What is endovenous thermal ablation (laser therapy) for venous disease?
Endovenous thermal ablation by means of lasers refers to the varicose vein treatment modality that uses a laser fiber to virtually destroy the vein by means of the heat produced by the target subjected to the laser beam. During an endovenous laser treatment, Ultrasound imaging is used to identify the diseased sections of the veins. This is followed by the injection of tumescent anesthesia all along the diseased vein and the insertion of the laser fiber, usually near the knee. Using Ultrasound imaging, the laser fiber is then guided up the thigh and positioned precisely at the very source of venous reflux at the groin. The laser fiber generates a laser beam, which heats and boils the blood in the vessel causing it to shut. A session terminates with the application of bandages to the treated leg, followed by compression hosiery. A similar technique, the VNUS Closure Procedure; on the other hand, uses a radiofrequency (RF) generating catheter for thermal ablation; the laser fiber is simply replaced with the RF catheter.
Endovenous thermal ablation, also called laser therapy, is a newer technique that uses a laser or high-frequency radio waves to create intense local heat in the varicose vein or incompetent vein. Heat is directed through a catheter to close up the targeted vessel. This treatment closes off the problem veins but leaves them in place so there is minimal bleeding and bruising. Compared with ligation and stripping, many patients find that endovenous thermal ablation results in less pain and a faster return to normal activities, with similar cosmetic results.
