Quick answer
Endovenous ablation treats varicose veins by sealing the faulty vein shut rather than pulling it out. Using ultrasound to see, your doctor makes a small incision, slides a thin catheter into the vein, then heats the vein wall with laser or radiofrequency energy until it collapses and seals. Blood reroutes to healthy veins. You get local anesthesia, not general, and most people are back to normal activity within a few days.
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often appear on the legs and feet. They develop when vein valves weaken or fail, causing blood to pool and pressure to build up in the veins. This condition can lead to symptoms like pain, heaviness, swelling, and skin changes, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life. In severe cases, untreated varicose veins can lead to complications such as skin ulcers, blood clots, and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
However, endovenous ablation offers an effective, minimally invasive solution for treating varicose veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency. This procedure targets the underlying issue by sealing off affected veins, allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins. It is a reliable alternative to traditional vein surgery and provides relief from symptoms, allowing patients to regain comfort and mobility.
If you’re experiencing discomfort from varicose veins, chronic swelling, or other vascular conditions, it may be time to consider endovenous ablation. At CACVI, our expert vein specialists are skilled at coming up with treatment plans that will improve your quality of life. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust us with your vein health!
What is Endovenous Ablation Treatment?
Endovenous ablation treatment is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins, particularly those of the saphenous vein system. It is usually performed by vascular surgeons, and uses heat or chemical agents to close off problematic veins, improving blood flow in surrounding healthy veins. By targeting varicose veins and addressing venous reflux, endovenous ablation can significantly relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, and heaviness in the legs.
Typically, endovenous ablation therapy involves heat energy, often through the use of endovenous laser ablation (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), to seal damaged veins. Under ultrasound guidance, a small incision is made near the target vein, usually in the treated leg. Then, a thin catheter is inserted, and either laser or radiofrequency energy is applied to heat the vein walls, causing them to collapse and close.
Once this is done, blood naturally reroutes to other veins, restoring better circulation. The procedure is generally safe and performed under local anesthesia, allowing most patients to resume normal activities within a few days. Compression stockings are often recommended to support healing in the treated area.
How Does Endovenous Ablation Differ From Vein Stripping?
It is common to confuse endovenous ablation and vein stripping as they are both varicose vein treatments. However, they are different from each other and we will explain how.
Endovenous ablation is less invasive and has a lower risk of complications than traditional vein stripping, where veins are physically removed from the leg through larger incisions under general anesthesia. In contrast, endovenous ablation uses a small incision, is performed under local anesthesia, and generally results in less pain, bruising, and downtime. Patients typically experience fewer side effects and a quicker return to daily activities.
Endovenous ablation is typically an effective, minimally invasive solution for treating varicose veins and improving leg health. It is preferred over traditional varicose vein surgery for its quicker recovery and fewer risks. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more severe venous diseases and conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis.
Who is a Potential Candidate for Endovenous Ablation?
Ideally, candidates for endovenous ablation are those experiencing discomfort, pain, or other symptoms from varicose veins or CVI. Common symptoms include leg pain, swelling, cramping, heaviness, or skin changes in the affected area. Endovenous ablation is also recommended for patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments like compression stockings, lifestyle changes, or over-the-counter medications.
Generally, candidates should be in overall good health and able to undergo a minimally invasive procedure with local anesthesia. Additionally, ultrasound imaging must confirm that the affected veins are suitable for catheter-based treatments. Both great and small saphenous veins are the most common targets.
Typically, patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), active infections, or significant blood clotting disorders may not be ideal candidates, as these conditions increase the risk of complications. Vascular specialists will review medical history and perform thorough evaluations before recommending the procedure.
Additionally, endovenous ablation may be the right procedure for you if you are bothered by the appearance of or are in pain or discomfort from varicose veins. Our physicians can help you decide if this procedure is right for you during your initial appointment.
Types of Endovenous Ablation
There are various types of endovenous ablation. One of which is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). This method uses laser energy, delivered through a laser fiber inside the vein, to generate enough heat to collapse and seal the vessel. EVLT is particularly effective for superficial veins like the great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein, and is well-suited for patients with venous reflux and varicose veins.
Another type of endovenous ablation is radiofrequency ablation (RFA). It uses radiofrequency energy to heat the vein’s interior walls, leading to closure of the vein. Radiofrequency ablation tends to cause less bruising and pain compared to laser vein ablation and may have fewer complications, allowing faster recovery. This technique is commonly used for the treatment of varicose veins in the saphenous vein system.
Sclerotherapy, including foam sclerotherapy, is also a form of endovenous ablation. It is a non-thermal option that uses an injectable solution or foam to irritate the vein lining, causing it to close. Though typically used for smaller veins and spider veins, it can be used alongside EVLT or RFA to treat additional superficial veins.
Benefits of Endovenous Ablation
Endovenous ablation has become a preferred treatment for varicose veins due to its many advantages over traditional surgical methods. One of the key benefits is that it is a minimally invasive varicose vein treatment method. Unlike traditional vein stripping, which involves larger incisions, endovenous ablation uses a thin catheter and ultrasound guidance to target the vein precisely. This results in a much less invasive experience for the patient and lowers the risk of surgical trauma.
Undergoing endovenous ablation also entails reduced recovery time. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery time is significantly shorter compared to traditional vein surgery. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, and many experience only mild discomfort during the healing process. This quick recovery allows patients to resume their daily lives with minimal interruption, making it an ideal choice for those with busy schedules.
This procedure generally entails less pain and scarring. With endovenous ablation, patients typically experience less pain than they would with conventional surgery. Local anesthesia helps minimize discomfort during the procedure, and the small incision results in minimal scarring. Patients often report only mild bruising, which generally subsides within a few weeks, leaving the treated leg with little to no visible marks.
Risks and Complications of Endovenous Ablation
While endovenous ablation is generally safe and minimally invasive, there are some potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure. Some common side effects of endovenous ablation include bruising and swelling, pain and discomfort, and superficial thrombophlebitis.
While rare, infections can occur at the small incision site where the catheter is inserted. However, using sterile techniques and following aftercare instructions reduce the likelihood of infection.
Occasionally, nerve irritation or damage can occur, especially if the treated vein is close to sensory nerves. Symptoms can include numbness or tingling along the skin near the treated vein, but this usually resolves with time. Additionally, since endovenous ablation involves heat from laser energy or radiofrequency energy, there is a small risk of skin burns or changes in pigmentation near the treated area.
To reduce and minimize these risks, before the procedure, patients should inform their vascular surgeon of all the medications they’re taking, as certain drugs (like blood thinners) may need to be paused. Using ultrasound imaging during the procedure also ensures accurate placement of the catheter, reducing the risk of damaging surrounding tissues.
Furthermore, wearing compression stockings after the procedure helps manage bruising, swelling, and promotes blood flow, minimizing the risk of complications. It is also best to avoid strenuous activities after treatment and also keep the treated area clean.
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