Destroying Varicose Veins With Endovenous Laser Ablation

Varicose veins may affect individuals in St. Louis, Missouri and throughout the country. This condition may be very embarrassing for those suffering from it, as varicose veins may appear as bulging from the skin and purplish in color. What's more, varicose veins may even cause pain and heaviness in the legs, leading many to feel especially uncomfortable with this venous condition. Fortunately, endovenous laser ablation has helped many individuals who are suffering from these problem veins find relief in a safe and effective manner.

Before receiving treatment with endovenous laser ablation, interested individuals are encouraged to seek consultation with a medical professional on staff at this facility to determine if endovenous laser ablation is right for them. This procedure is intended for the treatment of larger varicose veins, and those with smaller varicose veins or spider veins may be encouraged to explore other options for treating their venous condition. If larger varicose veins are present and the specialist determines that they are a good candidate for endovenous laser ablation, the procedure may proceed.

This procedure relies on an energy source that is delivered to the veins to irritate the vein walls, which causes them to shrink and disappear. The vein is then unable to carry blood and other veins in the area will carry out blood flow. One question that many individual pose regarding treating and destroying varicose veins is whether destroying the greater saphenous vein is harmful. The answer is no as long as the vein is thick and thrombosed, in which case it may be detrimental to circulation and its removal may improve blood flow. A healthy greater saphenous vein should not be harmed in case it is needed in future open heart surgeries, however.

The patient is provided with protective eye goggles prior to the procedure to help guard against accidental exposure to the laser light. The skin will be anesthetized using a topical anesthetic and the physician will insert a laser fiber into the problem vein. Ultrasound will be used to verify the position of the laser and the laser will then be heated slowly using low energy. This damages the vein walls and the vein shrinks and eventually closes. The vein then becomes fibrosed and unable to carry blood. Endovenous laser ablation is relatively painless and about 30 to 60 minutes are needed to perform the procedure.

A compression bandage is typically applied after treatment and worn for about a week. No scars are left behind and endovenous laser ablation is associated with just minimal postoperative pain. Patients may experience a rapid recovery and very quick relief from symptoms of varicose veins. There may be minor soreness or bruising present after treatment, but this may be treated using over-the-counter medication, although patients should seek consultation with a doctor before taking any medicine to ensure that it is safe. Patients are able to walk after treatment and resume normal activities. A follow up appointment may be made following the procedure to determine the success of the procedure and the patient's progress.

As with just about any medical procedure, there are certain risks and complications associated with endovenous laser ablation. These may include mild numbness around the thigh, a pulling sensation, phlebitis, deep venous thrombosis, infection and other complications associated with poor application or mistakes made during the procedure. To best avoid these complications, patients are encouraged to seek treatment with a trained and experienced specialist in the St. Louis area. Those who are interested in receiving treatment through endovenous laser ablation should seek consultation to discuss the possible risks and complications associated with this procedure.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in St. Louis, Missouri.