Light-assisted stab phlebectomy: report of a technique for removal of lower extremity varicose veins.

Lawrence PF, Vardanian AJ.
Division of Vascular Surgery, Gonda (Goldschmied) Vascular Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6908, USA. pflawrence@mednet.ucla.edu

We report a new technique to remove varicose veins and reduce recurrence from missed veins. A rigid cannula with a light source injects tumescent solution and transilluminates under veins. Varicose veins are removed with stab phlebectomy using a modified crochet hook and mosquito clamp. Additional tumescent solution flushes hematomas and compresses empty vein channels, resulting in less pain, bleeding, and pigmentation. More than 200 patients have undergone light-assisted stab phlebectomy at the Gonda Vascular Center, with high patient and surgeon satisfaction. This sutureless technique allows complete and rapid varicose branch vein removal with few missed varicose veins, little bruising, and an excellent cosmetic result.

J Vasc Surg. 2007 Nov;46(5):1052-4