Need to decide between VNUS closure and Endo Laser Ablation

I had my large saphenous vein removed and now I need my smaller saphenous vein removed in R/L and large saphenous in L/L. I Have 2 good doctors and have read that vnus has less bruising. Is it better than ELT?

Answers from doctors (9)


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 10, 2012

I've done hundreds of both procedures and tend to use the VNUS a bit more now as there is a bit less bruising and soreness post op. That said some veins are shorter or smaller and better treated with the laser.

Depends a bit on your veins but both work well.

Michael D. Ingegno

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

I've done hundreds of both procedures and tend to use the VNUS a bit more now as there is a bit less bruising and soreness post op. That said some veins are shorter or smaller and better treated with the laser.

Depends a bit on your veins but both work well.

Michael D. Ingegno

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 10, 2012

My personal preference is to use laser for the small saphenous vein since
this vein is usually smaller than the great saphenous and has the sural
nerve entwined. I find that the RF causes more paresthesias and
dysesthesias than the laser. I offer both technologies so it is really no
difference in terms of the practice revenue. Please understand that either
procedure does not remove the vein, they close the vein with heat like
cooking it and shrinking it closed. Hope this helps.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

My personal preference is to use laser for the small saphenous vein since
this vein is usually smaller than the great saphenous and has the sural
nerve entwined. I find that the RF causes more paresthesias and
dysesthesias than the laser. I offer both technologies so it is really no
difference in terms of the practice revenue. Please understand that either
procedure does not remove the vein, they close the vein with heat like
cooking it and shrinking it closed. Hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Either procedure is successful in the hands of an experienced vascular surgeon. I would normally treat the long (great) saphenous veins first and wait and reevaluate the short saphenous veins after that.

There can be bruising from either procedure and varies from person to person. Some cause nearly no bruising and others have extensive bruising because they are "bruisers".

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Either procedure is successful in the hands of an experienced vascular surgeon. I would normally treat the long (great) saphenous veins first and wait and reevaluate the short saphenous veins after that.

There can be bruising from either procedure and varies from person to person. Some cause nearly no bruising and others have extensive bruising because they are "bruisers".

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein and Laser Institute

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Your doctors should be able to explain to you the
advantages/disadvantages of both procedures. With extensive experience
of both, my clinic has a better success rate with laser.

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Answered by Arizona Vein and Laser Institute

Your doctors should be able to explain to you the
advantages/disadvantages of both procedures. With extensive experience
of both, my clinic has a better success rate with laser.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Both systems are equaly effective. There is one study suggesting slight less post procedure pain with VNUS than EVLT. On the other hand it seems that EVLT might be slightly more effective on keeping the veins closed after one year.

If the vein is large in caliber both systems will be fine. If the vein is small occasionally could be difficult to use VNUS.

VNUS does not have indication (although can be used) for small saphenous veins.

Dr Farhy

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Both systems are equaly effective. There is one study suggesting slight less post procedure pain with VNUS than EVLT. On the other hand it seems that EVLT might be slightly more effective on keeping the veins closed after one year.

If the vein is large in caliber both systems will be fine. If the vein is small occasionally could be difficult to use VNUS.

VNUS does not have indication (although can be used) for small saphenous veins.

Dr Farhy

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Jan 10, 2012

The results are the same, but RF VNUS has been shown to have less post-procedure pain and bruising compared to ELT.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

The results are the same, but RF VNUS has been shown to have less post-procedure pain and bruising compared to ELT.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Is your doctor board certified in Phlebology (venous disease)? VNUS is clinically superior with less post-procedure bruising and less pain. Thanks.

James A. Heinz-M.A.H.A.

Answered by Center for Venous Disease - Santa Fe (View Profile)

Is your doctor board certified in Phlebology (venous disease)? VNUS is clinically superior with less post-procedure bruising and less pain. Thanks.

James A. Heinz-M.A.H.A.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The VNUS procedure is done at a much lower temperature with equal results and, therefore, has less bruising. The Closure Fast catheter does require a longer vein segment than laser so that needs to be taken into account for the short saphenous vein. We use VNUS exclusively and have had no problems but if your short saphenous is really short than laser may be a better option.

Answered by North Country Thoracic & Vascular (View Profile)

The VNUS procedure is done at a much lower temperature with equal results and, therefore, has less bruising. The Closure Fast catheter does require a longer vein segment than laser so that needs to be taken into account for the short saphenous vein. We use VNUS exclusively and have had no problems but if your short saphenous is really short than laser may be a better option.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 04, 2011

EVLT and VNUS work equally well and their use is usually physician preference. Vnus claims that their catheter causes less bruising but my experience is that there is very little difference between the two. I also feel that EVLT is technically easier, can get into smaller veins and has better long term results.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

EVLT and VNUS work equally well and their use is usually physician preference. Vnus claims that their catheter causes less bruising but my experience is that there is very little difference between the two. I also feel that EVLT is technically easier, can get into smaller veins and has better long term results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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