Vein Ablation Treatment for Varicose Veins
Vein stripping is an old well known surgical method for the treatment of varicose veins, however in the last decade, non-surgical vein ablation procedures have replaced vein stripping.
Unlike vein stripping or ligation, vein ablation for varicose veins is done under local anesthesia in the setting of an outpatient office avoiding the need for general anesthesia or hospitalization.
Vein Ablation Techniques
There are multiple techniques for venous ablation, all are done under local anesthesia. They can be thermal using laser or radiofrequency , or chemical using different drugs to cause the desired effect. All ablation technique are performed for the same purpose, which is to eliminate the vein causing the varicose vein problem without the need of surgery.
Vascular Surgeon Board Certification
The goal for the treatment of vein disease is to eliminate the vein that is causing the problems and allow the good veins to work properly returning blood to the heart from the legs. Laser and radiofrequency obtain goal of eliminating the vein by using heat, the non-thermal ablation device obtained their results by chemical damage.
The main problem with venous disease is that some of the valves inside the veins become frail and weak and do not closed well to prevent blood flowing back to the legs instead of returning to the heart. This causes a cascade of problems leading to inflammation and producing all the symptoms of venous disease.
Are you a Candidate for Vein Ablation?
Symptoms of venous disease are: burning and itching of the legs, dry skin, darkening of the skin, swelling, edema, cramps, restless legs, heaviness of legs, leg fatigue and cramps. In more advanced cases when veins are not treat on time ulcers can develop.
How Does Vein Ablation Treat Varicose Veins?
Vein ablation treat and prevent progression of venous disease. They are very safe to do with minimal risk of complications, there are no blades or sutures used. Each ablation technique has its advantages and disadvantages. Skillful operators have multiple devices and master many all of the techniques to apply to the individual patient. Not all patient are the same and not one technique treats all venous disease. That is the importance of seeking help with a board certified vascular surgeon with experience in successfully treating varicose veins using different types of ablation.
Thermal Vein Ablation
With the thermal techniques patient will have some mild discomfort after the procedures, however they are known to have the best long term results. The other techniques that do o not use thermal have been shown to be very effective and safe.
Non-Thermal Vein Ablation
The non thermal technique use a sclerosant to injure the veins. This sclerosant is injected under ultrasound visualizing the disease vein and applying the sclerosant directly inside the vein. There is also a glue technique which is used to seal the vein when injected under ultrasound.
Vein Ablation vs. Vein Stripping
Advantages to undergoing an ablation procedure versus the traditional vein stripping include:
- the procedure that is typically performed in an office setting
- minimally invasive with small incision
- quick return to normal activity
- minimal pain and discomfort during and following the procedure
Meet ABMS Board Certified Surgeon, Dr. Mackay
Contact the office of Dr. Edward Mackay, a board certified vascular surgeon providing services to patients in the Tampa area.