In our clinic for vascular surgery at the USZ, we offer you all established procedures for the treatment of varicose veins. As a rule, all procedures are carried out on an outpatient basis. In exceptional cases, a short inpatient stay of one to two days is planned.
A small incision is made in the groin or the back of the knee to locate the superficial vein in the area of the confluence, tie it off and remove it. A so-called stripper is inserted into the separated superficial vein and pushed up to the lower leg. The stripper with the vein is pulled out and removed via another small incision in the skin. The remaining side branches are pulled out via mini incisions in the skin using a hook.
ClosureFast
The ClosureFast procedure from Medtronic is a minimally invasive procedure. A radio wave catheter is inserted into the defective vein. The catheter tip emits heat evenly and repeatedly, causing the inner vessel wall to contract, collapse and close the vein. The entire procedure is ultrasound-controlled. The treatment is performed in our clinic under local anesthesia (so-called tumescent local anesthesia). The remaining side branches are pulled out via mini incisions in the skin with a hook or sclerosed with a special foam.
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)
This minimally invasive procedure is an alternative to the radiofrequency method. As the laser catheter has a thinner configuration, the EVLT procedure is also suitable for small caliber veins or veins that are very tortuous. The laser is also very suitable for treating so-called recurrent varicose veins. The connecting branches between the superficial and deep venous system can also be treated very well with this method. The treatment is performed in our clinic under local anesthesia (so-called tumescent local anesthesia). The remaining side branches are pulled out via mini incisions in the skin with a hook or sclerosed with a special foam.
Vena-Seal
In this procedure, the vein is sealed with a small amount of a specially developed medical adhesive (1-3 ml, equivalent to about half a teaspoon). A needle prick is only required for a small local anesthetic. The leg to be treated is examined using ultrasound imaging. This examination is very important in order to find the right access point and to plan the treatment. With this procedure, no compression stockings need to be worn after the operation, so that the treatment is also well tolerated by those affected during the summer months. The procedure is not yet recognized by compulsory health insurance in Switzerland and is a self-pay service. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Foam sclerotherapy
Spider veins and veins that are not too large are suitable for sclerotherapy. A foam is injected into the vein via a fine cannula or a venous catheter, which triggers an inflammatory process in the vascular wall and causes the vein to stick together. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Compression stockings must be worn after most varicose vein treatments to prevent swelling. We recommend wearing the stockings day and night for two weeks after the operation and during the day for a further two weeks. The first follow-up check is carried out one week after the procedure. If the healing process is normal, a final ultrasound check is carried out six weeks after the operation. Suture removal is not necessary as we use self-dissolving suture material.
As a patient, you can also register directly for an initial consultation. Ideally, you should be referred to us by your general practitioner or specialist. Unfortunately, patients who are insured under a family doctor model cannot refer themselves.
Opening hours:
8.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
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University Hospital Zurich
Department of Vascular Surgery
Raemistrasse 100
8091 Zurich