At UCSF Radiology, interventional radiologists use minimally invasive procedures as surgical alternatives for treatment of varicose veins. Varicose veins are the dark blue or purple leg veins that protrude above the skin’s surface. There are many factors that can cause varicose veins, such as increasing age, family history of varicose veins, prior blood clots in the legs, obesity, or pregnancy. This condition is said to affect nearly one third of all adults, and besides cosmetic concerns and considerations, complications can include burning, heaviness, swelling, pain in the legs, discomfort walking, and skin changes, including ulcers. Treatment of varicose veins can help relieve discomfort and also prevent further complications.
Most are familiar with the older, surgical treatment for varicose veins, known as surgical ligation and stripping, which involves surgically removing…
