Schedule a varicose vein appointment

Bothered by varicose veins? North Memorial Health Heart & Vascular clinics offer consultation, testing, and several minimally invasive treatment options for varicose veins for individuals of any age.

Request an initial appointment

If you’re noticing spider veins, bulging veins, or leg discomfort that worsens as the day goes on, it may be time to see a specialist. Addressing vein concerns early can lead to easier treatment and quicker relief.

Appointments are available in Blaine, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Monticello, and Robbinsdale. We will contact you within 1-2 business days to schedule.

See the difference treatment can make

View real before-and-after results from patients treated for varicose veins and related symptoms.

Before

After

Before

After

Heart & Vascular locations

To schedule an appointment, complete the above form or call 763-581-5400.

Blaine

Maple Grove

Minnetonka

Monticello

Robbinsdale

Frequently asked questions

Introduction to varicose veins

Varicose veins occur when the valves in the leg veins become stretched out and do not close well. This causes the blood to back-up or pool in the legs (also known as venous insufficiency). When this occurs, the pressure build-up further weakens and subsequently damages the veins, causing them to become twisted, enlarged and painful.

Signs and symptoms include:

Bulging leg veins
Leg pain
Leg heaviness and/or fatigue
Swelling
Leg cramps
Restless legs
Itching and/or burning
Ulcers/open sores
Spider veins

Initial appointment

Varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, heaviness, aching or wounds, and for many people, these are underrecognized and undertreated. An initial appointment allows a heart and vascular specialist to evaluate your symptoms, confirm what’s causing them (typically with an ultrasound of your leg veins), and discuss treatment options that may relieve discomfort and improve how your legs feel and look.

During your appointment, a heart and vascular specialist will review your symptoms and examine your veins. You’ll have time to ask questions and talk through whether treatment may be appropriate for you. If needed, your provider will explain available treatment options and what next steps could look like, helping you make an informed decision about your care.

Appointments are offered at North Memorial Health Heart & Vascular clinics in Blaine, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Monticello, and Robbinsdale. View our locations.

To schedule your appointment, call 763-581-5400 or complete the form and a team member will contact you within 1-2 business days.

No. This visit is a standard medical appointment and is billed through insurance. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider.

Vein treatment performed at North Memorial Health

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure where a small catheter is inserted into the damaged vein. The vein and surrounding tissues are then coated with fluid that contains an anesthetic. Next, heat is emitted through the catheter which irritates the vein walls, causing the vein to close. Blood is then rerouted into nearby healthy veins. There is minimal pain or downtime. You will usually be able to resume normal activities the following day. Risks occur rarely, but can include nerve injury, infection and/or blood clot.

VenaSeal™ is a minimally invasive procedure that closes veins by delivering a small amount of specially formulated medical adhesive through a catheter that is placed in the damaged vein. The adhesive seals the vein and blood is rerouted through nearby healthy veins. There is minimal downtime, and you will be able to resume normal activity the same day. Risks occur rarely, but can include bleeding, infection, blood clot and/or allergic reaction to the adhesive.

Varithena™ is a minimally invasive treatment to treat larger varicose veins. During the procedure, a microfoam medication is injected into the veins with a few small needle sticks. Over time, the vessel shrinks and is absorbed by the body. There is minimal downtime, and you will be able to resume normal activity the same day. Risks occur rarely, but can include infection, headache, blood clot and/or allergic reaction.

Microphlebectomy is the removal of varicose veins. In the outpatient clinic setting, your North Memorial Health cardiologist will make small incisions and then use a specialized instrument to extract the vein. You will go home one hour after the procedure. You can expect some minor bruising and tenderness in areas where the veins were removed, but you can usually return to normal activity after a few days. Risks occur rarely, but can include bleeding, swelling, nerve injury, blood clot, and/or infection.

Sclerotherapy is a treatment that eliminates or minimizes spider veins and other small veins. During the procedure, the provider uses a micro-thin needle to inject a “sclerosing” liquid into the blood vessel. Over time, the vessel shrinks and is absorbed by the body. Risks occur rarely, but can include discoloration along the treated vessel (usually temporary), allergic reaction, blood clot, scabbing or scarring, small skin ulcers, or formation of new blood vessels around the treated area.

Care team

Wobo Bekwelem, MD, MPH, FAHA, FACC, FSCAL, RPVI

Abdisamad M. Ibrahim, MD, RPVI

Sara Murray, MD, RPVI

Bridget M. Blake, PA-C

Why cardiologists?

Our team of board-certified cardiologists and specialized physician assistants are highly skilled in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular conditions and diseases, including vein disease.

Request an appointment