Endovenous Laser Therapy: Alternative to "Vein Stripping"

A new option for treatment of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are present in approximately 25 million Americans with up to one-quarter of patients experiencing significant pain or skin ulceration.  Most often, these enlarged and discolored veins are cosmetically undesirable.

For many years, surgical “vein stripping” has been the most common way to treat varicose veins.  Surgery involves general anesthesia with a longer procedure time, significant pain at the surgical sites, and a lengthy recovery period.  Laser therapy is a much simpler and quicker, “less invasive” technique.  The Radiologist enters the skin at a single point in each leg to direct the laser fiber to the problem veins.  There is no recovery time, with patients up and walking immediately after the procedure, able to return to full activity.  Only mild discomfort is expected as the problem vein is permanently closed off by the laser.  Because of the less involved technique, infection rates are extremely low.

Laser technology fixes the problem at the source by delivering laser light energy to the problem vein.  This causes that vein to close itself while the body automatically reroutes blood through other healthy veins.

The procedure takes about 45 minutes and requires only local anesthesia.  The Radiologist inserts a thin laser fiber into the vein near the knee.  While the patient may feel an unfamiliar sensation, the laser treatment of the vein itself is not painful.  No stitches are needed.  A compression stocking is placed on the treated leg at the completion of the procedure.

The procedure has a greater than 95% rate of success at closing the problematic greater saphenous vein and preventing its pooling of blood in the legs.  Relief from pain can be seen immediately.  Cosmetic results can vary—the problematic vein has been closed off but smaller varicose veins or "spider veins" can remain. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment with an Interventional Radiologist regarding the laser treatment, please call (813) 870-4919.

For more information about varicose veins and treatment options from The American College of Phlebology, click here.