Is Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) good for Varicose Veins?
At one time, the only option for treating varicose veins was an invasive surgical procedure called vein stripping. Fortunately, there have been significant advances in this area of medicine. Today, vascular surgery is rarely necessary. New treatment methods, including Endоvеnоuѕ Laser Ablаtіоn (EVLA), are minimally invasive and can be performed in your vein doctor’s office. Very little recovery time is needed, and most patients return to normal activities the same day.
What Causes Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?
When your circulatory system works well, arteries carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the rest of your body. Once the oxygen has been delivered to your organs and tissues, veins carry the deoxygenated blood back to your heart, which pumps it to the lungs for a fresh oxygen supply. Varicose veins and spider veins develop because your blood vessels are struggling to move blood efficiently.
Veins work against gravity to move blood from the lower half of your body to your heart. Nonetheless, they are able to do this with the help of one-way valves strategically placed throughout the vessels. The valves open to let blood through, then close to prevent any backflow.
Injury or disease can damage the valves, allowing blood to leak. As the leak gets more serious, blood pools in the body’s lower part. This puts additional pressure on the vessels, often damaging the vein walls. In many cases, the pressure causes more valves to fail, worsening the problem.
As vessel walls grow weaker and more blood collects in the veins, they start to swell. When the veins are located close to the surface of your skin, they tend to protrude against your skin. For example, varicosities are common in the long saphenous vein, because it is located just beneath the skin.
When veins take on a thick, twisted, rope-like appearance, they are called varicose veins. When they resemble red, blue, or purple webs, they are called spider veins. In either case, the issue may be more serious than a bit of swelling and an unattractive appearance. Varicose and spider veins can signal an underlying vein disease called Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
CVI often goes undiagnosed because general practitioners, dermatologists, and physicians in other specialties focus on treating the specific varicose veins and spider veins causing your discomfort. Visiting a specialized vein doctor in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and California ensures that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
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What is Laser Vein Ablation?
Endоvеnоuѕ Laser Ablаtіоn (EVLA), often called laser vein ablation, is a popular method of treating varicose veins and spider veins. It has been studied extensively, and research shows it is safe and effective. Because no general anesthesia is involved, your vein treatment clinic typically offers the procedure on-site.
Laser vein ablation begins with injecting a local anesthetic to numb the treated area. This ensures that you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Next, a small incision is made in the skin. Using ultrasound guidance for accuracy, your vein doctor delivers laser energy to the vein through a tiny laser fiber. The laser energy permanently closes the treated vein, and blood is automatically rerouted to other, healthier veins. The tissue from the sealed vessel is eventually reabsorbed by your body, eliminating the pain, swelling, and unsightly appearance of varicose and spider veins.
The entire procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number and severity of veins being treated. Though you will have to wear a compression bandage for a couple of days and compression stockings for a bit longer, you can return to most of your normal activities right away. Your vein doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the procedure is successful.
Laser vein ablation has been used since 2003, and studies have shown that it is more than 90 percent effective. Unlike the now-obsolete vein stripping procedure offered by vascular surgeons, the recurrence of varicose veins is unusual after laser vein ablation. Your vein doctor can conduct a full exam to determine if this treatment option is right for you.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Laser Vein Ablation?
Laser vein ablation is considered a safe and effective solution for treating varicose veins, spider veins, and underlying vein diseases such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency. These are the primary benefits and drawbacks to discuss with your vein specialist when making your decision:
Benefits:
- No general anesthesia is required
- No surgical incision is required
- Fewer complications than surgery
- More effective than surgery, both short-term and long-term
- Minimal pain during and after the procedure
- Low risk of scarring from the procedure
- Little or no downtime following laser vein ablation
Drawbacks:
- As with any procedure that requires cutting the skin, there is a small risk of infection.
- Occasional bruising and/or tenderness in the treated area
The Board-Certified experts at the Vein Treatment Clinic specialize in diagnosing and treating vein disease. They will conduct a thorough exam to determine the underlying cause of your varicose and spider veins, and they will review your treatment options with you. If laser vein ablation is the best choice for your situation, an experienced vein specialist will perform the procedure on-site.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t let vein disease affect your comfort and confidence. Our highly skilled vein specialists are ready to help you achieve healthier legs with minimally invasive treatments. Book your appointment online today!
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