Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery
Heat from a laser is used in endovenous laser varicose vein surgery to reduce varicose veins which are swollen, bulging veins that often happen on the thighs or calves.
Some facts about Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery :
- The varicose vein will be closed and shrink by laser surgery and causes scar tissue within the vessel which seals off the vein so hat the blood flows through other nearby veins instead.
- Laser surgery is suggested by your healthcare provider if your varicose veins are sore, or red and swollen (inflamed).
- Laser surgery may also be recommended if the skin over your varicose veins is irritated.
- Infection, Pain over the vein, Bleeding, Bruising Nerve damage, Redness or swelling (inflammation) of the vein, Blood clots, Changes in skin color over the treated vein and Burns are some possible risks of laser varicose vein surgery.
- Usually, Varicose veins are not a serious health problem, but they can be painful.
Preparation for Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery:
- Your medical history and any prescription drugs or supplements you’re taking will be discussed by your healthcare provider.
- Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders and let him know if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting as you may need to stop taking these medicines before the procedure.
- If you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, contrast dyes, and anesthesia medicines (local and general), that should be informed.
- All the medicines you take including both over-the-counter and prescription medicines and also any vitamins, herbs, and other supplements should be informed.
- Do not eat or drink anything for up to 12 before the surgery.
Procedure for Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery:
- A hospital stay is not required for this procedure as usually it takes less than an hour.
- You may be given special goggles or eyeglasses to wear during the surgery to protect your eyes from the laser light.
- The area where the tube or catheter will be put into your vein will be numb by your healthcare provider.
- A shot or injection of numbing medicine will also be provided along the length of the vein that will be treated.
- A Doppler ultrasound device will be used to check the vein before and during the procedure.
- Sound waves will be used by this process to make an image of the vein on a computer screen.
- A small cut or incision will be made in your skin and insert the catheter which will be guided into the varicose vein.
- A laser fiber will be put into the catheter.
- The laser will heat up the length of the vein as your healthcare provider slowly pulls out the catheter.
- The vein will close up and should eventually shrink.
- A bandage will be put on the site as the cut where the catheter was inserted is small enough that you won’t need stitches.
- Your leg may have some bruising which should go away in about two weeks.
