Laser ablation – a minimally invasive procedure to remove varicose veins
In modern medicine there are various methods of treating varicose veins. The trend in this area is to establish an approach that not only allows their permanent elimination, but also to be sufficiently safe, secure and, above all, minimally invasive. The use of laser treatment in modern medicine today is widely popular in a number of areas. Laser therapy is also proving to be one of the main ways to deal with a problem called varicose veins. This is endovenous laser ablation. This is an outpatient method of treatment that does not require a hospital stay and which achieves unique success in the fight against varicose veins today.
What is endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)?
Laser ablation is one of the most innovative therapies for varicose veins. This is a minimally invasive method that precludes surgery and does not require a long hospital stay and recovery time. The short operative time for performing the therapy is among the main advantages and main specifics of the laser ablation. As is clear from the name of the procedure, it is based on the use of a laser. Laser ablation uses a certain amount of heat, leading to adhesion of the walls of the affected vein. The thermal effect of the laser is directed at the vessel wall. As a result, obliteration of the venous wall is achieved, ie obstruction of the varicose vein. To do all this, a medical person places a special catheter, the end of which radiates laser energy.
The procedure is considered minimally invasive because the catheter itself is inserted into the vein through an extremely small skin opening, which neither causes any serious discomfort nor requires a long time for healing and recovery. Laser ablation lasts no more than half an hour, and its completion is not accompanied by sutures or gluing of tissue, because it has virtually no surgical incisions. Moreover – the ease of this procedure can be judged by the fact that it is not accompanied by general or spinal anesthesia. Laser ablation is performed under local anesthesia – in particular tumescent anesthesia – and only in order to prevent any pain and discomfort to the patient during the procedure.
Benefits
In practice and science, laser ablation is considered one of the most successful innovative approaches in dealing with the problem varicose veins. Specialists increasingly recommend it to patients because they find a number of advantages in it. In the list below you can read some of them:
- Minimally invasive, therefore – without blood loss, with fewer health risks and without the need for long-term recovery
- Speed of the procedure. It takes about 30 minutes and does not require a hospital stay This is a painless procedure that is performed with standard local anesthesia instead of general or spinal anesthesia, which can be risky for some patients.
- After the procedure you can go directly home, and the next day you can even go to work and continue with the normal course of your daily life.
- Laser ablation is extremely successful. According to clinical trials, its effectiveness exceeds 98%, including compared to other therapies against varicose veins
- Laser ablation can be used in conjunction with other treatment procedures in more severe cases, as well as in several affected veins. Specialists often prescribe laser ablation in conjunction with sclerotherapy, which is also a minimally invasive procedure.
- Unlike many other therapies for varicose veins, the occurrence of side effects such as hematomas, tingling, pain or tingling in the extremities is extremely rare.
Which patients can undergo laser ablation?
First of all, it is important to determine in which cases of varicose veins laser ablation can be successfully applied. The procedure is recommended for varicose veins, the size of which does not matter. This therapy can also deal with relatively large varicose veins. In practice, in most cases, laser ablation is successful when applied to the great saphenous vein and the small saphenous vein, including all their large branches. For a safer effect, as well as for more severe cases, a physician may prescribe a combination of laser ablation and sclerotherapy after a thorough ultrasound and clinical examination.
During these examinations it should be determined whether the patient has contraindications to treatment by this method. In practice, it is accepted that laser ablation is not recommended in the following cases:
- Pregnancy and lactation and only because of the need to use an anesthetic.
- In the case of phlebitis, ie obliteration of superficial veins and the presence of an inflammatory process. The procedure can be performed after a certain period of time, after complete recovery of the patient.
- In the presence of liver disease, proven by an official diagnosis by a doctor, when the diagnosis is incompatible with the anesthetic used.
- In case of allergy to all possible anesthetic drugs needed for local anesthesia before laser ablation.
- In case of a serious blood clotting disorder. Anticoagulants should be stopped a few days before the procedure after consulting a doctor.
As you can see, the only contraindications are not so much the method of treatment of this procedure, but the need to apply local anesthesia to overcome the discomfort and pain during its implementation. All this testifies to the relative safety of the procedure.
Preparation
During the examination by a doctor, all the details about your upcoming laser ablation will be explained to you. Keep in mind that, although minimally invasive, this is a procedure that should only be performed by a healthcare professional. Before laser ablation, you should stop all medications of this kind: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelets, anticoagulants and natural products that work with the same effect.
After the procedure you can move calmly and it is recommended to wear elastic socks for a while. For preventive purposes, the specialist who performed the procedure will prescribe blood thinners.
For all this in detail the team of our center for aesthetic medicine will consult you in advance. Rely on our professionalism and individual approach. Request your appointment for a laser ablation consultation today.
Price
2200 BGN.*
*Prices refer to one procedure.
*The prices of all minimally invasive procedures include two free check-ups within up to 45 days.
The number of procedures, as well as the choice of method or combination of methods is determined by the attending physician after a detailed examination and individual assessment of the condition of each patient.
Free consultation
In order not to disturb the peace during the procedures, we prefer initial contact via e-mail. We will contact you by phone as soon as possible after that and you will be able to take advantage of a -10% discount!
