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Endovenous Laser Therapy
Recent technical advancements in laser therapy have provided vein treatment solutions that are non-invasive, relatively pain free, and can be completed in an office setting. The Advanced Vein Center offers Endovenous Laser Therapy, a state-of-the-art varicose vein treatment option.
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Endovenous laser therapy is a quick, minimally invasive alternative to traditional vein stripping. It leaves minimal scarring and is performed under local anesthesia in the doctor’s office. It also features a short, relatively pain-free recovery time. Prior to treatment a physical examination using an ultrasound machine is completed to map out the vein to be treated.
The treatment itself takes less than an hour. First, the area to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. Then a thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein, using a tube called a sheath. Once the fiber is positioned properly, laser energy is applied as the physician slowly pulls the fiber through the length of the vein. Delivered in short pulses, the laser energy heats the vein from within, causing it to shrink, collapse, and seal shut. Once it’s sealed, healthy veins take over and redirect blood flow back toward the heart.
Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged, and you can return to normal daily activities within a week. Strenuous physical activity, however, should be avoided for three to four weeks. You may experience some bruising or soreness for seven to ten days. Walking or taking over-the-counter pain medication helps relieve any remaining discomfort.
Your physician may prescribe an anti-inflammatory for you.
There are many benefits of endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins:
- A simple procedure
- Performed under local anesthetic
- Minimally invasive, so there is minimal risk of scarring and postoperative infection
- Less than one-hour examination and treatment time
- Rapid recovery with little pain after the procedure
- Normal activities can be resumed immediately
- Excellent clinical and aesthetic results
After endovenous laser therapy, you’ll need to wear compression stockings for about two to four weeks. You should walk immediately after the procedure. Returning to normal daily activity is encouraged, though vigorous physical activity such as visits to the gym should be avoided.
You may have some bruising and soreness for seven to ten days after the procedure. Taking over-the-counter, non-aspirin oral pain relievers as needed will reduce the pain and the bruising.
Click here for complete patient preparation and post procedure instructions.
Clinical results that document the success of endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins have been published. Still, as with any medical treatment, endovenous laser therapy has certain risks that your physician will explain in terms of how they apply to your individual case. Endovenous laser therapy successfully treats venous reflux, the cause of most varicose veins, but keep in mind that additional therapy is needed in some cases.
How does the procedure actually work?
The laser energy heats the vein walls, which damages them and makes them shrink. This causes the faulty vein to collapse and stops blood from flowing through it. There is no reason for concern, however, because the body automatically uses the healthy veins remaining in the legs to return blood to the heart.
What are the potential complications of the procedure?
There are potential complications with any medical procedure, but only minimal complications have been experienced with endovenous laser therapy. Potential complications include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, paresthesia (numbness or tingling), and skin burns.
Is endovenous laser therapy covered by my insurance?
Insurance coverage for the procedure is determined on a case-by-case basis. In most cases, insurance companies decide whether or not to cover treatment based on medical necessity. The Advanced Vein Center will work with you and your insurance company to determine your coverage options.
How successful is endovenous laser therapy?
Early results have been extremely favorable. In fact, success rates have been as high as those for the conventional surgical approach, which is accepted as the “gold standard” treatment. Endovenous laser therapy generally treats most varicose veins successfully, but additional therapy is needed in some cases.
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