Endovenous Laser Ablation Vein Treatment
Endovenous Laser Ablation of the Refluxing Vein
Merely taking out varicose veins does not treat the source of how the varicose veins formed. At the Vein Centers of Connecticut, we treat the source of the varicose vein formation by endovenous laser ablation.
Endovenous Laser Therapy is the state-of-the art alternative to surgical stripping in the treatment of varicose veins. This minimally invasive treatment is a procedure performed using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia. Laser energy is applied to the inside of the refluxing vein, thereby closing it.
Once the abnormal vein is closed, the body absorbs it. Once the vein is closed, the blood that was circulating through the vein is simply rerouted to other healthy veins. The varicose veins that were once filled by the faulty vein will then have less pressure in them and, in some cases, will become smaller.
ENDOVENOUS LASER ABLATION FAQs
What is the treatment like and how long does it take?
This minimally invasive treatment is a procedure performed using ultrasound guidance. A small needle puncture is made near the knee and the laser fiber is inserted into the underlying vein. The fiber is then passed up the affected vein. As the fiber is withdrawn the laser is activated and heats and closes the vein.
Is the procedure painful?
You are awake during the entire procedure, but you will not feel any pain, as your leg will be numbed using a topical and a local anesthetic. The entire procedure usually takes about 1 hour.
When can I expect to see results?
There may be some slight swelling or bruising right after the procedure, but you could start seeing results immediately. Any minor soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. There is no scar, because the procedure does not require a surgical incision. The patient can return to normal activity immediately.
How successful is endovenous laser ablation?
With a 97% success rate for first time endovenous laser ablation treatments; this method provides long-lasting results without requiring a hospital stay and with virtually no risk of scarring.
Who should not be treated?
Patients should wait at least three months after pregnancy or major surgery before being treated for vein disease. Persons with deep vein thrombosis or incompetence, and patients who cannot ambulate for other reasons are NOT good candidates for treatment.
Many varicose veins are too big to undergo a significant decrease in size after endovenous ablation of the refluxing vein. For these, ambulatory phlebectomy can be performed.