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What are the Pros and Cons of Laser Ablation for Varicose Veins?

L. Whitaker
L. Whitaker

Laser ablation for varicose veins is a procedure also known as endovenous laser ablation. Like any medical procedure, this treatment can have potential benefits as well as possible negative effects. Laser ablation can help reduce or eliminate symptoms of varicose veins, and the procedure is a minimally invasive treatment with no sutures or scarring in the skin. There are potential risks associated with endovenous ablation, including bruising or discoloration of the skin and slight risk of infection or blood clots. Individuals who undergo this procedure must comply with limitations following the treatment, including no air travel for at least one week.

Varicose veins are also known as a condition called venous insufficiency. Leaky valves in the affected veins cause blood to pool in certain areas, resulting in veins that are visually enlarged, discolored, and sometimes painful. Endovenous laser ablation is a medical procedure in which the heat from a laser inserted into the vein causes the vein to collapse without injuring the skin. The laser is inserted using a thin catheter. Once the vein is ablated, scarring prevents blood from re-entering the collapsed vein.

Leaky valves in affected veins may cause blood to pool in certain areas, which results in visibly enlarged veins.
Leaky valves in affected veins may cause blood to pool in certain areas, which results in visibly enlarged veins.

Endovenous laser ablation for varicose veins has many potential benefits. This procedure generally ameliorates symptoms such as swelling, aching, and inflammation without causing external harm to the skin. It is a minimally invasive treatment that is frequently done in an outpatient office visit, allowing the individual to return to normal activity quickly. Patients will be required to wear a compression bandage for 72 hours and avoid certain activities for several days, including air travel, hot baths, and heavy lifting. Laser ablation for varicose veins is generally thought to be an appropriate procedure for treating small veins.

A person who has been treated with laser ablation for varicose veins needs to avoid air travel for at least several days.
A person who has been treated with laser ablation for varicose veins needs to avoid air travel for at least several days.

Laser ablation has potential hazards. Some possible side effects include discoloration, bruising, or blistering of the treatment area. There is a rare risk of blood clots that could lead to a pulmonary embolism, as well as a risk of infection. Laser ablation for varicose veins is not considered appropriate for pregnant women, those with severely twisted varicose veins, or any individual who is in poor overall health or is bedridden. This procedure is considered to be somewhat less effective with certain kinds of varicose veins than an alternate procedure called sclerotherapy.

Heavy lifting should be avoided while recovering from laser ablation procedures for varicose veins.
Heavy lifting should be avoided while recovering from laser ablation procedures for varicose veins.

In addition to laser ablation for varicose veins, other types of treatment are available depending on surgeon recommendations. Ambulatory phlebectomy uses a series of skin punctures to remove larger veins in the leg. Coil embolization involves injecting alcohol into a vein to cause scarring and collapse. Sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy also involve injecting a solution into the veins. The traditional treatment for varicose veins has been a procedure called surgical vein stripping, or the removal of a vein through multiple surgical incisions in the leg.

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    • Leaky valves in affected veins may cause blood to pool in certain areas, which results in visibly enlarged veins.
      By: roblan
      Leaky valves in affected veins may cause blood to pool in certain areas, which results in visibly enlarged veins.
    • A person who has been treated with laser ablation for varicose veins needs to avoid air travel for at least several days.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      A person who has been treated with laser ablation for varicose veins needs to avoid air travel for at least several days.
    • Heavy lifting should be avoided while recovering from laser ablation procedures for varicose veins.
      By: ptnphotof
      Heavy lifting should be avoided while recovering from laser ablation procedures for varicose veins.
    • Patients may be required to wear a compression bandage for 72 hours following endovenous laser ablation.
      By: nito
      Patients may be required to wear a compression bandage for 72 hours following endovenous laser ablation.
    • Laser ablation for varicose veins is not appropriate for people who are bedridden.
      By: vichie81
      Laser ablation for varicose veins is not appropriate for people who are bedridden.
    • An individual who has undergone laser ablation for varicose veins may experience blood clots in the legs.
      By: Dmitry Lobanov
      An individual who has undergone laser ablation for varicose veins may experience blood clots in the legs.
    • Regularly elevating the legs may reduce the occurrence of varicose veins.
      By: britta60
      Regularly elevating the legs may reduce the occurrence of varicose veins.
    • Treatment of varicose veins may cause leg ulcers in some people.
      By: schankz
      Treatment of varicose veins may cause leg ulcers in some people.