Mechanico-Chemical Ablation

In Traverse City & Cadillac, MI

What Is A Mechanico-Chemical Ablation?

Mechanico-chemical ablation is an alterative method for closing off a vein causing chronic venous reflux, restless leg syndrome, itching and pain. It is performed in a similar manner to RF thermal ablation. A special rotating catheter is advanced into the problem vein. After the catheter is positioned properly in the vein to be treated, a trigger is pulled which causes the catheter to spin, irritating the inner lining of the vein. At the same time a sclerosing solution is injected through the same catheter. The combination of mechanical damage from the catheter and chemical damage to the vein from the sclerotherapy medicine works better than either alone. If you are interested in learning more about Mechanico-Chemical Ablation, or if you wish to schedule a consultation and learn whether you are a candidate for treatment, please call (231) 936-2068 today! Our practice has an office in both Traverse City and Cadillac.

legs after chemical ablation

Candidates For Mechanical-Chemical Ablation

This procedure is done using the Clarivein catheter. This thin catheter is inserted into the target vein under ultrasound guidance. The catheter is then attached to a hand piece and the doctor will pull a trigger which caused the catheter to spin at a very high rate. This spinning causes the vein to spasm and also irritates the inner lining of the vein. The doctor then slowly injects a sclerosing solution through the same catheter as it is slowly withdrawn much as a laser is withdrawn in a slow continuous fashion during the treatment. This combination of the spinning action of the catheter and the sclerosing medicine acts to close off the treated vein. The procedure is not painful and patients typically describe feeling a vibrating sensation during the treatment. The treatment typically takes 30 minutes or less. Like with Radio Frequency ablations or EVLT, the patient should wear compression stockings for up to two weeks after the procedure and can resume most normal activities the same day.

Mechanico-Chemical Ablation Benefits

This is a type of non-thermal, non-tumescent vein ablation and is an effective alternative to ablation using heat energy such as in laser or radiofrequency ablation. Mechanico-chemical ablation can be used in patients where a thermal procedure is not feasible due to the vein’s proximity to a nerve. The main advantage of Mechanico-Chemical Ablation is that it negates the need for multiple needle pokes as there is no need for tumescent anesthesia. The only local anesthetic is in one location where the catheter is introduced into the vein. Patients typically just feel a vibrating sensation.

How Mechanico-Chemical Ablation Works

Clarivein or MOCA is a good choice for patients who cannot tolerate needles well, and who don’t have extremely large veins or abundant large branching varicosities coming off of the treated vein. Typically, only one leg is treated at a time as we want to limit how much of the sclerosing medicine is used at a single session

The Mechanico-Chemical Ablation Procedure

This procedure is contraindicated in patients with known allergies to polidocanol or Sodium Tetradecol sclerosants. Like other vein procedures, side effect or complications are rare. Potential complications include DVT, bruising, numbness and tingling. As with RFA and laser, a follow up ultrasound is typically scheduled several days after the procedure to confirm successful treatment and to rule out any potential complications.

Recovery From Mechanico-Chemical Ablation

The recovery from these procedures is the same as with our radiofrequency ablation procedures. Patients need to wear a compression stocking for two weeks after their treatment. Dr. Heeringa will perform a follow-up ultrasound within one week after the procedure to confirm that the treated vein has closed off.

Does Mechanico-Chemical Ablation Hurt?

Our patients find this method of ablation to be more comfortable because it doesn’t rely on heat energy to irritate the vein wall. It doesn’t require anesthesia and patients can return to normal activities immediately.

Is Mechanico-Chemical Ablation Safe?

This method of ablating a malfunctioning vein is very safe because it doesn’t use heat as its method of creating irritation in the vein. This eliminates many potential side effects.

Risks Of Mechanico-Chemical Ablation

Complications are rare but include the possibility of a blood clot, a possible allergic reaction to the sclerosant agent, bleeding, staining, infection, and nonclosure of the targeted vein. All of these risks are low.

Patient

Testimonials

William Raymond
William Raymond
2023-05-03
Dr Heeringa and his staff went above and beyond in service, from the inital consultation to the procedure and the follow up. The care and concern for my condition were first class, I would recommend this Doctor and Staff to anyone needing this service.
Jessica Rademacher
Jessica Rademacher
2023-04-23
Taking the first step is always the hardest. After meeting the staff and doc, all of my anxiety went away. Everyone is so welcoming and reassuring. They said multiple times that I am in good hands and they can help me. 3 months after my procedure, my legs look unrecognizable!!! I no longer have the constant pain and pressure from my vericose veins , not to mention the sight of my legs is a complete 180 from before! I recommend this office with full certainty that your vein issues will be resolved!!
Carol Grombala
Carol Grombala
2023-03-21
Wonderful Doctor and office staff! I drove from down state to utilize his expertise and so glad that I did so! Results were excellent! I was so impressed with how all procedures were explained in detail as well as what to expect after—this eased any anxiety about having it done. I wish I would have done it sooner! This is the place to go for your vein procedures!!
Katie Rainey-Minzey
Katie Rainey-Minzey
2023-01-21
Everyone in the office is very professional and really nice. Dr. Heeringa went into great detail about the procedures he was performing and what to expect before, during, and after treatment so there were no surprises. Within 2 weeks after the first procedure, I had already noticed a difference and my leg felt less "tired" and "heavy" than it had in a very long time. I would highly recommend Dr. Heeringa and would feel comfortable returning to his office if needed in the future.
Chris Lewis
Chris Lewis
2022-12-06
Definitely a five star practice ! Dr. Heeringa and staff are at the top of their field . When my primary doctor talked to me about blood clot concerns in my legs , it was clear I needed to do something. Dr. Heeringa and staff talked to me in detail and showed me the issues with the Veins in my legs . The Doctor then proceeded to fix the problem. I would strongly recommend Northern Michigan Vein Specialists.
Lola
Lola
2022-12-06
Dr. Heeringa and his staff are total professionals. I had several issues with my legs and they quickly assessed what needed to be done with care and expediency. I highly recommend this practice for any Venous conditions you may be experiencing. I had previous procedures done several years ago at a highly acclaimed Metro Detroit Hospital and this experience and result far exceeded the former. Thank you Dr. Heeringa.
Toni Aeschliman
Toni Aeschliman
2022-10-28
Always a pleasant experience when I go to this office. Staff and Dr. Herringa are a pleasure to work with.
Kerrie Walden
Kerrie Walden
2022-09-30
The best vein doctor around!

Schedule a consultation today!

We proudly serve patients from Traverse City, Cadillac, Manistee, Big Rapids, Houghton Lake, Grayling, Sault Ste. Marie MI and surrounding areas with mechanical chemical ablation treatments. Call today for your consultation at (231) 936-2068 or complete a Contact Form here! You can also find directions to our Traverse City and Cadillac, MI offices by clicking here. We look forward to serving you!

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880 Munson Ave, Suite A, Traverse City, MI 49686

440 Cobb St Cadillac, MI 49601

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