Advancements in Medicine, Health

Superficial Venous Treatment Options

Rachel Studebaker
William B. Harris, DO, FACS, RPVI
Last Updated July 27, 2026
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Multiple cutting-edge venous procedures are available to treat diseased veins.

Understanding Superficial Venous Diseases

Superficial venous diseases affect veins close to the skin’s surface. These include chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which occurs when valves in the leg veins malfunction, preventing blood from flowing back up to the heart and instead causing it to pool in the lower legs. This can cause varicose veins – visible veins that are bulging or enlarged – and sensations of aching and heaviness. CVI is very common, and research estimates that 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have varicose veins.

New Solutions

Several advanced options are available to close or collapse diseased veins, treating symptoms and allowing the body to redirect blood flow to healthy veins:

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant solution into the vein, causing it to collapse.
Endovenous laser ablation uses laser energy to heat and close the affected vein, while radiofrequency ablation uses the same approach with radiofrequency energy.
Chemical ablation, such as Varithena, uses a medicated microfoam injection to collapse the vein.
Medical adhesives, like VenaSeal, can safely and permanently seal off the affected vein.

Benefits to Patients

Thanks to these treatments, patients can find the best option to treat their superficial venous disease and find relief from symptoms. These minimally invasive procedures are completed during a short, outpatient visit, reducing scarring and recovery time compared to more invasive options.

An Expert Weighs In

“Venous insufficiency and painful varicose veins affect millions of people worldwide, causing leg pain, swelling, heaviness, and reduced quality of life. Chronic venous disease is highly prevalent, particularly among older adults, and often worsens without treatment. Over the past two decades, therapy has evolved dramatically from surgical vein stripping to minimally invasive techniques such as endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, mechanochemical ablation, and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, providing safer procedures, faster recovery, and excellent long-term outcomes.”

William B. Harris, DO, FACS, RPVI Vascular Surgeon, Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Meet the Author

Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude

Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. As managing editor for CMC Media & Marketing Group, she is responsible for the development and completion of 16 publications involving health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. Additionally, Rachel has led digital marketing initiatives for CMC Media & Marketing Group as well as the development of content for the introduction of Choose Huntsville™, Huntsville Resource & Relocation Guide™ for Huntsville, Alabama.