When varicose veins form, they appear gnarled under the surface of the skin. The blood vessels become swollen, and bulge outward. Depending on the severity of the condition, you might feel a heavy sensation accompanied by chronic aches and tenderness. You might also experience cramps during the evening due to pooling of blood within your legs.

Not all varicosities need to be treated. Some can be managed by wearing compression stockings and keeping your legs elevated (to drain the blood). That said, the bulging blood vessels are unattractive, which prompts many people to seek a solution.

There are a number of ways to address varicose veins. The method we’ll focus on in this article is called endovenous laser ablation (ELA). Below, we’ll explain how it’s done, and describe some of the benefits and downsides associated with the procedure.

Endovenous Laser Ablation Explained

ELA is a treatment method that causes the target varicose vein to disappear. It’s minimally invasive, and can usually be completed in your doctor’s office in less than an hour. The area housing the varicosity is numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, a catheter or laser fiber is inserted into the target blood vessel.

Once the catheter – or fiber – has been advanced into the vein, your doctor will heat it up. The heat damages the inner lining of the blood vessel, and causes it to cave in. The collapsed vein loses its ability to transfer blood, and eventually shrinks and disappears. Though you may feel slight discomfort while the vein is being damaged by the laser, there is rarely pain.

Compression stockings are usually required during the week following endovenous laser ablation. They minimize bruising, and will also help prevent the onset of blood clots.

Advantages Of The Procedure

There are several benefits to this procedure over other treatment measures. As already mentioned, ELA is minimally invasive; since the fiber is sent through a tiny hole in the skin, an incision is unnecessary. This means scarring is minimal.

Another benefit is that it is less painful than vein stripping – both during and after the varicosity has been treated. There are also fewer complications associated with the procedure.

Lastly, and most importantly, the target veins nearly always remain invisible following ELA – even a year down the road. Recurrences are rare.

Treating your varicose veins will minimize the likelihood of skin ulcers while providing relief from localized aching and pain. It will also get rid of unsightly bulging, and improve blood flow through the site.

Are There Downsides To The Procedure?

There are risks involved, but most exist with any type of treatment in which skin penetration is required. For example, there is a tiny chance of infection; if it occurs, it can be addressed with antibiotics. Also, the catheter that is advanced to the varicosity may damage another blood vessel; if this happens, it may cause bleeding or mild bruising near the site. Another potential downside is that the laser may damage nearby nerves (though this is extremely rare). Patients also occasionally experience mild numbness in their thighs. The feeling, however, usually returns quickly.

Lastly, if the doctor is inexperienced, or unfamiliar with the procedure, he or she may make mistakes. This is true with any form of treatment. Working with a skilled physician eliminates this risk.

Other Forms Of Treatment

If your doctor is unable to perform endovenous laser ablation, there are other options open to you. One such option is called sclerotherapy. This is a procedure in which a chemical is injected into the varicose veins. The chemical damages the veins, and causes them to collapse. Ambulatory phlebectomy can also be done. Your doctor will make tiny holes into your skin, and remove the target veins through them. Vein ligation and stripping are also options. The target blood vessels are threaded and stripped outward.

Endovenous laser ablation is one of the least-invasive approaches to treating varicose veins. Ask your doctor whether he or she is able to perform it, or can recommend you to someone who can.

Author Bio: Find the right doctor for Varicose Veins Treatments Find More information at CVTSA.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: varicose veins, treating varicose veins, endovenous laser ablation, varicose vein