- What causes varicose veins?
- What is laser treatment for varicose veins?
- How does laser treatment work?
- How is this procedure different from vein stripping?
- How long does the procedure take?
- Is the procedure painful?
- Will the procedure require any anesthesia?
- How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?
- How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
- Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the procedure?
- Are there any potential risks and complications associated with the procedure?
- Is laser treatment suitable for everyone?
- Is age an important consideration for the procedure?
- How effective is the procedure?
- What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg?
- Is laser treatment covered by my insurance?
- How can I find out more?
What causes varicose veins?
Superficial venous reflux is a leading cause of varicose veins. It is a condition that develops when the valves that usually keep blood flowing out of your legs become damaged or diseased. This causes blood to pool in your legs. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue, as well as varicose veins in your legs.
What is laser treatment for varicose veins?
Laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for superficial venous reflux. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein through a small opening and a laser is used to collapse and seal shut the vein.
How does laser treatment work?
Since valves can't be repaired, the only alternative is to re-route blood flow through healthy veins. Traditionally, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein. The laser procedure provides a less invasive alternative to stripping by simply closing the problem vein instead. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty blood from your legs.
How is this procedure different from vein stripping?
During a stripping procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and ties off the vein, after which a stripper tool is threaded through the saphenous vein and used to pull the vein out of your leg through a second incision just above your calf.
With laser treatment, there is no need for groin surgery. Instead, the vein remains in place and is closed using a special catheter inserted through a small puncture. This virtually eliminates the bruising and pain often associated with vein stripping. Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room, under a general anesthetic, while laser treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, typically using local or regional anesthesia.
How long does the procedure take?
Laser treatment takes approximately 45-60 minutes, though patients normally spend 2-3 hours at the medical facility due to normal pre- and post-treatment procedures.
Is the procedure painful?
Patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the procedure. Your physician will give you a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
Will the procedure require any anesthesia?
The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia.
How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?
Many patients can resume normal activities immediately. For a few weeks following the treatment, your doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.
How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.
Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the procedure?
Patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the procedure.
Are there any potential risks and complications associated with the procedure?
As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the procedure. All patients should consult their doctors to determine if their conditions present any special risks. Your physician will review potential complications at the consultation.
Is laser treatment suitable for everyone?
Only a physician call tell you if laser treatment is a viable option for your vein problem. Experience has shown that the vast majority of patients with superficial venous reflux disease can be treated with laser treatment.
Is age an important consideration for the procedure?
The most important step in determining whether or not laser treatment is appropriate for you is a complete ultrasound examination by your physician or qualified clinician. Age alone is not a factor in determining whether or not the procedure is appropriate for you. The procedure has been used to treat patients across a wide range of ages.
How effective is the procedure?
Published data suggests that two years after treatment, 90% of the treated veins remain closed and free from reflux, the underlying cause of varicose veins.
What happens to the treated vein left behind in the leg?
The vein simply becomes fibrous tissue after treatment. Over time, the body will probably re-absorb this tissue. One study reported that the treated vein is indistinguishable from other body tissue one year after the procedure was performed.
Is laser treatment covered by my insurance?
Many insurance companies are paying for laser treatment in part or in full. Most insurance companies determine coverage for all treatments, based on medical necessity. Our staff can discuss your insurance coverage further at the time of consultation.
How can I find out more?
Attend one of our free seminars to find out more about laser treatment for varicose veins. Please call 404-778-7777 for the complete schedule.
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