Varicose veins are a common cosmetic complaint, and we now know that they can have important health implications as well. Learn how endovenous thermal ablation is giving patients a comfortable, effective alternative to surgery. Varicose veins are a common problem around the world, with both health and cosmetic symptoms. There are several potential causes, including a condition known as venous reflux. This occurs when the valves do not function properly, allowing blood to flow downward, resulting in pooling. It often results in quite large varicose veins, and accompanying symptoms such as swelling, pain, and aching in the legs. In the past, the diseased veins were often removed surgically, but today there is a gentler, more comfortable option. In most cases, a phlebologist (vein specialist) can treat them with endovenous thermal ablation. Benefits Why has endovenous thermal ablation replaced the vein stripping as the treatment of choice in most situations? Rather than invasive surgery, and the subsequent extensive recovery, this procedure is performed using a small catheter to deliver heat to the inside of the vein. The benefits include: • It is more economical than vein stripping • It is gentle enough to be performed under local anesthesia, on an outpatient basis • Patients are able to resume normal activities with little to no downtime • It does not leave a scar • The procedure is much faster than surgical stripping • The procedure and recovery are much more comfortable
The procedure Venous reflux is often present in two vessels, the small saphenous vein, and the great saphenous vein. Most patients with this condition are good candidates for endovenous thermal ablation. There are several techniques used, which are similar in many ways. Ultrasound tests are performed to attain an accurate diagnosis, and precisely locate the diseased vein. The treatment site is numbed with local anesthetic, and a small needle is inserted, which a catheter is passed through. Depending on the technique, the catheter is used to position either a thin laser fiber, or a tiny radiofrequency device inside of the vein. These are used to deliver targeted energy, heating the inside of the vein. Additional local anesthetic may be applied to prevent any discomfort during the heating process. The procedure only takes a few minutes to complete once the catheter is in place. After it is completed, the vein will gradually close off, eliminating the reflux. Studies have shown that long-term results of this process are comparable to those achieved with surgical stripping. If you are looking for the gentlest, most advanced solution to varicose veins, be sure to choose a specialist in Kerrville or your hometown who utilizes the latest technology for non-surgical procedures such as endovenous thermal ablation. Vein diseases, like varicose and spider veins, and hemorrhoids are some of the most painful to experience. This is why you need the best treating you. You can find the best at Vein Associates of Texas. Located in San Antonio and Kerrville this office provides the most effective and safest treatments. Read more on: Varicose Veins Kerrville.
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