If those reticular veins are connected to that right greater saphenous vein, it's possible that the ablation could take care of those. But if those veins have a another source, then probably not. Even though you are telling me that you have mild symptoms, I don't want to say that all your symptoms will go away, especially since I don't know the full ultrasound mapping that was done.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Your symptoms are the key, and your findings indicate you are eligible for ELA. Are you implying that if you wait until the symptoms get worse you will experience greater relief with treatment? This is a good discussion to have with your vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The reticular veins of which you speak may not totally go away after ablation treatment. Having greater than 2 sec of reflux is definitely one of the criteria used to diagnose chronic venous insufficiency. The other is the size of the vein, greater than 5 mm in diameter. Reticular veins often require adjunctive therapies such as sclerotherapy to remove what is already present. Having the ablation done now will help to prevent more reticular and varicose veins from forming. Just so you are aware, there is another method of ablating veins using radio-frequency ablation (RFA). It is just a different way of delivering heat energy to the vein wall. Studies have shown that radio-frequency techniques result in less post procedural pain, swelling, and bruising. Ultimately, both techniques are equally effective in the long term.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

For mild symptoms such as yours and a few reticular veins, you would be advised to try compression hose. There are many comfortable and stylish brands now. Along with exercise, hydration and maybe putting your legs up occasionally, you may feel better. If we did an ultrasound on most of the population we would find areas of reflux, but does this mean they should be treated? Most insurance guidelines state that symptoms should be severe enough to affect activities of daily living such as sleep, work and exercise. If in doubt, seek a second opinion for your own peace of mind.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Those veins will not disappear with endovenous laser ablation. ELA is used to treat bulging varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Your symptoms and venous problems will not clear up with only having EVLT. Venous symptoms originate because there is a dysfunction in your venous circulation caused by the vein disease. The dysfunction in your circulation is not only due to your GSV reflux, but is the cumulative effect of all of your vein disease. Therefore, if you have say 50 yards of refluxing veins in each leg, simply treating 2-3 feet of it (in this case your GSV) is not going to allow you to address 95% of your total vein issues. It is like having 50 interconnecting copper water pipes with blockages and only fixing one of them. .It is not going to solve the problem. You must address all of your abnormal vein structures in order to have the best chance of clearing up your vein issues and symptoms. Anyone who is offering you a EVLT and a few injections is not really that knowledgeable in vein treatments because they are only addressing part of your problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Your symptoms will gradually worsen until fixed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You never stated what your symptoms are so I cannot comment on these responding to a closure procedure. The reticular veins that you describe probably will not resolve with closure since this treats the refluxing valves in the saphenous vein. Reticular and/or spider veins will need to be treated by sclerotherapy as a separate procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

What are your symptoms? If your symptoms are heaviness/tiredness and pain, the symptoms will most likely decrease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012