Treatment Options

MercyOne Iowa Heart Vein Center offers a number of treatment options for patients with varicose veins. After a thorough consultation with one of our vein experts, we'll be able to make a treatment recommendation. Treatment options include:

Compression Stockings

A prescription-strength compression stocking is often a first line of treatment for patients with varicose veins. The stocking assists in returning blood back to the heart. Although a patient's symptoms may be relieved, stockings will not reverse the condition.

Endovenous Vein Therapy

Endovenous vein therapy is a short, minimally-invasive alternative to more invasive vein stripping procedures. It leaves minimal scarring and is performed under local anesthesia. A thin fiber or catheter is inserted into the vein and heat energy is applied to the vein. The energy heats the vein from within, causing it to shrink, collapse and seal shut.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

This is an office procedure performed to remove large surface varicose veins through tiny skin punctures. It leaves minimal scarring and is performed under local anesthesia. There is very little discomfort and no stitches are required.

Sclerotherapy

Used primarily in the treatment of spider veins and small varicose veins, sclerotherapy involves injecting a “sclerosing” agent into the vein using a very fine needle. This chemical solution irritates the vein tissue, causing the lining of the vein to swell, harden and eventually seal off.