Stripping procedure
Open crossectomy was considered the gold standard of phlebology for over 100 years and is covered by all health insurance companies. Depending on the location of the vein to be treated, an incision is made in the groin or knee. The so-called crosse, the crossing point between superficial and deep veins, is sought. The superficial vein is then cut off as close as possible to where it joins the deep vein, severed and pulled out. As the legs have to be wrapped for several weeks, the treatment is only recommended in the winter months. It can also lead to bruising, infections, sensitive nerve damage or thrombosis.
Endoluminal procedures
In endoluminal procedures, the varicose vein wall is damaged from the inside by delivering energy to the vessel wall, causing the varicose vein to close. The aim is for the treated vein to be broken down by the body. The energy can be applied using a laser (endovenous laser ablation, ELVT) or steam (endovenous vapor ablation, EVSA).
Endovenous laser ablation (ELVT) is comparable to radiofrequency therapy in terms of the procedure. Different lasers with wavelengths from 810 to 1470 nm are used for ELVT. This results in temperatures of up to 700 °C. In endovenous vapor ablation (EVSA), steam is used to close the vein. A catheter releases the steam at temperatures of up to 120 °C in two directions.
