Answers

Replied on 10/20/2009

By: VeinSolutions - Austin  |  Emery W. Dilling, M.D.
Jeffrey M. Apple, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Austin, TX

Either will work perfectly well. In my experience, the postoperative pain of the procedure after the VNUS Closure is less than after laser ablation of the saphenous vein, but both will do the job.

Replied on 10/16/2009

By: General Vascular Surgery Group  |  Michael D. Ingegno, M.D.
San Leandro, CA

Yes this is an effective method of treating this disorder.

Replied on 10/16/2009

By: The Vein Treatment Center of NJ  |  Dean H. Wasserman, MD, FACS, RVT, FACPh
Paramus, NJ

Venous insufficiency needs to be selectively diagnosed and categorized before appropriate treatment can be recommended.
There are basically three categories:
1) incompetent veins and their valves, which can involve the superficial (surface) system, the deep venous system, the Perforator (connecting) system, or any combination,
2) Obstructive Venous insufficiency, which can also involve varying levels and systems, and 3) venous foot/calf muscle pump dysfunction.
You indicate a varicosed saphenous superficial insufficiency and typically this is well treated with EndoVenous Ablation. Despite individual preference and availability, essentially both VNUS Radio Frequency and Laser energy appear to similarly effective. The different
wavelengths of each are both therapeutic.
Also to note is that both Greater Saphenous and Short Saphenous ablation is rarely carried down to the lower calf or ankle level, where there is a high as a 30% sensory nerve injury as at this level, the vein and sensory nerve may share the same sheath (compartment).

Replied on 10/16/2009

By: Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center  |  David A. Engleman MD, FACC
Dallas, TX

Both EVLT (laser) and VNUS (radio frequency) are safe and effective methods of ablating the Greater saphenous vein.
The laser is slightly more effective but probably has a bit more discomfort on recovery. Small differences and either is a good treatment and the standard of care for the treatment of greater saphenous insufficiency causing symptoms.

Replied on 10/16/2009

By: Novi Vein  |  Jeffrey H. Miller, M.D.
Novi, MI

They are equally effective. The newer generation lasers (with longer wavelengths) cause much less bruising/pain than the older lasers. VNUS ClosurFast and the newer lasers are equal from a patients' perspective.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: California Vein Specialists  |  J. Michael Leary M.D., FACEP
Newport Beach, CA

Endovenous laser ablation and vnus closure fast are both very effective ways to treat venous insufficiency. We use several different laser frequencies to treat venous disease at California Vein Specialists. In general all are effective and have similar success rates. The 810 and 940 lasers tend to have more post procedure pain and inflammation . The
1470 laser and the Vnus Closure fast are both very genital and have very little post op pain or bruising. Vnus Closure is very expensive to use, so may cost you more for the procedure.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: Vein Specialists Institute  |  Kenneth H. Jesser, M.D.
Palm Desert, CA

Both procedures are effective treatments for greater saphenous vein incompetence.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: The Boca Vein Center in Boca Raton, FL  |  Dr. Richard Kimmel
Boca Raton, FL

EVLA is a highly effective method to treat venous insufficiency. While there is some disagreement among practitioners, there is evidence to support the laser as a more effective tool for this treatment than the radiofrequency approach, with a higher safety and effectiveness rating.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: Vein and Laser Specialist  |  Edward G. Mackay, M.D.
St. Petersburg, FL

They both are equally effective.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: Vein Specialists at Royal Palm Square  |  Joseph G. Magnant, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Fort Myers, FL

Both methods are highly effective in closing off the great saphenous veins. Assuming no other superficial or deep veins are insufficient, then this procedure on the great saphenous vein should resolve you signs and symptoms related to venous hypertension. Endovenous closure was introduced in 1999 with the radiofrequency closure Cather from VNUS medical technologies and LASER endovenous closure followed in 2001. Since then hundreds of thousands of patients have had successful, definitive treatment of their superficial
venous insufficiency. The most important consideration is the formal training background of your specialist and their volume of endovenous cases.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: Vein Centers for Excellence of Kansas City  |  Craig I. Schwartz, D.O., FACOS, FICS
Kansas City, MO

Absolutely. EVLT is the most effective, safest, most minimally invasive approach to treat saphenous insufficiency with reflux leading to varicose veins. It has an extremely rapid recovery and return to normal activities, with essentially no scarring. There is no reason, in this day and age, to undergo any other procedure for this problem. If anyone recommends a vein stripping to you for this issue, you should run screaming from their office.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: Vein and Cosmetic Center of the Palm Beaches  |  Z. Catherine Navarro, M.D.
West Palm Beach, FL

Absolutely, although it cannot completely cure the insufficiency of the
deep veins, by treating surface insufficiency, it lessens the pressure to the
deep system, thereby allowing it to function in a better physiological way.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: Makris MD Interventional Radiology Center  |  Angelo N. Makris, M.D.
Oak Brook, IL

Both Endovenous Laser and Closurefast are effective treatment options
for superficial venous insufficiency. They both have the same success
rate, but Closurefast causes less post-procedure pain and bruising.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: Laser Lipo and Vein Center  |  Thomas Wright M.D. F.A.C.P.
St. Peters, MO

Endovenous Laser Ablation and VNUS Closure Fast have similar effectiveness. Actually Endovenous Laser Ablation has a slightly better effectiveness. There is generally more discomfort with greatly dilated saphenous veins.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: Mountain View Dermatology Cosmetic Surgery and Vein Center in Boulder, CO  |  Richard Levine, M.D.
Boulder, CO

I am familiar with both and have used both methods. I prefer laser - I have had a 98% success rate with it.

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