Methods Of Treatment

There are several methods by which varicose veins can be treated. The specific procedure or combination of procedures recommended is based upon the severity of the condition. Some treatment options include the following:

Laser:

In some cases, underlying vein disease may be treated with an advanced ultrasound guided laser technique through a single puncture or an incision that is less than a quarter of an inch. Sometimes referred to as endovenous laser or "endolaser", this approach allows treatment of vein disease that in the past required stripping through large incisions. Our many years of experience with ultrasound guided vein therapy makes us uniquely qualified to offer this advanced ultrasound guided laser method to our patients.

The term "LASER" stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers work by producing an intense beam of bright light that travels in one direction. The wavelength and power output of a particular laser determines its medical application. Laser has the unique ability to produce one specific color (wavelength) of light which can be varied in its intensity and pulse duration. The laser beam can cut, seal or vaporize skin tissue and blood vessels. Though Lasers have been used for the treatment of skin lesions since the 1960's, wide use of lasers for medical treatments is a relatively recent development.
Recently, technological advances have improved lasers, making laser surgery a preferred method of treatment for various conditions one of which is Varicose Veins.

LASER ABLATION OF VARICOSE VEINS

Enlarged Veins in the Leg	Marking Veins in the Leg by Ultrasound
Local Anaesthesia at Site	Inserting Laser Fibre into veins
Delivering Laser Energy	Small Puncture Hole at End of Case Treatment
Before Laser Treatment	After Laser Treatment

• A minimally invasive technique is applied when treating varices of the saphenous veins with biolitec lasers.
• The varices are located using ultrasound, and a local anesthetic is administered to the affected area.
• Next, the optical fiber is introduced into the vein via a catheter and moved forward to the section to be treated.
• In addition to the guiding beam, the fiber's correct position is monitored by an ultrasound device.
• The laser radiation is introduced in pulse mode and guided along the vein's lumen by slowly and continuously retracting the fiber.
• The transformation of the laser radiation to heat results in the thermal shrinkage and dissolution of tissue structure, which ultimately leads to the closure of the varicose veins by thrombosis and spasm.

ADVANTAGES

• Due to the optimal absorption spectrum of 980 nm, the neighboring tissue areas will remain fully intact and the veins are closed in a more gentle fashion. 980 nm is the ideal wavelength being optimally absorbed by water and hemoglobin. This does not generate high levels of heat energy and therefore does not cause tissue damage around the vein
• The closed vein remains in its natural position in the body, which reduces the invasiveness of surgery to a minimum.
• The incision required for this procedure is very small and usually heals without forming a scar.
• The treatment duration of this method is relatively short. The entire procedure takes a maximum of 45 minutes and is conducted as an out-patient procedure.
• Even the so-called reticular varices, which are much smaller on average, can be treated successfully through endoluminal laser therapy.
• Lasers can also be used in the external "non-contact" treatment of superficial veins. In this procedure, telengiectasia and the finest spider veins are made invisible by passing the 980 nm laser light with a special applicator over the skin.
• The fine vessels are obliterated quickly and gently by coagulation and vaporization of blood contained within them.
• Reduced risk of infection
• Improved therapeutic results

SIDE EFFECTS

The LASER ABLATION method is well tolerated and has few side effects. A large proportion of the patients treated in this way are able to resume their normal activities immediately following surgery. Some patients may experience a slight ache along the shrunken veins, for which local cooling and an anti-inflammatory ointment will provide quick and reliable relief. Very rarely is there hematoma formation.

In addition to the treatment of small teleangiectasia and spider veins, the laser is also suited for the treatment of varices caused by incompetence of the long and short saphenous veins, as well as acting upon the lateral and reticular veins.

Compared to conventional vein therapy such as the so-called "stripping" procedure, the Laser Ablation technique has a combination of advantages: it is minimally invasive and therefore a less traumatic procedure with optimal cosmetic effect and excellent and extremely promising results: the patient walks in for the treatment and walks out with his/her varices problems solved within one hour!