What Can I Expect During Endovenous Ablation Therapy?

What Can I Expect During Endovenous Ablation Therapy?

Varicose veins in themselves can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, so it is understandable for a patient to seek a treatment for them that is as painless as possible and which has a quick recovery period. Of the three major varicose vein treatments – sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy, and endovenous ablation therapy – endovenous ablation has proven to be the most effective and least invasive option.

Endovenous ablation therapy is relatively new in comparison to the other two options, having only been in use for roughly the past fifteen years, but has grown incredibly popular due to its minimally-invasive nature. This is also a popular procedure because it leaves little to no visible scarring and has a quick and virtually painless recovery, but most importantly because it has the greatest efficiency of any vein treatment, and rarely requires repeat procedures to get the job done. While it is arguably the most desirable procedure to have done when treating varicose veins, however, it’s not always possible, as this treatment really works best on smaller and straighter veins.

What Can I Expect During Endovenous Ablation Therapy?
A typical enovenous ablation therapy procedure is done right in your doctor’s office, requires only a local anesthetic, and generally takes no more than an hour to perform.

1. To begin the procedure, you will lie on your back with your legs elevated and the area or areas to be treated will be shaved and cleaned.
2. You will be injected with a local anesthetic through a small needle near the area to be treated. You will only feel the prick of the needle and the surrounding area will go numb shortly after. However, be aware that depending on the size of the area to be treated, multiple injections may be necessary.
3. A small incision is made and a catheter is inserted in your leg directed towards the problem vein. At this time you may feel pressure during the incision and as the catheter is inserted, but should feel no pain.
4. Using either laser or radio frequency, and with the guidance of an ultrasound machine, heat is applied to the problem vein through the catheter. If your procedure involves the use of lasers, you may be provided with protective glasses to wear during this time.
5. Once the vein has been closed successfully, the heat source will be removed and the catheter slowly withdrawn.
6. Pressure is applied to any bleeding from the incision and a bandage will be wrapped around the area.

Instructions for Recovery
Endovenous ablation therapy patients are typically able to resume their normal activities the very same day, but there are a few instructions that are generally given following a procedure:

• You’ll need to wear gradient compression stockings for a recommended period after the procedure in order to reduce swelling or bruising, as well as to reduce the risk for blood clots.
• Avoid traveling by airplane and other activities that involve prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
• You should take frequent walks and remain active as you normally would but avoid heavy exercise or lifting for the first few weeks afterwards.
• Follow-up with your physician to ensure that targeted veins have been successfully closed and to review the progress of your condition.
• Though unlikely, you may need to schedule additional procedures as necessary.

If you’d like to discuss endovenous ablation therapy, along with any other possible treatments for your varicose veins or venous insufficiency, then your first step is in scheduling an appointment with a qualified vein specialist in your area. For the leading vein doctor in Tampa and the surrounding areas, contact Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center today by calling (727) 712-3233.