Endovenous Laser Ablation

Is the treatment painful?

Minor. To numb the area being treated, a special local anaesthetic solution is placed around the vein. It takes just a few minutes for the anaesthetic to work and then the laser is pain free.

Is endovenous laser treatment more effective than sclerotherapy and surgery?

Yes, particularly for the large veins. The Endovenous Laser Ablation procedure immediately closes the vein and turns off the pressure to the lower part of the leg. Any vein symptoms such as aching legs, tired legs quickly disappear. The bulging varicose veins below the laser site become smaller due to the pressure being turned off. There is no hospitalisation, no general anaesthetic, no down time compared with surgery.

Does it take long?

The Endovenous Laser Ablation takes less than one hour from start to finish then you need to go for a 30 min walk afterwards before you go home or to work.

Can all large veins be treated with Endovenous Laser Ablation?

Usually the vein at the top half of the leg (the great saphenous vein) from groin to knee and the vein behind the knee (the small or short saphenous vein) from knee to mid calf are suitable for Endovenous Laser Ablation but any vein that is over 6mm in diameter and straight is suitable. If this is not the case, then Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is the treatment of choice. This will also mean that some of the smaller vessels and branch veins leading off the large veins will need UGS treatment, but they are easier to treat when the pressure of the large vessels above them has been removed. First session consists of Laser and UGS. The second session is UGS alone.

What happens after treatment?

As for all vein procedures a grade 2 compression stocking must be worn on the treated leg following each session. This is fitted at the time of the treatment and is worn for two weeks after the last procedure.

Walking is important immediately after a treatment, usually for 30 minutes. Over the next 2 weeks following the procedure, strenuous exercise like aerobics and yoga must be avoided as it can increase the pressure in the treated veins and disrupt the healing process. It is very important to exercise everyday over the next 2 weeks after treatment. Exercise options are walking, bike riding, cross-trainer and treadmills. Exercising for an hour a day will ensure the success of your vein closure, exercise can be divided into 2 half hour sessions.

How do I find out more about this vein treatment or have it done?

The easiest way to see if you can benefit from Endovenous Laser treatment is to book a consultation at the Alia Vein Clinic on 02 99061555 and come and talk to Dr Roberts. Consultation is covered by medicare. A detailed Ultrasound mapping of the veins will determine the diameter of the vessels and suitability for Laser. You can also complete the Online Vein consultation and we will respond as soon as possible with answers to your questions.

Look at the results…