Varicose veins can be visible through the skin. Varicose vein ablation destroys varicose veins with bursts of radiofrequency or laser energy. Varicose vein ablation causes little to no pain, leaves no scarring, and is as successful as surgery for varicose veins. First, the physician examines the legs using duplex ultrasound to decide whether varicose vein ablation is appropriate and is likely to improve symptoms. The patient does not need to do any special preparation for the procedure.
Healthy patients with varicose veins are eligible for varicose vein ablation. Pregnant women who want to treat varicose veins should wait 6 weeks after giving birth before scheduling therapy, because pregnancy-induced varicose veins may fade.
Having thin or muscular legs or veins close to the surface of the skin may increase the risk for minor burns from the procedure. In radiofrequency ablation, heat seals the vein as the physician withdraws the catheter. Varicose vein ablation is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.
Immediately before the procedure, the physician will perform duplex ultrasound to map the leg veins. Next, the physician will mark the varicose vein on the skin. Although the techniques for radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation vary slightly, both treatments destroy tissues with heat.
Radiofrequency energy comes from electric and magnetic energy and laser energy comes from light. The physician passes a catheter long, thin tube through a small nick in the skin above the vein and moves the catheter to the end of the vein.
The physician activates a radiofrequency generator or sends laser pulses through the catheter as he or she slowly retracts it. The heat destroys the tissue along the length of the vein.
The vein collapses and is eventually reabsorbed by the body. Occasionally, the patient may experience brief pain if the radiofrequency catheter or laser heats tissue near a nerve. This pain disappears once the physician moves the catheter.
The procedure takes about 60 minutes and may relieve symptoms immediately. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure but should avoid strenuous activities such as lifting more than 10 pounds for 1 to 2 weeks. Thigh-high prescription compression stockings are applied immediately after the procedure. Endovenous means that the procedure is done inside the vein. Ablation means a doctor uses heat to damage and close off the vein. Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin.
Your doctor will put a needle and wire into the vein. A thin tube catheter is placed over the wire and moved into the vein. Your doctor will use the catheter and special tools to send energy into the vein. The energy damages the tissue inside the vein. The energy and heat come from a laser or from radio waves called radiofrequency energy.
The procedure is usually done in your doctor's office. You may wear some type of eye protection. You'll be given medicine so you will not feel anything or you will feel relaxed. The procedure takes less than 1 hour. After this treatment, you may have a few bruises along the length of the treated vein. Your doctor may put a bandage on the area. Most people go home the same day of the procedure. You can continue your usual activities, but avoid vigorous exercise for about 1 week.
You will need to wear compression stockings for 1 week or more. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Procedures can be stressful.
This information will help you understand what you can expect. Long term follow up has shown that the veins largely remain closed off and rarely open up again. A form of glue can be used to seal the vein off. This requires no anaesthetic which may be a benefit. The long term durability of this treatment is under evaluation. The actual lumpy surface varicosities can be removed or "pulled out", by small surgical procedures. This is usually done through a series of small cuts mm.
The veins are removed in sections avulsed through each of the incisions. Most procedures are now day case or clinic treatments. Staying overnight is rare. The leg s will be firmly bandaged to reduce bruising and help healing. After days the bandage may be changed for a stocking which is worn for days. For the first few days it may be easier to wear the stocking day and night. After this if the leg is comfortable without it at night, you can use the stocking just during the day. Aim to either rest with the leg elevated moving the ankle, or be up on the move around the house and garden.
Avoid standing for any long period of time; avoid crossing your legs. A daily walk of miles should be possible. After the ablation procedures the treated deeper vein may become sore after days. This is part of the reaction to the treatment and will settle. Anti-inflammatory pain killers will help with the discomfort for a few days. After phlebectomy the small cuts on the leg will usually be closed with skin glue or tape rather than stitches.
Where stitches are used they are usually dissolvable. Phlebectomies in addition will inevitably produce some bruising and soreness. The severity depends on how many veins are removed. Most of the soreness will settle in days.
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