Treating Varicose Veins: Endovenous Laser Ablation

Those in Troy, Michigan or other parts of the nation who are experiencing varicose veins may complain of the pain and heaviness often associated with them. What's more, they may be very embarrassing for patients due to the unsightly appearance of the condition. Varicose veins may appear as bulging and may be purplish or bluish in color. Clearly, many individuals who are suffering from this venous condition seek treatment options to remove varicose veins in a safe and effective manner. When once surgery was the only way to get rid of these veins, minimally-invasive treatments and procedures such as endovenous laser ablation are being used to help patients find relief.

Some insurance companies may require that patients try more conservative means of relief before they will pay for the procedure. These include wearing compression stockings, diet, exercising, weight loss, etc. It is important to note, however, that while they may be less expensive and non-invasive, the only way to get rid of varicose veins is to remove or destroy them. The conservative methods may relieve the symptoms of the conditions, but they do not destroy or remove them.

Endovenous laser ablation is minimally-invasive and patients are encouraged to walk and resume normal activities after treatment. A vein specialist in the Troy area will offer further information about recovering from this procedure and individuals are encouraged to follow their instructions. The procedure does not leave scars and is associated with just minimal postoperative pain in most cases. The recovery period is often rapid and patients are left with almost immediate relief from symptoms of varicose veins. There may be some minor soreness or bruising, but patients are often able to relieve it with over-the-counter pain relievers, although they should consult their doctor before taking any medication.

The procedure involves the insertion of a laser fiber into the problem vein. The fiber is slowly heated using low energy, which damages the vein walls and causes them to shrink and eventually close. The vein then becomes fribrosed and unable to carry blood. Other veins in the area will carry out blood flow with the problem vein now closed. Most procedures take about a half an hour to an hour to perform. A small dressing is applied to the treatment area once the fiber is removed and a compression bandage is worn for about a week after treatment.

One of the more common questions that patients often have regarding this and other treatments is whether destroying the saphenous vein is harmful. The answer is no if it is thick and thrombosed, but healthy saphenous veins should not be removed in case they are needed in future open heart surgeries. Veins that are inefficient may inhibit blood flow and may be detrimental to circulation, so removing them is not harmful and may actually help to improve circulation.

Like most medical procedures, there are certain risks and complications associated with endovenous laser ablation. These include mild numbness around the thigh area, pulling sensation, phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, infection at the incision site and other complications that involve the incorrect application or mistakes made while executing the procedure. For this reason, it is important to seek treatment from a well-trained, knowledgeable vein specialist in the Troy area. Bruising is common following endovenous laser ablation, but this typically resolves on its own in about a week.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Troy, Michigan.