Minimally Invasive Treatments for Varicose Veins Using Interventional Radiology



Have you ever heard of swollen, twisted veins that often appear blue or purple and are usually visible beneath the skin, that is called “Varicose veins.” It is more than just a cosmetic issue; there are many individuals who experience fatigue, swelling, and a feeling of discomfort, and it is also very painful. 


Varicose veins can lead to various complications, like bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, and cases of skin ulcers. Well, due to the advancement of medical technology, it is possible to treat varicose veins using minimally invasive techniques. 

Interventional radiology offers patients an effective and less painful alternative to traditional vein stripping surgery. These procedures involve small incisions, minimal downtime, and a lower risk of complications. 

There are advanced imaging technologies like ultrasound or fluoroscopy, and interventional radiologists can identify the exact vein or veins that require treatment and proceed with precision. This has made IR reliable for people who want a cure for varicose veins. So if you want to understand varicose veins and things related to them, then make sure you read the following article till the end. 

What Are Varicose Veins and Why Do They Occur?

Let’s talk about what varicose veins look like. It appears like a bulging, twisted and dark blue or purple in colour. They generally occur in the leg. This happens when the valves inside the veins become weak or damaged, which restricts the blood flow. 

The blood flow, which is supposed to flow towards the heart, goes into the blood pools in the veins, which causes the veins' enlargement. Potential risk factors are genetics, obesity, standing or sitting for long periods, pregnancy, and aging.

In earlier times, the most common method to treat varicose veins was through surgical removal or ligation of the affected veins, a process that often involved general anaesthesia and a lengthy recovery period. However, the paradigm has shifted toward less invasive and equally effective options.

The Role of Interventional Radiology in Treating Varicose Veins

Interventional radiologists use imaging techniques to guide tiny instruments like catheters, wires, and needles directly to the problematic veins. Some of the most commonly used IR techniques for varicose veins include:

1. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA):

In this method, a thin laser fibre is inserted into the vein through a small incision. Laser energy is delivered to seal the vein from the inside, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and takes less than an hour.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):

Similar to EVLA, RFA uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser to heat and close off the varicose vein. It offers quick recovery, minimal discomfort, and high success rates.

3. Sclerotherapy:

This involves injecting a special solution into the vein, which causes it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. It’s most effective for smaller varicose or spider veins and can be done as an outpatient procedure.

4. Microphlebectomy:

For larger surface veins, small punctures are made in the skin to remove the vein in segments. This is often combined with EVLA or RFA for comprehensive results.

Why Choose Minimally Invasive IR Techniques?

Patients today are more informed and demand treatments that don’t just work but also minimize lifestyle disruptions. Interventional radiology delivers on all these counts. Benefits include:

  • Shorter recovery times

  • Minimal scarring and pain

  • No need for general anesthesia

  • Lower infection risks

  • Outpatient procedures with same-day discharge

All of this makes the IR-based varicose veins treatment more reliable and easier for everyone, and especially for elderly patients. There are some best hospitals in eastern India with the best doctors and hospital care. 

Integration with Multidisciplinary Care

Hospitals known for their advanced specialties often integrate interventional radiology into their broader patient care programs. 

For instance, a cancer surgery hospital in Kolkata that also handles cases of liver cancer surgery in Kolkata may use IR not only to treat varicose veins but also to manage cancer-related complications such as portal vein embolization or targeted chemotherapy delivery.

Patients are guaranteed to receive the most comprehensive and cutting-edge treatment options thanks to this degree of cross-specialty coordination. 

Interventional radiologists frequently work closely with hepatologists, vascular surgeons, and oncologists in these settings to provide individualized treatment routes, underscoring the growing significance of IR in both vascular medicine and oncology.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment

  1. Before the Procedure

The interventional radiologist will conduct a detailed evaluation, including an ultrasound scan of the veins to map out the extent and severity of the problem. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications before the procedure.

  1. During the Procedure

Most IR treatments are done under local anesthesia with mild sedation. You’ll be awake but relaxed. The doctor will make a tiny incision to insert the catheter and guide it into the vein using real-time imaging.

  1. After the Procedure

Patients are usually encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure. Most people return to normal activities within a day or two. You might be advised to wear compression stockings for a week or so and avoid heavy lifting.

Real Patient Outcomes and Success Rates

To trust the process, you need to have solid statistics and a success rate. As per the vein relief report, the success rate is between 95% and 98%. This is all possible due to the high efficacy of IR-based treatments for varicose veins. 

After the surgery, patients often feel instant relief from pain and swelling. The recurrence rate is also significantly lower when compared to traditional surgery. In Kolkata, the demand for minimally invasive treatments is growing, especially as more patients become aware of advanced options. 

Conclusion

The world has evolved a lot over the past few decades. This has already been proven. In the case of varicose veins, interventional radiology is already reshaping the lives of people. With the help of minimally invasive techniques, the recovery is faster and is often compelling to older people who are scared of surgeries. 


Hospitals like Ruby Hospital are well known for the best care and well-equipped technology. People often visit there because they are known for one of the best critical care hospital in Kolkata. Hence, you can take it as a suggestion that if you want the best care for Varicose veins then you can visit them. 

FAQs

Q1: Is interventional radiology painful for varicose vein treatment?
No. Most procedures involve only local anesthesia and minimal discomfort. Patients usually feel a slight pressure but no significant pain.

Q2: How long does it take to recover from IR varicose vein treatment?
Recovery is very fast. Most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours.

Q3: Are the results of laser or radiofrequency ablation permanent?
These treatments have high success rates. While treated veins don’t return, new varicose veins can form over time if underlying causes persist.

Q4: Is IR treatment for varicose veins covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes especially if the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to pain, swelling, or complications. Always check with your insurance provider.

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