With our location in Monroeville, PA, the Pittsburgh Vein Center is easily accessible to patients in Pittsburgh and other locations in Western Pennsylvania. We provide specialized treatments for venous disorders such as Endovenous Laser Treatment, Microphlebectomy, Compression Therapy, Sclerotherapy and The VNUS® Closure Procedure. Using minimally-invasive methods, most patients can resume their usual activity in a short amount of time.

In 2010, the Pittsburgh Vein Center was selected as one of 16 sites across the United States to participate in a phase III clinical trial for the evaulation of a new drug for the treatment of varicose veins.

If you live in the Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania area and are interested in minimally invasive vein treatments, please contact us at 412-532-4202.

Dr. Mario Plaza-Ponte is the founder and director of the Pittsburgh Vein Center. As a fellowship trained surgeon (general and colon and rectal surgery), he is one of the first 248 Board Certified Phlebologists (vein specialist) surgeons certified by the American board of Phlebology in 2008. Dr. Plaza-Ponte is a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, American Board of Colon and Rectal surgery and most recently qualified by the American Board of Phlebology. He is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation and a Registered Vascular Technologist by the ARDMS (American Registry of Medical Sonography; the authority in Ultrasound Credentialing) and is a member of the Society of Vascular Surgery, American Society of Vascular Ultrasound, The American College of Phlebology, American Venous Forum; a Fellow of the American College of Surgeon and a Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

With over thirty years experience in Pittsburgh, Dr. Plaza-Ponte has extensive experience in the performance and interpretation of vascular ultrasound with a focused interest in Venous Disease of the lower extremities. Using the latest minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Plaza-Ponte is able to shorten the procedure and recuperation times of his patients. In the last four years, he has performed over thousands of Laser and Radiofrequency closures, Sclerotherapy and Microphlebectomy procedures. He is committed to the highest quality and excellence in his work and enjoys a very high rate of patient satisfaction.

The Closure® Procedure
The VNUS® Closure procedure is an alternative treatment option to traditional vein stripping surgery and brings state-of-the-art technology to an age-old disease.

The Closure procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, the Closure catheter will be positioned into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter then delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall is heated causing the collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.

Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site. Additional compression may be provided to aid healing. Patients are encouraged you to walk and to refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time.

Patients who undergo the Closure procedure typically resume normal activities within the same day.

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for small (spider veins) and medium size (reticular) veins. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with a solution (called a sclerosant) that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and are thrombosed. Once this happens, surface veins are no longer visible. Depending on the size and location of the veins, different types and strengths of sclerosants are used. With this procedure, veins can be dealt with at an early stage helping to prevent further development of new veins.

In most cases, the solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. This solution closes the vein and the results are usually immediate. The number of veins injected in one session varies, and depends on the size and location of the veins, as well as the general medical condition of the patient.

Microphlebectomy
Ambulatory Microphlebectomy is a method of removing varicose veins on the surface of the legs. It is done in the office under local anesthesia. This procedure involves making tiny punctures on the skin through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small no stitches are required. Veins are very collapsible such that even large veins may be removed through the tiny incisions.

Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is recommended for all patients suffering from venous reflux. Compression services by our regular staff are available daily in our office. The amount of pressure required by a compression stocking depends on the patient, the severity and type of venous disease being treated.

Laser Vein Removal
Endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment alternative to surgical stripping of the great saphenous vein. Instead of removing the saphenous vein, it is sealed closed in place. The skin on the inside of the knee is anesthetized and a small laser fiber is inserted through a needle stick into the damaged vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut.

All procedures are done in our office under local anesthesia. Following the procedure a bandage or compression hose is placed on the treated leg. Patients are able to walk immediately after the procedure and most individuals are able to return to work the same day. Endovenous Laser Treatment is FDA-approved for the treatment of the greater saphenous vein.

Possible complications of endovenous laser treatment are thermal skin burns and transient numbness.