Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical approach to the treatment of varicose veins.

cpt code for short saphenous vein stripping right leg

The purpose of vein ligation and stripping is to reduce the number and size of varicose veins that cannot be treated or closed by other measures.

They make a small incision into the leg (and vein), insert a special tool through the vein, and then peel it out.

A flexible wire is inserted through one end and extended to the other. The wire is then withdrawn, pulling the vein out with it. This is called "stripping" and is the most common method to remove superficial varicose veins.