Frequently Asked Questions

Superficial venous reflux is a leading cause of varicose veins. This condition 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. Read more about the potential causes of 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 the vein shut.

Since valves cannot 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 off the problem vein instead. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over the transport of blood from the legs back to the heart.

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 is 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 general anesthesia, while laser treatment is performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia.

Laser treatment takes approximately 45 minute to an hour, though patients normally spend two to three hours at the medical facility due to normal pre- and post-treatment protocols.

Patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the procedure. Your physician will give you a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Patients can resume normal activities immediately. For 10 days following treatment, your doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities.

Most patients experience immediate improvement or resolution of their symptoms.

There is no scarring or swelling following the procedure. Most patients have some bruising that resolves within two weeks.

As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with the procedure, though they are minimal. All patients should consult with their doctors to determine if other existing health conditions present any special risks. Your physician will review potential complications during your consultation.

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 can be treated with lasers.

Age alone is not a factor in determining whether or not the procedure is appropriate for you. Laser treatment has been used for patients across a wide range of ages. The most important step in determining whether or not laser treatment is appropriate for you is a complete ultrasound examination by your physician or other qualified clinician.

More than 99 percent of the veins treated at Emory remain closed and free from reflux, the underlying cause of varicose veins.

Following treatment, the vein simply becomes fibrous tissue. Over time, the body re-absorbs this tissue, and the treated vein is generally indistinguishable one year after the procedure is performed.

Most insurance companies pay for laser vein treatment in part or in full. Insurance companies determine coverage for all treatments based on medical necessity. Our staff can discuss your insurance coverage further at the time of consultation.

Attend one of our free seminars to find out more about laser treatment for varicose veins. Please call 404-778-7777 for the complete seminar schedule.