Information for Patients
Varicose Vein Laser Therapy
Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous and prominent superficial veins. They occur when the veins lose their elasticity and the valves fail to close. This causes reflux of blood down the legs, otherwise known as venous insufficiency, or veins that are prone to clots or hemorrhage. Over time, and in combination with age, family history, prolonged standing, added weight, pregnancy, trauma or the normal aging process, these valves fail to close properly, allowing blood to pool and the vein walls to bulge and twist into varicose veins. This process affects one out of two people over the age of 50 and 15 percent to 25 percent of all adults.
Varicose veins are not only unsightly, and at times painful, but also can potentially lead to more serious medical problems, including leg swelling, skin discoloration, ulceration, fatigue or heaviness in the leg. People without visible varicose veins can still have symptoms. The symptoms can arise from spider veins as well as from varicose veins, because in both cases the symptoms are caused by pressure on nerves by dilated veins.
Venous Laser Ablation Therapy
Radiologists at the VCU Medical Center currently offer medical laser treatment as an alternative to surgical “vein stripping” or ligation.
Varicose veins can be diagnosed by ultrasound mapping, which shows venous anatomy and valve function, as well as blood flow. This ultrasound examination can help physicians determine which patients will benefit from this treatment.
Our team of experienced interventional radiologists uses an ultrasound to guide a small catheter, or tiny tube, from the back of the knee into the varicose vein. The catheter contains a thin laser-emitting optical fiber that delivers just the right wavelength of laser energy to cause the vein to close. Because the laser is totally contained within the vein, it poses minimal risks to surrounding structures. The body will then automatically route the blood from the legs through other healthy veins, back to the heart. This will not only treat the large varicose veins, but will also eliminate many of the smaller unsightly veins. Residual tiny varicosities can be easily treated at a follow-up visit.
The procedure itself takes about 45 minutes, is performed under local anesthesia and, while it is not uncommon to feel some unfamiliar sensations, should not be painful. Slight swelling immediately afterward and possibly minor bruising may occur, but these symptoms will resolve quickly. Compression stockings are worn after the procedure, and walking is encouraged.
Many insurance providers cover the vein ablation treatment, based on medical necessity for relief of symptoms.
Benefits of Laser Ablation Therapy
- Minimally invasive, non-surgical.
- Local, rather than general, anesthetic.
- Quick recovery.
- No scars or stitches.
- Minimal discomfort.
- Low risk of infection.
- High success rate and low recurrence rate.
- Excellent long-term effectiveness.
Other Treatments for Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Ambulatory phlebectomy and injection sclerotherapy are also used. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat a type of varicose veins not caused by saphenous vein reflux. The abnormal vein is removed through a tiny incision, or incisions, using a special set of tools. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour. Recovery is rapid and most patients do not need to interrupt regular activity after the procedure.
Injection sclerotheraphy can also be used to treat some varicose and nearly all spider veins. An extremely tiny needle is used to inject the vein with a solution that shrinks the vein.
Interventional Radiology at VCU Medical Center
For more information about varicose vein laser therapy, call the Department of Radiology at (804) 628-4680.