Endovenous Laser Ablation: Get Rid of Varicose Veins!

There are plenty of benefits associated with endovenous laser ablation of which individuals suffering from varicose veins in Las Vegas, Nevada or other parts of the country should be aware. Some of these benefits include the reduced chance of developing stasis ulcers, blood circulation that is more efficient, relief from the symptoms of the conditions (aches, pain, heaviness in the legs, etc.) and the improved body image and the confidence that often comes with getting rid of these unsightly veins. Those who are interested in getting rid of these problem veins should speak with a trained professional in their community to learn more about endovenous laser ablation.

Varicose veins may be troubling for many patients due to their bulging, purplish or bluish appearance. This may lead some to feel self-conscious of their appearance and hide their legs at all costs, which may affect their personal, social or even professional life. What's more, varicose veins may even cause pain and heaviness in the legs, making treatment for these troubling veins important to many individuals. Endovenous laser ablation involves the use of energy from a laser fiber that is inserted into the problem vein to destroy the vein from the inside. It is minimally-invasive and has helped many patients reach their goals safely and effectively.

Patients are provided protective eye goggles throughout the procedure to guard against unplanned exposure to the laser light. A topical anesthetic is used to anesthetize the treatment area for patient comfort throughout the treatment process. A laser fiber is then inserted into the problem vein by the vein specialist, which is identified using ultrasound technology to verify the position of the fiber in the vein. The laser is then slowly heated using low energy, which damages the vein walls causing them to collapse and shrink. The vein will become fibrosed and unable to carry blood. Other veins in the area will take over blood flow for the now closed vein. The probe is removed from the vein after treatment is applied and a small dressing is applied to the treatment area.

Patients will be provided a compression bandage which should be worn for about a week after treatment. Most patients are discharged and allowed to go home after about an hour. There are no scars left behind with endovenous laser ablation and the procedure is associated with just minimal postoperative pain. What's more, endovenous laser ablation is associated with a rapid recovery period and relief from symptoms of varicose veins. Patients should walk after treatment and resume normal activities. The specialist may schedule a follow up appointment about a week after treatment so he or she may evaluate the procedure's progress.

A common question that patients have when considering endovenous laser ablation is whether destroying the greater saphenous vein is harmful. Not all procedures destroy this vein and healthy greater saphenous veins should not be harmed in case they are needed in future open heart surgeries. However, when the vein is thick and thrombosed, it may be inefficient and may be detrimental to circulation, so its removal is not harmful and may be beneficial to circulation. Patients should discuss this matter further with a Las Vegas vein specialist.

Risks associated with endovenous laser ablation include a mild numbness around the thigh, a pulling sensation lasting about a week after treatment, phlebitis, deep venous thrombosis, infection at the incision site and bruising. There may be other complications associated with poor application or mistakes made during treatment, so patients should seek treatment only from a trained and talented Las Vegas vein specialist.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Las Vegas, Nevada.