Laser for
Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins & Treatment Options
As the name suggests, this condition occurs in the veins. The function of the vein is to carry blood back to the heart, for it to get oxygenated and re-supplied to all the parts of the body through arteries. The veins in the legs work against the gravity to return the blood to the heart. The muscles in the lower part of the legs pump the blood towards the heart, with the valves acting as doors to prevent the blood flowing back to the leg.
Varicose veins can occur due to age and pregnancy. In the case of ageing, the valves become weak because of which some amount of blood flows backwards in the leg, instead of flowing towards the heart. In this condition the blood starts pooling in the veins, enlarging it to become varicose.
In the case of pregnancy, few women experience varicose veins. It can either happen due to heavy pressure from the uterus on the veins, or hormonal changes. In most of the cases, the condition improves without any medical intervention within three to twelve months post-delivery.
Symptoms
- Veins appear blue or purple in colour
- At times they appear bulgy or even twisted
- The legs ache, muscles cramp, at times the skin itches around the veins
- Very rarely, the veins bleed or harden, skin discolours or causes inflammation, leading to ulcers
Endovenous Laser Treatment for varicose veins
What is laser treatment?
The laser is nothing but the light energy used in the highly concentrated form. This light energy is given only to the targeted tissues with a lot of care and attention. The tissues then react with the light which causes the vein to close and seal.
How is the treatment performed?
The entire procedure does not require hospitalisation; it is an out-patient treatment requiring minimal cuts in the leg. Local anaesthesia is applied on the area to numb it.
A thin fibre is inserted through the small cut, into the damaged vein. The laser light is delivered to the targeted area through this fibre. As this process takes place, the right amount of energy is given to the varicose vein at the problem areas. The tissues in the vein react with the light, and while the fibre is being pulled back, it simultaneously closes the veins.
Improvement in this technology has led to the invention of jacketed fibre. It prevents contact between the vein and the fibre, preventing any bruising or pain to the patient.
How does the recovery happen?
One would think how would the blood pass after the closing of the veins. Do not worry, the veins which are closed are superficial in nature, they are responsible for carrying less than five percent of blood in the body. Our bodies are naturally designed in a way that the blood flow is automatically re-routed to a healthy vein once the varicose vein is shut.
The procedure requires few sessions; the patient will be asked to immediately walk and resume to their day to day activities on the same day.
Very rarely few patients experience temporary soreness or light swelling, which can be treated with prescriptions in the next four to five days.