Explore Mass General Vein Care

Overview: Expert Care from a Collaborative Team

Mass General Vein Care comprises a team of board-certified vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, vascular medicine specialists and registered nurses who use innovative approaches and the latest technologies to assess, diagnose and treat patients with venous disease.

Our clinicians are available to see patients in BostonDanversStoneham and Waltham.

We offer many minimally and non-invasive procedures to treat conditions such as:

  • Leg pain
  • Varicose veins
  • Venous reflux
  • Venous ulcers
  • Venous stasis dermatitis
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Superficial vein thrombosis
  • Post-thrombotic syndrome
  • Phlebitis
  • Pelvis congestion syndrome
  • Lymphedema
  • Venous anomalies and malformations
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Face and body veins
  • Spider veins

Our team works together with the patient and referring physicians to coordinate personalized treatment plans for all patients. Our providers are able to diagnose and treat more complex diseases and refer to specialists in the Fireman Vascular Center, when necessary.

Diagnosis: Specialists Dedicated to Vascular Imaging

For our patients’ convenience and assurance, Mass General Vein Care has an onsite accredited diagnostic vascular imaging located at each of our four clinical sites. We have state-of-the-art ultrasound systems used to perform diagnostic studies as well as mobile ultrasound systems used during treatments.

Our vascular laboratories are staffed with experienced technologists who have extensive training in performing ultrasounds to aid in the diagnosis of venous disease. Our diagnostic vascular services also have the ability to assess pelvic and abdominal veins to aid in the diagnosis of pelvic vein congestion syndrome.

Treatments

We evaluate each patient's condition and customize a treatment plan that addresses the underlying problem, not just the symptoms. We specialize in the following minimally invasive procedures and therapies:

  • Endovenous laser therapy, an ultrasound-guided technique that uses an optical fiber and laser light to treat varicose veins. This is also done with local anesthesia (in the office setting)
  • Mechanico-chemical ablation, which uses a specially designed catheter to painlessly treat the abnormal feeding vein that is the underlying cause of visible bulging varicose veins
  • Percutaneous laser treatments, which help to eliminate the smallest of veins on the face, trunk or extremities by using laser light on the skin
  • Radiofrequency ablation procedure, which uses radiofrequency energy to treat larger varicose veins and their underlying cause, venous reflux. This is done with ultrasound guidance and is performed with local anesthesia (in the office setting)
  • Radiofrequency thermocoagulation, which uses a process known as ohmic thermolysis to produce a microburst of high-frequency energy to treat a variety of vascular lesions, including spider veins on the face, trunk or extremities
  • Sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a fluid directly into affected veins to harden them so they can no longer fill with blood
  • Venous duplex imaging, which uses ultrasound to visualize a vein and determine the exact anatomy, direction of blood flow and assess for abnormal valves within a vein

View our Boston, Danvers, Stoneham and Waltham pages for more information on specific treatments offered at each location.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment?

If you have not previously seen a doctor at Mass General or within the Mass General Brigham please call the Mass General Registration & Referral Center to register at 866-211-6588. Once that is completed, you can contact the office directly to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions they can be addressed at this time.

What is the difference between medical and cosmetic treatments?

Some problems with veins are signs or symptoms of a problem called chronic venous insufficiency. These issues are progressive and can be considered more “medically necessary” to treat in order to prevent further progression. These problems are often covered by most insurance companies. There are other vein issues which are smaller and not as likely to cause any serious health issues if they are not treated. These problems are considered only “cosmetic”, and the treatments would not be covered by insurance. Your physician or health care provider will discuss the differences and make sure that you know which procedures are covered, and which are out of pocket expenses.

How much do these procedures cost and will insurance cover my procedure?

During the initial consultation, your physician will determine if your treatment needs are medically necessary or cosmetic. Our team will work closely with your insurance plan to provide medical documentation and obtain authorization for any procedures that are deemed medically necessary. Insurance plans vary with regard to their policies on treatments of varicose veins. You will be responsible for any co-payments and/or deductibles required by your insurance company. “Cosmetic” treatments are not covered by insurance, and the cost of the treatment plan will be determined at the time of your initial visit.

How long do the procedures take?

The length of the procedures varies based on the type of procedure. Most treatments take less than one hour, but you may be in the office for up to two hours including set up and recovery time. When you meet with your physician, he or she will provide you with this information.

What kind of anesthesia will be used?

Treatments for leg veins can vary, and can include injection sclerotherapy (which is done without any anesthesia), or other treatments which require some numbing medicine (tumescent local anesthesia). The physicians can discuss and provide additional medication if needed for sedation (anti-anxiety). These can be taken by mouth for some of the more involved procedures, but are not necessary. We do not use any general anesthesia or IV sedation for the office-based procedures.

What are the risks associated with the procedures?

Risks and benefits of each procedure are discussed fully with the patient while making the treatment plan. For most treatments the risks are rare, minor and self limited. They also vary depending upon the treatment type, vein type, and individual patient. Treatments like sclerotherapy can result in inflammation, and can cause some temporary pigmentation as they heal. Allergic reactions, failure to close veins, temporary injury to the skin or surrounding nerves and the risk of blood clotting are extremely rare. These will be assessed for each patient prior to any treatments. Risks are lower in the office setting, and can be avoided with the use of local anesthesia and careful treatments done by our highly experienced physicians.

What is the typical recovery process?

Most treatments have very little "down time." We encourage walking and normal activities right away. Most procedures are followed by a 24-48 hour period of some minor itching or tenderness which may be relieved by the application of ice or taking Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen if needed. Most patients are counseled to wear compression stockings or socks for a period of 1-2 weeks (depending upon the treatment performed) during waking hours. Heavy activity, weight lifting, running, etc can be tolerated right away for some, and could be limited for up to 1-2 weeks for other procedures. All instructions are reviewed carefully with each patient prior to any procedures.

How long will results last?

Venous disease is a progressive, hereditary condition which can always have recurrences. We will discuss the options with you, and plan the best treatments: with the least risk, the best outcome and lowest risk of recurrence.

For additional information on venous disease, view the Vein Handbook from the American Venous Forum.

Locations

Learn more about the services provided by our network of clinics.