Treatment for vein problems have advanced dramatically over the past 5 years. Dr. Flanagan uses only state-of-the-art, proven therapies in treating veins. These include laser closure of large veins, injection therapy and minimally invasive surgical treatments. These can be performed in the office under local anesthesia with little or no discomfort.

Dr. Flanagan uses a state-of-the-art laser to close down problem veins right in the office. The treatment area is anesthetized with local anesthesia and then safe, effective laser energy is delivered into the vein wall causing it to collapse and seal shut. Once the abnormal vein is sealed, normal veins take over and redirect the blood flow. Best of all, this procedure requires few or no stitches and offers minimal or no scarring. Patients can walk out of the office after treatment and resume normal activities in just a few days.

For more information on the different treatments and to see photos, click here

Preoperative Investigation

A history and physical by Dr. Flanagan is used initially to assess the problem and possible etiologies. This is then usually supplemented by a state-of-the-art venous ultrasound examination that provides a detailed "road map" of the superficial and deep veins in the lower extremity to aid in planning the best course of treatment.

Large & Small Varicosities

Treatment of dilated large and small varicosities that are superficial may be treated with phlebectomy, which involve mini- incisions, the size of a pinhead, to remove the complex of veins. Sometimes these types of vein complexes are amenable to the use of “foam sclerotherapy” which can eliminate any procedure! Choosing the correct treatment for your problem is what sets Delaware Valley Vein Centers apart.

Sometimes your vein problem involves reflux in the Greater Saphenous vein, which runs on the inside of your leg or the Lesser Saphenous vein, which runs on the back of the calf to the knee.

The cause of varicose veins begins with a hereditary predisposition to develop reflux. Reflux is when small valves within the vein do not function and allow blood to flow backward into the leg resulting in pain, swelling, aching, and burning sensation. In the worse situation ulcers, inflammation, or thrombosis (superficial blood clot) can occur. Treatment of varicose veins allows veins without reflux to function better and carry blood out of the leg. In the past treatment of these veins could only be done by traditional stripping and ligation procedures. NOW, we can utilize the laser to close the vein through a small puncture or mini incision. This will allow you to recover more quickly and with less discomfort!

Elas "How it Works"

The laser is introduced into the Saphenous vein by a small puncture under the guidance of ultrasound. With the laser in place, the light energy of the laser stops the vein from working. Now the normal veins in the leg can function without blood leaking back down the leg through the incompetent Saphenous vein. This is all done in the comfort of the office under a local anesthetic.