What is Laser Venous Ablation?
Laser venous ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to close off abnormal veins. When a long vein in the leg, such as the great saphenous vein, is positive for chronic venous disease, it can be the source of leg pain, swelling, fatigue, and varicose veins. The laser venous ablation procedure can be a highly effective procedure to treat this problem.
How does Laser Venous Ablation work?
The laser ablation system uses laser energy to heat up the inside lining of the vein, which essentially destroys it and render it non-function. This process collapses the vein and eliminates the downstream pressure on the leg and varicose veins.
How is Laser Venous Ablation performed?
This minimally invasive procedure is performed under local anesthesia. At the beginning of the procedure, the physician carefully scans the leg with ultrasound and finds a suitable insertion point for the laser. This area of the skin is numbed up by an local anesthetic through a small needle.
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1. A larger needle then used to insert a large IV, also known as a sheath, into the vein. Using the sheath as entry portal, the laser fiber is then inserted into the vein and guided in place with ultrasound.
2. Prior to activating the laser, the physician will inject tumescence fluid around the vein to insulate the rest of your leg tissue from the laser energy. This helps prevent thermal injury and to make the process more comfortable.
3. The laser is activated inside of the vein, and the sealing process begins The laser probe is slowly pulled back until the desire length of venous ablation is achieved
Laser Endovenous Ablation
The laser probe is inserted into into the vein to be treated and pulled back gradually until all desired length is treated.
Recovery from Laser Venous Ablation
Recovery from laser venous ablation is quick. You can get up and walk immediately right after the procedure. You will be asked to refrain from strenuous activities for a few days, but you are otherwise encouraged to walk at least several times daily to prevent unwanted complications. Because laser ablation is done through a needle puncture, there is no prolonged recovery, no need for narcotics, and minimal interruption to your work schedule.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Venous
Patients who have confirmed large superficial vein disease such as the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, and/or accessory saphenous vein may be a candidate for laser venous ablation therapy. The vascular surgeons at Fox Valley Surgical have successfully treated many patients in the Northeast Wisconsin and the Fox Valley area with this laser system over the years.