Athens Vein & Thoracic Specialists

Vein and Thoracic Services
Athens Vein Specialists provides several types of treatment for many variations of vein problems. Below are just some of the options available. Please consult with Dr. Chris Malone to determine which method is best in treating your particular vein problems. Venous Closure®: This procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for patients with a condition known as venous reflux. Closure is done as an outpatient procedure in our office. Local anesthesia is used to ensure comfort during treatment. Using a single needle stick, a thin catheter is inserted into the greater saphenous vein. Through the catheter, radio frequency energy is delivered to the vein wall, causing it to heat and seal shut. Following the procedure, the patient is fitted with a compression stocking and asked to refrain from strenuous activity for a short period of time. Most patients resume normal activity within 24 hours.

Sclerotherapy: This technique is used to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins. Veins are injected with a solution which irritates the vessel’s lining causing it to inflame and harden. The body then breaks down the damaged vein and absorbs it, in most cases the vein eventually fades away completely. Blood is then circulated through healthy veins located deeper in the body. Appearance and pain associated with the problem may be significantly reduced.

Laser Treatment: This treatment option uses a light beam which is pulsed onto the veins in order to seal them off and cause them to dissolve. Light-based treatment is generally used only to treat small veins. This treatment may be recommended in combination with sclerotherapy to effectively treat the vein.

VeinGogh Treatment: This system generates a tiny, regulated, high frequency current which is delivered to the vein via a hair-thin probe. A “microburst” of energy selectively heats the vein, coagulating the blood and collapsing the vessel wall, which is quickly absorbed into the body. All of this is accomplished without affecting the outer layers of the skin resulting in a quick return to normal daily activities.