You want a treatment that successfully eliminates the problem at its source, but you don't want to undergo invasive surgery that is more uncomfortable and debilitating than the condition itself. The Morrison Vein Institute specializes in minimally invasive, in-office procedures for varicose and spider veins. Knowing you want to feel and look better fast, the Institute offers treatments that are just as effective as they are efficient.

Nick Morrison MD, FACS, FACPh

Dr. Morrison was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, USA. He has received his education through Jesuit secondary, university, and medical schools. He interned at St. Joseph Hospital, and completed a four-year General Surgery Residency, with a year as Chief Surgical Resident, at the Maricopa Medical Center, all in Phoenix, Arizona, from 1972-1977.

Dr. Morrison has been active in the private practice of General Surgery in the Phoenix, Arizona area since 1977. He was originally certified, and has twice been recertified, by the American Board of Surgery. He has been a member of the American Medical Association, the Arizona Medical Association, the Phoenix Surgical Society (President, 1991), and the Maricopa Medical Society since he entered his surgical training in 1973. He has been a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 1979, and served as President of the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Surgeons from 1986-1988.

In 1995, Dr. Morrison and his wife, Terri, established the Morrison Vein Institute. Since that time, Dr. Morrison has concentrated his surgical practice on the care and treatment of venous disorders. He has become involved in all aspects of vein care, including duplex scanning, visual sclerotherapy, laser/pulsed light therapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy, and endovenous thermal and chemical ablation (radiofrequency, lasers of various wavelengths, and foamed sclerosants). He has studied with and learned a great deal from phlebologic colleagues across the U.S. as well as internationally. He has become active in several societies, including the American College of Phlebology, the International Union of Phlebologists, and the American Venous Forum. He has made many scientific presentations to the Annual Congress of the American College of Phlebology, to regional symposia, to the American College of Surgeons, to the International Union of Phlebology in Rome, San Diego, Rio de Janeiro, and Monaco, and to numerous venous congresses around the world and in the U.S. He has authored several book chapters on varying aspects of venous disease, and additionally has published scientific articles in the phlebologic literature.

Dr. Morrison has served on the Program Committee for several Annual Symposia of the American College of Phlebology; has served as the Program Chair for the 16th Annual Symposium; is serving on the Board of Directors of the American College of Phlebology; served as Co-Chair of the Steering Committee for the American College of Phlebology Foundation; is a member of the Board of Directors of the American College of Phlebology Foundation; and currently serves as President of the American College of Phlebology.

Beginning in 1989, and annually since, Dr. Morrison has directed a volunteer medical organization, Amigos de Salud, and led the group each summer to Central or South America to deliver medical and surgical treatment to the indigent population of Ecuador, Peru, and Nicaragua. The group usually examines and treats over 3000 patients in various medical/surgical clinics. Dr. Morrison has thrice led groups of internationally renowned phlebologists to Ecuador to treat indigent patients with severe venous disease and ulcerations.

During his leisure time, Dr. Morrison pursues a wide variety of interests, including family, theatre, symphony, opera, art, architecture, and wine, along with physical activities such as triathlon, rowing, and backpacking.

Charles Rogers MD, DABA

Dr. Rogers graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, receiving awards as the top graduating student in surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.

Following postgraduate training in medicine and surgery, he practiced general medicine and surgery in eastern Kentucky for four years.

Dr. Rogers then returned to the University for a residency in anesthesiology and practiced this specialty for 25 years, concentrating primarily on anesthesia for cardiac and thoracic surgery.

Proud of his association with the Morrison Vein Institute for the past 10 years, Dr. Rogers says it has been exciting to be a part of the leading contingent in the development of a new specialty, and the evaulation and utilization of cutting-edge technologies.

James McEown MD, FACEP

Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Emergency Medicine, Dr. McEown received his medical degree from the University of Guadalajara in Mexico and completed the Fifth Pathway program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Prior to joining Morrison Vein Institute in 2003, he served as attending physician at Maricopa Medical Center; chief of staff, board of trustees, and attending and teaching staff for the Emergency Department at Tempe St. Luke's Hospital; and assistant professor and affiliate faculty member at Midwestern University. He is a member of the American College of Phlebology.

Dr. McEown received vein treatment at the Institute, and is empathetic to patients' needs for treatment options.

Varicose Veins

VNUS Closure

This procedure is an FDA-approved alternative to the traditional and invasive vein stripping surgery. During the VNUS Closure™, a thin catheter is guided using ultrasound into the great saphenous vein through a tiny opening. The catheter then delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy directly to the wall of the damaged vein. As the catheter is removed, the damaged vein is heated and seals shut. Unlike vein stripping, this outpatient treatment is quick and virtually pain-free. Most patients return to normal activity within a few days.

Dr. Morrison was the first physician in the Southwest to complete a VNUS Closure™ and has successfully completed over 5,000 Endovenous Thermal Ablation Procedures (EVTA). He is considered an industry leader and trains physicians across the country in this procedure.

The Morrison Vein Institute does not offer the more traditional yet extremely invasive treatment known as vein stripping. VNUS Closure™ offers many benefits over vein stripping:

•     Less invasive; not a surgical procedure
•     Faster recovery; resume normal activity within 1-2 days
•     Same day, outpatient procedure
•     Only local or regional anesthesia needed
•     Little to no scarring
•     Relief of symptoms

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVTA)

Endovenous Laser Ablation is another very effective outpatient treatments for varicose veins. Using ultrasound technology, a thin laser fiber is guided into the vein through a very small opening to deliver pulsed laser heat to the diseased vein wall. This causes the vein to close, and eliminates venous reflux at its source.

Dr. Morrison was the first physician in the Southwest to complete a VNUS Closure™ and has successfully completed over 5,000 Endovenous Thermal Ablation Procedures (EVTA). Like VNUS Closure™, this procedure offers a variety of benefits:

•     Relief of symptoms
•     Less invasive; not a surgical procedure
•     Little downtime
•     Same day, outpatient procedure
•     Only local or regional anesthesia needed
•     Little to no scarring

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy and Endovenous Chemical Ablation (EVCA)

This technique uses ultrasound technology to guide the precise placement of injections needed to treat larger varicosities. It is extremely effective because the solution is delivered to the exact source of venous reflux.

There are many benefits to Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy and EVCA:

Treats problem at the source without surgery

•     No downtime
•     No anesthesia needed
•     Long-lasting results
•     Extremely effective
•     Minimal chance of any scarring

Spider Veins

Visual Sclerotherapy

This procedure is most often used to treat visible spider veins and small varicose veins near the surface of the skin. A painless sclerosant is injected into the veins, causing them to shrink, close off and eventually disappear. Although two to five treatments are often needed, the results are long-lasting.

Advantages of visual sclerotherapy include:

•     No downtime
•     Less likely to stain skin
•     Long-lasting results
•     Fewer allergic reactions
•     No scarring

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are limited to the tiniest red veins on very fair skins. However, sclerotherapy is the gold standard for treating leg veins.
The Morrison Vein Institute evaluates patients and determines which treatment plan is right for each patient. Many times, patients need medical treatments or sclerotherapy before superficial laser is indicated.

Because vein disease is progressive and has no cure, we recommend regular follow-up visits after every type of treatment.