Endovenous Laser Ablation
Endovenous laser ablation is a safe, efficacious and easy solution for eliminating varicose leg veins. This minimally invasive procedure provides excellent outcomes with short treatment times and a quick, comfortable recovery. Numerous clinical studies have found that the risks and discomfort of surgical vein stripping are far greater, while the outcomes are much poorer, than those of laser ablative techniques.
Dr. Lewis of the Peninsula Vascular Center, located in San Mateo County, California and neighboring Palo Alto and Menlo Park, performs endovenous laser ablation on an outpatient basis. We instruct patients to walk immediately following treatment and to return to work and resume most usual activities the next day. There is no interruption of daily activities and we strongly recommend regular, frequent post-procedure exercise, as this will ultimately benefit patients by improving long-term outcomes.
How It Works
Peninsula Vascular Center utilizes FDA approved laser technology to destroy diseased veins of the superficial venous system, thereby eliminating venous reflux at its source. We use the Sciton® 1319nm wavelength laser because we find it to be the safest and most efficacious system available to deliver laser energy to the venous system.
During this procedure, the doctor administers local anesthesia and threads a thin laser fiber through a tiny incision directly into the leg vein under ultrasound guidance. The fiber delivers laser energy to the diseased vein wall and this heat seals the vein. The body then redirects blood flow into other healthier veins, improving blood circulation. The body gradually absorbs the treated veins. See illustration below.
A single session generally suffices to treat the major varicose veins, but more extensive vein disease may require additional treatment sessions. We may schedule separate sessions if both legs require treatment.
What You Can Expect
We use local anesthesia for endovenous laser ablation and our patients are awake and comfortable during treatment. Endovenous laser ablation alleviates symptoms very rapidly. Most patients report immediate and substantial relief from the pain, swelling and burning sensations of their venous hypertension and varicose veins.
Patients typically experience only slight soreness and occasional bruising in the treated areas, both of which resolve spontaneously within a few days. Serious side effects or complications are extremely rare at Peninsula Vascular Center, consistent with the incidence reported in the medical literature. Regardless, all patients can expect to have a frank discussion with our staff about the potential benefits and risks of their treatment.