Answers

Replied on 11/23/2009

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

Laser therapy can be used both inside and outside the vein. In the case of the laser catheter ablation or ELA, it is used inside the vein to seal the vein shut with heat. External laser therapy is what we use to treat small spider veins of the leg and face. Remember that laser therapy is basically a form heat that is used to clot the vein off, whether from the inside or outside of the vein.

Replied on 10/29/2009

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

The laser fiber is actually inserted into the vein through a small sheath
(like an intravenous) and is gently advanced up the vein close to the groin
(if it is the great saphenous vein being closed) or the back of the knee (if
it is the small saphenous vein being closed). Fluid is then inserted around
the vein from the top to the bottom. The laser is turned on and heat is
delivered to the vein to seal it off as the laser is slowly removed from the
vein (1 mm/sec withdrawal rate) so nothing is actually left in the leg at
the end of the case. No incisions, little pain during or after the
procedure and almost immediate relief from the pre-procedure symptoms

Replied on 10/23/2009

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

Can be done both ways depending on what you are treating, and how you are intending to treat it.
EVLT, or laser ablation, is performed for varicose veins due to underlying venous insufficiency.
This is done by placing the laser inside the abnormal vein, and applying the laser energy from the inside.
On the other hand, treatment of superficial spider veins using laser energy is performed externally, or superficially, by applying the laser energy directly onto the visible veins on the skin surface.

Replied on 10/22/2009

By: Laser Vein Center  |  Thomas Wright M.D. F.A.C.P. RVT
O'Fallon, MO

Lasers are used for both.

Endovenous laser ablation means that the laser is put into (endo-venous) the vein
External lasers or IPL can be used to treat the veins from outside the skin. The pigments in the skin absorb the light from the device and then convert it to heat. Think of a black car and a white car that is out in the sun. The black car absorbs the light and converts it to heat while the white car reflects the light.

Replied on 10/22/2009

By: Heart and Vein Center  |  Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD
Royal Oak, MI

The laser energy is delivered inside the veinvia an optical fiber. The fiber is connected to a source of laser that is external.

Replied on 10/22/2009

By: Dr. Edward G. Mackay, Vein & Circulation Specialist  |  Edward G. Mackay, M.D.
St. Petersburg, FL

The laser light therapy is an external light or laser for treatment of
veins on the skin. There are treatments for veins that involve putting
a laser in the vein as well.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

Either one depending on what is being treated.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

Laser light therapy is external, endovenous laser ablation is internal within the vein.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

Laser light therapy typically is done externally - endovenous laser therapy involves the laser fiber being put directly into the vein. The proper treatment is determined by the size and the location of the target vein. Injection or sclerotherapy is another treatment option typically performed on smaller varicose and spider veins.

Replied on 10/21/2009

By: VeinSolutions - Minneapolis  |  Christopher F. Roland, M.D., F.A.C.S.
William R. Omlie, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Timothy Jon Gavin, M.D., F.A.C.S.
C. Phifer Nicholson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Howard L. Saylor III, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Edina, MN

Light therapy uses pulsed light on the surface of the skin, we typically use it for spider veins on the face. When you here of laser procedures, they are typically referring to the EVLT procedure. The laser is used in the saphenous veins to close them down. We do not use the EVLT procedure, we do a similar procedure called VNUS Closure (radiofrequency
ablation).

Replied on 10/21/2009

By: NJ VeinCare   |  Gary B. Nackman, M.D.
Clifton, NJ

It depends on the procedure. EVLT is laser treatment of a saphenous vein with reflux done internally. Lasers can be used externally to treat spider veins.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

EVLT for varicose veins involves putting the laser into the vein.
Transcutaneous laser therapy involves treating veins through the skin from the outside but it is only useful for very small veins and telangectasias (spider veins).

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