Venous ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to successfully eliminate varicose veins.
If you’ve ever thought that you should do something about your varicose veins, then you’re not alone. Up to 40% of women and 20% of men suffer from vein disease. Left untreated, varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, phlebitis, skin ulcers, and even blood clots. Don’t wait any longer to have them treated. With the laser treatments we use, the results are excellent and recovery is now much quicker.
How Do Varicose Veins Occur?
Many people believe that to effectively eliminate varicose veins in their legs, they need only treat the “visible vein.” But the varicose vein you see is really the manifestation of an underlying problem in vein function. The saphenous vein is usually the culprit. About 95% of all leg varicose veins occur from venous insufficiency, and 80% come from the long saphenous vein. This is the superficial vein that runs from the foot to the groin.
Basically, the saphenous is like a long river. Like all rivers, smaller rivers (called tributaries) flow into it. Veins have one-way valves that allow the flow to go up the leg. When these valves aren’t functioning properly the blood can flow in both directions. This bidirectional blood flow is referred to as venous reflux. Blood backs up making the vein swollen resulting in ‘visible’ varicose veins, pain, swelling, and fatigue.
Laser Vein Treatment – What Are The Recommended Procedures?
The minimally invasive surgical procedures for treating the saphenous vein are called EndoVenous Thermal Ablations. Endovenous refers to placing a laser fiber inside of the vein. Thermal ablation refers to using heat to close the vein.
These laser procedures are often referred to by names given them by the individual laser manufacturer. The names include: EVLT (EndoVenous Laser Treatment), EVLA (EndoVenous Laser Ablation), ELAS (Endolumenal Laser Ablation of Saphenous). These names are all used interchangeably by physicians. Each is trade name, specific to the manufacturer.
These procedures use laser energy to heat and close non-functioning veins. This eliminates the pressure causing the varicose veins, thus shrinking the veins and eliminating the pain and fatigue.
How Do Venous Ablation Procedures Work?
The technical details of the procedures are similar.
- The patient’s veins are mapped using the venous duplex ultrasound, while the patient is standing
- The patient is then taken to the procedure room, lies down on the table and the leg is prepped and draped under sterile conditions. Ultrasound is used to guide placement of the laser fiber into the vein.
- The vein is entered lower in the leg, and the laser fiber is advanced up the vein, to about 2 cm below where it enters the deep vein.
- Local anesthesia is injected into the tissue surrounding the vein, extending along the entire length of vein intended for laser treatment. The local anesthesia also forms a protective layer between the vein and surrounding tissue, to absorb laser energy.
- The laser is then activated and slowly withdrawn from the vein. As it is being withdrawn, the laser energy seals the vein.
- At the completion of the procedure, butterfly tapes are applied to the insertion site, the legs are wrapped and the patient simply walks out of the procedure room.
What Are the Benefits of Venous Ablation?
The procedure only takes 30-45 minutes and a patient can return to normal daily activities immediately. This laser procedure is performed in an office setting by a Houston vein specialist and provides:
- Maximum patient comfort – less post-operative pain
- Maximum patient comfort – less post-operative pain
- The quickest return to normal activities
Endovenous laser ablation not only improves the appearance of the legs, they also help the overall circulation.
Dr. Michael Bardwil – Houston’s Early Pioneer in Venous Ablation
Dr. Bardwil
, a Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, was one of Houston’s early pioneers in venous ablation procedure, which has been available for a little over 10 years.
He was one of the first physicians in the United States to use the 1470 wavelength laser. This newer laser is different from all other lasers and is the most advanced laser a vein specialist can acquire. Since we’ve been using it the results have remained excellent, but the recovery is much quicker and easier. For the first time ever, my patients can resume normal activity immediately.
Why choose Texas Vein For Your Venous Ablation in Houston?
Dr. Bardwil not only uses the most advanced laser to perform endovenous procedures, he also uses the newest ultrasound technology. He constantly seeks ways to increase the accuracy of diagnosis and effectiveness of the laser vein treatment. Our testimonials from numerous patients confirm that we have been able to accomplish our mission by providing the best treatment options. Our patients can’t get over the change in their legs and are thrilled to be able to wear comfortable clothes again. They resume normal activity immediately with almost no pain. Varicose veins don’t just look bad, they may be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists are a vein clinic in Houston with great expertise and cutting-edge technology.
Call us today to schedule your initial evaluation. Most insurance companies cover evaluation and treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
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Dr. Bardwil has meticulously written or reviewed all the website content, ensuring that all the medical facts in the text are correct.