What is endovenous thermal ablation (laser therapy) for venous disease?
Endovenous thermal ablation, also called laser therapy, is a newer technique that uses laser or high-frequency radio waves to create intense local heat in the varicose vein or incompetent vein.
Heat is directed through a catheter to close up the targeted vessel. This treatment closes off the problem veins but leaves them in place so there is minimal bleeding and bruising.
Compared with ligation and stripping, many patients find that endovenous thermal ablation results in less pain and faster return to normal activities, with similar cosmetic results.
Why is this procedure performed? Why do I need this procedure?
The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of complications from venous disease, including blood clots.
Patients who have large, symptomatic varicose veins and those with incompetent saphenous veins are candidates for this procedure. This procedure is essentially taking the place of “vein stripping.”
Each patient is evaluated, and treatment will be individualized for the patient’s circumstances.
What are the risks and potential complications of the procedure?
Your doctor will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of the recommended procedure with you. this is generally a very safe procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Complications after endovenous thermal ablation may include bruising along the site of ablation, pain along the site of ablation, the development of blood clot in the veins in the treated leg and irritation of the nerves that run along with the treated veins.
Special precautions are taken to decrease these risks, and there may be other possible risks. When you meet with your doctor, please ask questions to make sure you understand the risks of the procedure and why the procedure is recommended.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
A few days before the procedure, pre-procedure tests may be performed to ensure that it is safe to perform the procedure. You may need to discontinue certain medications before the procedure. Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions to help you prepare for the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
You will receive a sedative and a regional anesthesia, or you may receive general anesthesia. Using and ultrasound to identify the location, your surgeon will insert a catheter into the vein to be treated. This is typically done just below the knee, but can occasionally be done at the level of the ankle. Using ultrasound, the physician will inject a solutions of salt water and anesthetic agent along the length of the vein to be treated. Following this, either laser or radiofrequency ablation will be performed.
How long does the procedure last?
The procedure itself generally takes two or three hours. this procedure is typically performed in the outpatient setting, and your can expect to be discharged home several hours after the procedure is complete. Full recovery will take approximately one to two weeks.
What happens after the procedure?
Your physician will give you specific instructions you need to follow after the procedure. Typically, patients should evaluate the treated limb when not moving, keep the incisions clean and dry, avoid swimming or hot tubs and wear compression hose.
Compared with ligation and stripping, many patients find that endovenous thermal ablation results in less pain and a faster return to normal activities, with similar cosmetic results.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
As with any procedure, you will feel somewhat tired for a few weeks. In addition, you can experience pain and bruising along the site of the ablation. Rarely, you may experience some numbness or tingling along the shin. These typically resolve over a couple of weeks.
How to I gauge the results of the procedure?
Your doctor will discuss the results of the procedure with you, but outcomes are generally good.
