Vein Consult Request

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the procedure actually work?

Skin incisions or needle punctures as small a 2-3 mm are used to extract veins with a phlebectomy hook. A hook is inserted into a micro-incision in the leg. A section of the vein is hooked and then removed through the incision. With this procedure, a compression bandage is worn for one week. This minimizes swelling and discomfort and allows for proper healing.
What are the side effects of ambulatory phlebectomy?

Compared to traditional vein stripping, this technique has virtually no scarring or side effects. Also, because it is an in-office, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia, patients have very little "down time" and virtually no problems after the procedure. Skin pigmentation at the site of the varicose vein can occur and is usually temporary.
What is the recovery and post-operative care like after ambulatory phlebectomy?

Patients can go back to work and normal activity after 24 hours. They are asked to keep the leg elevated and stay off their feet for the first day. Also a support stocking is worn for one week.
How successful is ambulatory phlebectomy?

Long term results after phlebectomy are excellent when the procedure is performed for the appropriate indications.

BS, MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Rotating internship, Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland
Chief resident, Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland
Fellowship, vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Certificate of Added Qualifications in Vascular and Interventional Radiology awarded
American Board of Radiology Assistant professor of radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology
Native of North Carolina

Expertise in diagnostic angiography and interventional radiology, nuclear cardiology, and spine intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1993

Medical Director for Interventional Services at Rex Hospital & Raleigh Radiology
BS, University of California at Santa Barbara
MD, Medical College of Wisconsin
Internship, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA
Chief resident, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC
Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
Member, Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology
Native of Raleigh, North Carolina

Expertise in interventional radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2005

BS, Brigham Young University
MD, Harvard Medical School
Internship, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts
Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology
Native of California

Expertise in vascular and interventional and musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008