Unlike vein stripping, laser treatments are a less invasive option for the treatment of painful or unsightly veins. Laser vein treatments use a highly focused beam of light to destroy diseased blood vessels underneath the surface of the skin.
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a non-invasive treatment for larger veins. During this treatment, a tiny optic fiber is inserted into the damaged veins and monitored through a duplex ultrasound screen. As the catheter is pulled back through the vein, laser light is radiated through the catheter. The laser heats and closes the vein, allowing blood to be re-routed to other healthy veins.
Endovenous laser treatment requires no surgery or hospitalization, and is performed in-office. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and uses a local anesthetic. There is less recovery time with EVLT than with older, more traditional vein treatments, such as vein stripping. Normally, patients are able to resume regular activities within a day.
Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy
Very similar to endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy is a minimally invasive procedure for varicose veins. During this procedure, a vein specialist inserts a tiny catheter through a small incision below the knee.
The catheter is guided by ultrasound imaging and the damaged veins are treated with short bursts of radiofrequency energy that causes the vessel to shrink around the catheter. The specialist treats each segment until the entire length of the damaged vein has been sealed. After the vein has been sealed off, blood re-routes to other, healthier veins.
The team at Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. With years of experience in vein treatment, their vein specialists can help you get back your healthy, great-looking legs.
Not sure which laser vein treatment option is right for you?
Read more about the differences between endovenous laser treatment and radiofrequency ablation therapy on our website, or request an appointment with a vein specialist today online or call 865-588-8229.