration procedure to treat varicose veins is done in the operating room and uses a minimally-invasive catheter. The catheter is pulled through the affected vein, delivering bursts of energy that heat and contract the vein walls. This seals the vein to improve circulation and eliminate varicose vein symptoms. Vein sealing is done in less than five minutes with little to no discomfort to the patient. The patient is in and out in less than an hour, usually resuming normal activity the next day.

To schedule an appointment to see if this procedure is right for you, call the General Surgery department at 507-379-2130.