Endovenous laser ablation is often appropriate for patients with varicose veins below the knee arising from a "leaking vein" on the inner thigh extending up to the groin. The only location where you might see the varicose veins is in the calf, but the laser ablation would treat the underlying cause of the varicose veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Endovenous laser ablation can be performed on almost any vein that is large enough and straight enough for the laser fiber to be inserted. Now, whether insurance will pay for it is another thing. Typically the laser procedure is acceptable when used on the great or small saphenous veins. Yes, this can be done below the knees.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, as long as the varicose veins are big enough and straight enough for a laser fiber to fit through them. If the veins are bulging, then ambulatory phlebectomy would be used to remove those veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, of course endovenous laser ablation can be performed below the knee. It is mostly done on the small saphenous vein, but sometimes on perforator veins as well.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes. Endovenous laser ablation can be performed below the knee, but there is a somewhat higher risk of nerve irritation (neuropathy) afterward. This is because the saphenous nerve runs very close to the saphenous vein. However, a recent study showed good results without nerve damage when treating saphenous veins from the ankle to the knee. The risk should be very minimal if performed by an experienced, well-qualified surgeon.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes. The small saphenous vein - on the back of the calf - is easily treated with endovenous laser ablation. The great saphenous vein - on the inside of the calf - is more problematic. There is a nerve near the vein that may be damaged by the heat from the laser.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The varicose veins you see on the surface of the legsabove or below the kneeare an indication of underlying venous insufficiency. While the varicosities may be below the knee, the vein incompetence is usually above the knee and often extends down below the knee. You should be thoroughly evaluated by an experienced surgeon who specializes in venous disease. The ultrasound you receive during your exam should be performed while you are standing. This will help to ensure that the findings are more accurate. If you have saphenous reflux, you are a candidate for endovenous laser ablation. The surface varicosities can also be removed at the same time.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you have refluxing veins in the greater saphenous vein below the knee, then endovenous laser ablation could be done in this area. It is important to note that there is an increased risk of nerve injury when an ablation is performed below the knee since there is a close association between the saphenous nerve and the saphenous vein. Usually, however, with good tumescence this injury can be avoided. Also, the small saphenous vein is routinely treated by ablation in the area below the knee.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes
Published on Jul 11, 2012
EVLT is only performed on the saphenous veins, above or below the knee. They are not varicose veins, as they do not bulge on the surface even though a large dilation can occur and present the appearance of bulging. Varicose veins below the knee can arise from the saphenous veins above or below the knee.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, endovenous laser ablation can be safely performed below the knee if medically indicated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, endovenous laser ablation is generally used to treat the thigh feeder veins to the veins below the knee.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Generally, vein specialists perform endovenous laser ablation to about mid-calf and do not go further down.
Published on Jul 11, 2012