Method and apparatus for treating varicose veins

Abstract

Abstract A minimally invasive method for treating a varicose vein is provided. Generally, the method includes the opening of at least one small incision through a skin layer of the patient adjacent to the varicose vein. The varicose vein is then at least partially obstructed through the small incision. Thereafter, the incision is closed by conventional techniques. More specifically, the vein is at least partially obstructed by threading a suture through the small incision that extends through at least a portion of the vein. A plurality of small incisions in close proximity with the vein are opened with at least one of the plurality of small incisions being substantially centered over the vein. The suture is threaded through the substantially centered incision so that the suture penetrates through at least a portion of the vein. The suture is then withdrawn through another one of the plurality of small incisions. Next, the suture is re-threaded through the other one of the plurality of small incisions so that the suture penetrates through at least a portion of the vein in close proximity with the portion of the vein previously penetrated by the suture. Finally, the suture is re-withdrawn through the substantially centered incision. The threading, withdrawing, re-threading, and re-withdrawing steps are repeated with respect to each other one of the plurality of small incisions.

Inventors

• 👤 William D. Suval

Bibliographic Details