Venous Ablation

Venous ablation represents a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for individuals experiencing discomfort, heaviness, swelling, itching, throbbing, or aesthetically displeasing symptoms in their legs due to varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency. This procedure is also referred to as endovenous laser or radiofrequency therapy.

Varicose veins are enlarged, distorted blood vessels that bulge just beneath the surface of the skin, typically manifesting as blue or purple bulges in the legs, feet, and ankles.

Why Is It Done?

Venous Ablation may be necessary for individuals with medium to large varicose veins in their legs. These veins typically present as bulges that may appear bluish or match the skin tone.

Blood vessels contain one-way valves that facilitate the flow of blood toward the heart. Varicose veins develop when these valves become compromised or weakened. When the valves fail to function correctly, blood can accumulate in the veins, leading to visible bulging or swelling. Common symptoms associated with varicose veins include:

Achiness
Feeling of heaviness in your legs and feet.
Itching.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where blood pools in the veins instead of flowing back to the heart.
Leg swelling, cramping, or skin changes due to poor circulation.
Venous ulcers, slow-healing wounds caused by prolonged vein disease

Types of Venous Ablation

There are different techniques used to close faulty veins:

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to collapse the vein walls.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): Uses a laser fiber to heat and seal the vein.
Chemical Ablation (Sclerotherapy): Injects a special solution to scar and close the vein.

What you can expect before the procedure

Before arranging your procedure, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently using. It may be necessary to discontinue certain medications before the procedure. Your provider will provide you with comprehensive instructions regarding any required changes to your medication regimen. Additionally, your provider will discuss your symptoms and any other existing health conditions with you.

How does venous ablation work?

Before your procedure, your healthcare provider will give you anesthesia to ensure you do not experience pain. You will receive the following:

Local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding your vein.
Sedative medications to promote relaxation throughout the procedure.

During Venous ablation, your provider will:

Uses ultrasound to locate your vein.
Create a small incision in your leg, typically situated below the knee or near the ankle.
Insert a catheter (a thin tube) through the incision and navigate it into your vein.
Introduce a thin instrument through the catheter to reach your vein. This instrument employs either laser or radiofrequency waves to produce heat, effectively sealing the vein permanently.
Administer a numbing solution around the vein through a series of small injections for additional anesthesia.
Apply a bandage over the incision site, as most patients do not require stitches.

After the Procedure

Your doctor will provide instructions on how to care for your incision during the healing process. It is likely that you will need to:

Refrain from swimming or using hot tubs.
Elevate the affected leg when possible.
Maintain cleanliness and dryness of your incisions.
Wear compression socks.

After a week of healing, your provider will conduct an ultrasound to examine the vein and verify that it has been properly sealed.

Recovery and Aftercare

Patients can walk immediately after the procedure.
Minor bruising, swelling, or discomfort may occur but resolves within a few weeks.
Compression stockings may be required to support circulation.
Strenuous activities should be avoided for about a week, but normal activities can resume within 24 hours.