Most you tube videos I have watched show only thigh veins being tackled by EVLT. No videos show leg veins or tortuous veins. Does this mean, it is difficult to use lasers in these situations?
A closure procedure is done for refluxing valves of usually the saphenous system of veins. These valves are the most common cause of varicose veins and can lead to varicose veins in any area of the leg depending on the location of the abnormal valve. In general, laser or RF, is used from the groin to the upper calf. Below the upper calf the risk of nerve injury can be increased. Other closure procedures such as Sapheon glue, Clarivein and Varithena are sometimes used in the lower portion of the leg.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The ELVeS and EVLT are use primarily used to treat the saphenous veins from the mid calf up to the thigh. Refluxing saphenous veins are often give rise to the more superficial tortuous veins on the thigh and further down the leg. Although the laser fiber has some flexibility, it cannot travel very tortuous tributary veins.The same problem with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). There are other approaches that can be used for those veins. These methods can be as effective to treat them and have excellent results as well. T Wright MD.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The visible varicose veins are not treated with laser, only the underlying cause of the problem (a straight vein that you cannot see). The most common vein that causes the varicose veins is located in the inner thigh, and that's why the youtube videos show that vein being treated. Not uncommonly, a vein behind the calf can be problematic as well and thus treated with laser or RFA.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Although the laser fiber has some flexibility, it cannot travel very tortuos veins.The same problem with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). There are other approaches that can be used for those veins. These methods can be as effective to treat them and have excellent results as well.
Published on Jul 11, 2012