Are you suffering from varicose veins and confused which treatment to choose?

You’re not alone.

You may know or not that traditional methods such as surgical interventions and sclerotherapy have limitations and it includes potential side effects.

But laser treatment is an advanced treatment for varicose veins.

Care to know all about it?

In this article, Mykare Health is exploring the advancements, benefits and procedure of laser treatment.

Now, let’s dive into the information which will help you out in making better health decisions for a better life.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Here’s a brief recap of what varicose veins are.

These are swollen, twisted veins, usually found in the legs, that occur when the valves in the veins become weak or damaged. These valves normally help blood flow toward the heart.

But when they don't function properly, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge and become visible beneath the skin.

They are often blue or purple in colour and may cause symptoms such as aching, heaviness, or swelling in the legs. Risk factors include genetics, age, gender, prolonged sitting or standing, and obesity. Read more about varicose vein.

Advancements in Laser Treatment

• Endovenous Laser Varicose Vein Surgery (EVLA)

A laser is a device that emits a light-coloured, narrow beam of radiation. During endovenous laser varicose vein surgery, a laser's heat is used to minimise varicose veins.

After laser surgery, varicose veins shrink and cause scar tissue inside the vessel. This causes the vein to be sealed off. The blood then travels through nearby veins.

Procedure

What happens during the procedure?

Before the procedure, you will change into hospital gowns and be placed on an examination table.

During the procedure, you may be asked to wear special eyeglasses. This is because the laser light can be damaging to your eyes.

Then, your healthcare provider will numb the area where they will enter your vein. They will also administer a numbing medicine shot or injection along the entire length of the treated vein.

During the procedure, they will check the vein using an ultrasound device that produces sound waves to create an image of it on a computer.

After the procedure, a small incision will be made in your skin. The catheter will then be inserted into the vein and guided by a laser fibre.

As the catheter is slowly pulled out of the vein, the laser light will warm up the vein along its length. Eventually, the vein will close and shrink.

The procedure typically takes less than one hour.

Advantages

Minimally Invasive Reduced pain and discomfort Quick recovery High success rates Precision and targeting

Risk Factors Pain over the vein Infection Bleeding Nerve Damage

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), also known as photosensitising therapy is a nonsurgical laser treatment that targets and treats varicose veins.

It works by causing a chemical reaction in the targeted veins to destroy them.

Procedure

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history and varicose vein extent.

The photosensitising drug is usually given as an injection. It can also be given intravenously. It takes some time for the photosensitised drug to be absorbed by the target veins.

The non-thermal laser is then applied to the targeted area.

The laser wavelength is chosen specifically to activate the photosensitising drug.

The drug reacts with oxygen to form reactive oxygen species, which causes damage to the target veins’ walls.

The induced damage will eventually close or destroy the varicose veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins and improving symptoms and cosmetic appearance of your legs.

Advantages

Minimally invasive Precise Outpatient Procedure Quick Recovery Less Pain Reduced Risk of Scarring Effective for Complex Cases Has Potential of Combined Therapies Minimal Side Effects Long Term Results

Risk Factors

Sensitivity of light Skin changes Pain or discomfort Infection

• Endovenous Photocoagulation

Endovenous photocoagulation is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins, specifically in lower extremities. This procedure involves the application of a laser to the affected vein from within, leading to the sealing of the vein.

Procedure

What happens during the procedure?

Firstly, an assessment will be conducted by considering your symptoms, extent of varicose veins and medical history.

Ultrasound sound or other imaging techniques will be used to visualise the affected veins to help the procedure.

Then anaesthesia will be given to numb the area for applying the laser.

A thin catheter will be inserted through a small incision or needle stick. Using an ultrasound imaging system, the catheter is guided to the targeted vein.

When it is rightly positioned, a laser is emitted through the fibre and precisely targets the vein’s interior.

The laser energy will interact with the blood in the vein and induce a non-thermal reaction.

This process leads to the sealing of the veins and the blood will flow through the healthier veins.

Advantages

Minimally invasive procedure High precision in targeting veins Low thermal damage to surrounding tissues Reduced discomfort and quicker recovery

Risk Factors

Bruising and swelling Allergic reactions Skin burns Nerve damage Infection

Conclusion

The new varicose vein laser treatments are a big step forward in vein care. They use modern laser technologies that are painless and help patients recover more quickly compared to traditional treatments.

These lasers are precision tools that target and repair problematic veins without causing too much damage to surrounding tissues.

Patients who receive these laser treatments are generally satisfied with the results. Studies have shown that these treatments work well.

Looking ahead, scientists are continuing to develop these laser treatments to make them even better.

The aim is to offer more options that fit different cases, thus making vein care more efficient and personalised to each patient.