Endovenous laser method is a minimally invasive method where a laser fiber is guided into the vein till it reaches the site of abnormality. On reaching the site of treatment the fiber is made to emit the laser energy which produces heat near the blood vessel which causes blood to clot in the vessel and thus destroys the blood vessel. The damaged blood vessel will collapse, shrink, and finally disappear. This procedure is often performed for larger varicose veins and the procedure can be performed in an out-patient setting which may require about 30 minutes.
The laser therapy is one of the new modalities for treatment of leg veins or varicose veins. Leg veins range from tiny, superficial “spider veins” to large, blue “varicose” veins which are blood vessels that are abnormally dilated, appear swollen, twisted and can be painful. Laser therapy can be a good option for treating unsightly leg veins that are resistant to sclerotherapy. Laser treatment can be done as externally applied method or endovenous laser ablation method.
The advantages of the endovenous laser technology include:
- Ability for deep penetration to treat veins located deep inside the skin
- Relatively low absorption by melanin, so it can be used on all skin tones
- Minimal risk of stasis ulcers
- Minimal pain and discomfort
- Minimally invasive procedure, quick and requires no hospital admission
Side effects are rare but can include some reddening or swelling of the treated skin for the first 24 hours, mild bruising, and rarely, blistering.