A question we hear often is whether closing a varicose vein will reduce circulation in the leg. In most cases, the vein being treated is already allowing blood to move backward and pool rather than helping it return efficiently to the heart. At Inovia Vein Specialty Centers, our team uses examination findings and ultrasound when needed to plan varicose vein treatment around the way blood is moving through your leg. Andrew D. Jones, MD, is board-certified in general surgery and venous and lymphatic medicine, and his research experience includes clinical trials involving VenaSeal™ and Varithena®.
Healthy Veins Continue Carrying Blood
Your legs have both deep and superficial veins. The deep veins carry most of the blood back toward the heart, while superficial veins drain into that system. When valves inside a surface vessel weaken, blood can fall backward and collect, raising pressure and creating a bulging or twisted vein.
Closing that abnormal vessel does not block healthy circulation. Instead, blood shifts into other functioning pathways that are better able to carry it upward. The deep venous system continues doing the majority of the work.
How We Close a Diseased Vein
Several office-based procedures can stop reflux in a problem vessel:
- ClosureFast™ radiofrequency ablation applies controlled heat inside the vein.
- VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive placed under ultrasound guidance.
- Varithena uses prescription microfoam to close an unhealthy vessel.
- Sclerotherapy treats certain smaller veins with an injected medication.
We choose a method by looking at the vessel’s size, location, pattern of reflux, your symptoms, and your medical history. One procedure is not automatically the best fit for every leg.
What Becomes of the Treated Vessel?
The closed vein is left in place. Your body gradually breaks down and absorbs the treated tissue while blood keeps moving through healthier pathways. Smaller branch veins may still need separate treatment after the main source of reflux has been managed.
Before recommending a procedure, we may use duplex ultrasound through our Inovia Vascular Lab to map the superficial and deep systems. We also explain treatment, follow-up, and recovery through our patient care process.
Talk With Our Team About Your Circulation
Clear answers can make treatment decisions less stressful. Call Inovia Vein Specialty Centers at 1-800-834-6362 or contact us to arrange an evaluation with Dr. Andrew Jones or another member of our team. We serve patients throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.