WASHINGTON -- There is a new device to eliminate varicose veins and the severe pain they can cause.

It's called the VNUS Closure-Fast Catheter, and Dr. Murat Sor of Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington is one of the first doctors in the D.C. area to use it.

Doctors said the new procedure is quick, painless and allows patients to walk out of the operating room and right back to work.

"The new catheter allows us to treat a 30-or 40-centimeter vein in one to two minutes where it could take 20 to 30 minutes of heating time before," said Sor.

First, patients are given local anesthesia. Then, a catheter heats the damaged vein with radio frequency energy. This causes the vein to contract, collapse and seal.

Sor said he asks patients not to lift heavy weights until one week after the procedure.

There are risks associated with every surgery, and this one may not be right for someone with a history of blood clots. But so far, there haven't been reports of significant side effects and patients say the procedure is painless.

"Already I've noticed there feels like a real reduction in the area where the veins were bulging," said Anne Marie Munson.

Julia Leggett agreed saying, "I highly recommend it for other women like me who have to struggle with work and family, and it is a very nice, convenient procedure."

The procedure works for men, too.

Insurance will cover this procedure, but there are some stipulations and people are advised to check with their doctor.