Endovenous Laser Ablation: Using Laser Energy to Destroy Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a troubling venous condition that has afflicted patients in Somerset, New Jersey and across the nation. This condition may cause pain, discomfort and heaviness in the legs, making treatment of the utmost importance for many patients. Varicose veins may also cause some degree of embarrassment, which may lead to self-consciousness in some. In fact, the condition can be so burdensome in some cases that it affects patients' personal or professional lives. In response, several minimally- or non-invasive procedures have been developed to provide relief from this condition.

Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure that leaves no scarring and requires only a topical anesthetic. Other procedures may require a general anesthetic and an overnight stay in the hospital. Patients are usually able to leave the doctor's office or outpatient facility about an hour after the procedure. They are encouraged to walk and resume their normal daily activities. Any soreness experienced following this procedure may be treated using over-the-counter pain medication and a follow up appointment is usually made about a week after the procedure to determine the success and progress of the procedure.

Endovenous laser ablation is intended for treatment of large varicose veins. It is not intended to treat small varicose veins or spider veins, and does not treat veins in the lower legs. Patients with these conditions are encouraged to discuss their treatment options with a vein specialist at a reputable Somerset vein clinic in their area. Foam sclerotherapy and certain laser treatments have been used to treat these conditions and should be discussed with a vein specialist for more information.

The procedure is performed by inserting a laser fiber into the problem vein that is causing the bulging, ugly appearance. Low energy is then used to slowly heat the laser, irritating the vessel wall, causing it to collapse, shrink and eventually disappear. Blood can no longer flow through the vein and blood flow is carried out by other veins in the legs. Protective eye goggles are worn to guard against accidental exposure to the laser light and a topical anesthetic is applied prior to the procedure. Most procedures take between 30 minutes and an hour, although this may vary on a case by case basis.

One of the major concerns that a lot of patients have with endovenous laser ablation is whether destroying the greater saphenous vein is harmful. In fact, a healthy greater saphenous vein should not be damaged in case it is needed in future open heart surgeries. However, when the greater saphenous vein is thick and thrombosed, removing it is not harmful and may actually be beneficial to circulation. Inefficient veins may inhibit blood flow and may be detrimental to circulation, so removing a thick and thrombosed greater saphenous vein is not harmful.

Like most medical procedures, there are certain risks associated with endovenous laser ablation. Phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis and infection have been associated with this procedure. Mild numbness and tingling, bruising and a pulling sensation are other side effects that have been reported by patients. To avoid complications associated with endovenous laser ablation, patients should receive treatment from a licensed and trained vein specialist. Poor technique or improper treatment method may result in complications that would otherwise be avoidable, so choosing a qualified specialist is important.

Endovenous laser ablation has been found to be a safe and effective procedure for relieving varicose veins. Interested patients who are suffering from this vein disease are encouraged to discuss the treatment in greater detail with a specialist in the Somerset area for more information.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Somerset, New Jersey.