Individuals with varicose veins are familiar with the discomfort they can cause, which ranges from swelling to visible changes in the legs. However, minimally invasive procedures are now widely available to relieve symptoms and improve your overall vein health.
One option is ClariVein®, which is a safe treatment for varicose veins that requires minimal recovery time. By combining mechanical agitation with medication, ClariVein® ablation is an effective treatment that closes damaged veins.
Learn more about how ClariVein® varicose vein treatment works, who is a good candidate, and what to expect from this procedure.
What Is ClariVein®?
The ClariVein® system, also known as the ClariVein Infusion Catheter® (), is an FDA-approved medical device. This minimally invasive varicose vein treatment delivers a special medication to damaged veins using a tiny rotating wire catheter known as a rotating fiber.
Unlike surgery for varicose veins, which involves removing diseased veins in an operating room and a lengthy recovery time, ClariVein® treatment requires no or . It also requires no incisions. It’s an outpatient procedure that our vein doctors at USA Vein Clinics can complete in as little as 30 minutes.
Benefits of ClariVein® Treatment for Varicose Veins
The ClariVein procedure is an effective and minimally invasive treatment that offers both cosmetic and medical benefits, such as reducing the appearance of varicose veins and alleviating discomfort and pain, without the need for multiple injections. Since it is a non-thermal technique and uses a low-profile catheter, ClariVein® leaves no scarring on your skin after treatment.
ClariVein®’s overall benefits include:
- Clinically proven to reduce symptoms of venous insufficiency
- Non-thermal (no laser used)
- Low profile (no scarring)
- FDA-approved since 2008
- Minimal recovery time
- No need for multiple injections
How Does ClariVein® Work?
ClariVein® treatment for varicose veins is also known as mechanochemical endovenous ablation. It involves mechanical and chemical treatments to close diseased veins (ablation), which all occur inside the vein (endovenous).
ClariVein is a simple, effective treatment for varicose veins that doesn’t involve surgery or heat. Instead of using heat, ClariVein uses two gentle approaches to close the vein. First, a small, spinning fiber rotates inside the vein, ensuring the treatment reaches every area it needs to. This fiber also delivers a special medication that causes the vein to close and eventually disappear. This process allows blood to naturally reroute to healthy veins, which helps alleviate your varicose vein symptoms and improves circulation.
What To Expect At Your ClariVein® Procedure
Before the ClariVein® procedure, vein specialists will use a local sedative to make the procedure comfortable with minimal pain. After administering the sedative, the specialist inserts the catheter into the affected vein, using ultrasound technology to guide its placement and deliver the medical solution to treat the vein.
ClariVein® varicose treatment typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes, and you can be in and out of our office in under an hour. Since there are no incisions, there is little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. Following the ClariVein® treatment, most patients can return to normal activities almost immediately.
What Is The Recovery Time for ClariVein® Treatment?
After ClariVein®, the specialist will wrap your legs in compression bandages, for which you will be given instructions on how to care for them once you go home. Wearing compression stockings daily for one month after treatment may also be recommended. Many patients can return to their routine immediately, and walking for 10–15 minutes every two hours is encouraged to support circulation.
Some fluid drainage, redness, swelling, bruising, or tightness in the treated area is normal in the first few days following the procedure. Contact USA Vein Clinics if you notice increased pain or symptoms not covered in your after-care guidelines.
| Treatment Timeline | What To Expect |
| One Week After ClariVein® Treatment |
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| One Month After ClariVein® Treatment |
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| Six Months After ClariVein® Treatment |
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| One Year After ClariVein® Treatment |
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Who Is a Candidate for ClariVein®?
Most people with varicose veins are good candidates for ClariVein® treatment. However, if you’ve already had vein surgery, or if your varicose veins are complex or severe, your doctor might recommend other minimally invasive treatments.
ClariVein® vs. Other Varicose Vein Treatments
While all the vein treatments offered at USA Vein Centers are FDA-approved, provide effective results, and are minimally invasive, there are some differences in the procedures.
Compared to ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (USGS), which is often ideal for smaller veins and may require multiple sessions, ClariVein® treats medium to large varicose veins with greater efficiency.
| Feature | ClariVein® | VenaSeal™ | EVLT (Endovenous Laser Therapy) | Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS) |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Minimally invasive | Minimally invasive | Least invasive |
| Use of Heat | No | No | Uses laser heat | No |
| Anesthesia Requirement | No tumescent anesthesia required | No anesthesia required | Tumescent anesthesia required | No anesthesia required |
| Mechanical and Chemical Ablation | Mechanical and chemical ablation | Thermal energy (heat) | Thermal energy (heat) | Chemical injection (foam or liquid sclerosant) |
| Post-Procedure Sensations | Minimal to no pain reported | Minimal to no pain reported | May cause bruising; some patients report a pulling or burning sensation | Mild stinging or cramping at injection sites |
| Typical Recovery | Quick return to normal activity in 1–2 days | Speedy, often same-day recovery | Several days to a week | Immediate return to most activities |
| Risk of Scarring/Bruising | Very low | Very low | Low risk of scarring; bruising is common | Very low |
When comparing ClariVein® and VenaSeal™, both treatments are minimally invasive, do not require anesthesia, and are effective for treating medium to large varicose veins. However, ClariVein® uses a rotating catheter combined with a chemical solution, while VenaSeal™ closes veins using a medical adhesive (vein glue). Both result in little to no discomfort, no scarring, and quick recovery times. VenaSeal™ often allows for a same-day return to activities, while ClariVein® patients typically recover within 1–2 days.
Consult a USA vein specialist to discuss your treatment options and determine the most appropriate vein procedure for the severity of your condition, lifestyle, and health goals. Each treatment offers unique benefits, and our vein doctors will work with you to create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.
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How Much Does ClariVein® Cost?
The exact price of ClariVein® varies based on individual needs and insurance coverage. Still, most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically cover ClariVein®.
USA Vein Clinics offers online insurance verification and appointment scheduling, enabling you to easily check your benefits before treatment. For those without insurance coverage, we offer flexible financing options like CareCredit, HELPcard, as well as HSA or FSA payments. Our insurance specialists can guide you through every step of the approval process so you understand your financial responsibility upfront.
Discover if ClariVein® Treatment Is Right for You
ClariVein® is one of several advanced, non-surgical treatments available for varicose and spider veins. It offers an effective solution for many patients seeking fast recovery, minimal discomfort, and little to no downtime.
Each patient is unique, and your treatment plan should be too. Schedule a consultation with USA Vein Clinics to explore your options.
FAQs About ClariVein®
How many sessions of ClariVein® do I need?
ClariVein® treatment for varicose veins typically requires only one session per targeted vein. However, the total number of sessions depends on the number of veins requiring treatment.
Does ClariVein® work for spider veins?
ClariVein® isn’t for treating spider veins, but at USA Vein Clinics, we can effectively alleviate spider veins and their symptoms using our other types of vein treatments, like visual sclerotherapy.
How long after ClariVein® treatment do I have to wait to exercise?
After the ClariVein procedure, most patients can return to normal activities, such as walking and light tasks, within one to two days. Vigorous exercises, such as running, heavy lifting, or intense workouts, should be avoided for at least a week. Consult with your treatment provider before resuming exercise to ensure activities are safe and appropriate for your recovery plan.