Phlebectomy

Phlebectomy

Phlebectomy is a medical word used to describe the surgical removal of a vein. Often used interchangeably with the terms “micro-phlebectomy”, “stab-phlebectomy”, or “ambulatory-phlebectomy” these procedures involve tiny stab incisions (typically measuring 2-3mm in length) over the site of a superficial vein (varicosity).

The target vein is hooked (or directly grasped) and then pulled out through the stab incision. If multiple veins are present then multiple incisions may be required.

Venous blood that was previously flowing through the varicose vein auto-diverts to remaining veins in the leg. Phlebectomy procedures can be safely performed in an office-based (or outpatient) based setting using local anesthesia.