Endovenous Laser Ablation To Overcome Painful Varicose Veins

For a lot of individuals in Denison, Texas eager to overcome varicose veins in a safe manner, endovenous laser ablation has been very successful. This is a minimally-invasive procedure that utilizes laser energy to heat and collapse problem veins so that they become fibrosed and can no longer carry blood, effectively eliminating the symptoms of varicose veins and getting rid of the unsightly appearance of the condition. Those suffering from varicose veins may seek treatment to overcome the pain and heaviness that may be associated with this condition, making varicose veins a troubling, problematic condition for many individuals.

If used to treat varicose veins that are of a medical concern, insurance companies may cover the cost of treatment. To determine if treatment is medically necessary, though, insurance companies may require a trial support of compression stockings or other conservative means of treating the symptoms of varicose veins. Those interested in treatment are encouraged to speak with their insurance company as well as a vein specialist in the Denison area to determine if the procedure will be covered.

Before beginning the procedure, the patient is provided with protective eye goggles to help avoid damage in case of unplanned exposure to the laser light. The skin over the treatment area is anesthetized using a topical anesthetic and the physician proceeds by inserting a laser fiber into the problematic vein. Ultrasound technology is used to verify the position of the laser fiber and the laser is heated using low energy. This causes damage to the vein walls, which causes them to shrink and close completely.

Endovenous laser ablation is relatively painless and usually requires only 30 minutes to an hour to perform, although this may vary. After treatment, the probe is removed from the vein and a small dressing is applied to the treatment area. A compression bandage will be worn for about a week and the patient is typically discharged after about an hour. There are no scars left behind with endovenous laser ablation and the procedure is associated with only minimal postoperative pain. Almost immediate relief from symptoms is not uncommon as well. Following the procedure, the patient may be encouraged to walk and resume normal activities. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled about a week after the procedure to determine the success of the treatment and to monitor its progress.

As with many medical procedures, there are certain risks and complications that have been associated with endovenous laser ablation. Some of the risk associated with this procedure may include mild numbness, a pulling sensation, phlebitis, deep venous thrombosis and infection at the incision site. Bruising is also common, but usually resolves on its own. To avoid certain complications that may be associated with incorrect application or mistakes made during the procedure, individuals should seek treatment from a trained, experienced vein specialist in the Denison area.

One of the more common questions associated with endovenous laser ablation or other venous treatments is whether destroying the greater saphenous vein is harmful. While a healthy greater saphenous vein should not be harmed in case it is needed in future open heart surgeries, a thick and thrombosed greater saphenous vein may actually be detrimental to circulation and its removal may be helpful to improving blood flow. Patients are, of course, encouraged to discuss the matter in greater detail with a vein specialist in the area.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Denison, Texas.