The endovenous revolution has accelerated the development of new techniques and devices for the treatment of varicose veins. The ClariVein® mechanochemical ablation device offers tumescentless treatment with a rotating ablation tip that can theoretically become stuck in tissue. We present the first report of retrograde stripping of the small saphenous vein without anaesthesia following attempted use of the ClariVein® device, without adverse sequelae.