What are the Benefits of Endovenous Laser Ablation?

If you're suffering from varicose veins in Decatur, Illinois or anywhere else in the country, chances are that you're eager to get relief. Varicose veins can be quite unpleasant due to their unsightly, bulging appearance and the pain and heaviness often associated with the condition. Many seek home remedies to relieve the condition, while others seek the assistance of a medical professional. While many have found success through various home remedies such as wearing compression stockings, walking, changing one's diet, exercising, losing weight or raising their legs above the heart, others still must seek medical ways of overcoming the condition.

One medical procedure that has provided many individuals with success is endovenous laser ablation. This is a procedure that involves the insertion of a laser fiber into the vein at which point the laser is heated using low energy to destroy the vein. The vein collapses and shrinks and is eventually absorbed by the body's natural processes. A local anesthetic will of course be used for patient comfort and the doctor will ensure that the treatment area is thoroughly cleaned before the procedure is begun. Most procedures take between 30 minutes and an hour to perform, although this may vary depending on various factors.

Upon completion of the procedure, the probe is removed from the vein and a small dressing is applied to the treatment area. A compression bandage should be worn for about a week and patients are typically discharged from the clinic after a brief recovery period of about an hour. The minimally invasive nature and relatively simple recovery period are a couple of the benefits of this procedure that make it a more attractive option to many individuals than surgical alternatives. Patients should walk and resume normal activities following the procedure and a follow up appointment is usually made about a week later to check the progress of recovery and to ensure the procedure was a success.

Other benefits of endovenous laser ablation include a reduced chance of stasis ulcers, relief from discomfort associated with varicose veins such as aches, heaviness and pain, more efficient circulation and an improved body image and self-confidence that comes from relieving the bulging, often purplish appearance of varicose veins.

A common question associated with this procedure is whether removing the greater saphenous vein is harmful to circulation. While a healthy greater saphenous vein should not be touched during endovenous laser ablation, a thick and thrombosed greater saphenous vein may actually be detrimental to circulation and its removal is not harmful. A healthy greater saphenous vein should be left alone, however, in case it is needed in a future open heart surgery.

As with any medical procedure, there are certain risks and complications that patients should be made aware of. These include mild numbness around the thigh, a pulling sensation (usually for about a week), bruising (which typically resolves on its own after about a week), phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis and infection. Other complications may be associated with this treatment as well and may be best avoided by seeking treatment from a highly trained and experienced medical professional in the Decatur area.

Insurance may cover the cost of endovenous laser ablation if the procedure is used to treat varicose veins that are of a medical concern. When used for cosmetic purposes, insurance may not cover the cost.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Decatur, Illinois. .