What if I need the vein for a bypass? Won’t the ablation eliminate a vein that I may need for surgery some day?

It is true that portions of the great saphenous vein can be used for coronary artery bypass or leg arterial bypass. However, an incompetent and dilated saphenous vein is not a good bypass conduit and surgeons do not favor them. In those cases, alternative bypass conduits such as the internal mammary (which cardiac surgeons prefer) and radial arteries are available. Dr. Attaran will only ablate the parts of the saphenous veins that are diseased and refluxing, leaving the healthier portions intact.