Endovascular LASER/Glue Treatment for Varicose Veins

Blood vessels that enlarge and twist just beneath the surface of your skin are called varicose veins. These blue or purple bumps, which are common in the legs, feet, and ankles, can hurt or itch. Leg veins are the blood vessels that are most frequently affected by this medical condition. That’s because standing and walking put more strain on the lower body’s veins. High visibility, and abnormally shaped veins, typically on your legs, are the main signs and symptoms of varicose veins. Additionally, you can have discomfort above the swollen veins or in the vicinity of them.

It affects a lot of people, particularly women. In adulthood, varicose veins affect about 25% of people and may be brought on by several factors, such as:

• Significant lengths of time spent standing
• Family history of varicose veins
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Age over 50
• Obesity

How are Varicose Veins treated?

A minimally invasive surgery known as Venous Closure or Venous Ablation is used to treat varicose veins. The vein is sealed off after this surgery so that your body can naturally shift blood flow to surrounding, healthy veins.

Venous closure can be carried through using a variety of technological methods. Vein glue and laser therapy are the two common choices.

Treating Varicose Veins with Laser Surgery

Varicose veins can be reduced by a treatment called Endovenous Laser Varicose Vein surgery. As a result of laser surgery, the varicose vein is sealed off, contracts, and the vessel forms scar tissue. As a result, the vein is closed up, and blood now flows through adjacent veins.

Before the Surgery

• You will be given an explanation of the process by your healthcare professional, and you might be required to sign a consent form before the surgery is carried out.
• Inquiries concerning your medical history will be made by your healthcare practitioner.
• A few blood tests and diagnostic procedures can also be required of you. This procedure checks your health to see if you are fit to get laser treatment.
• Talk to the concerned doctor about all of your medications, including vitamins, herbs, and other dietary supplements. Remember to specify whether you are taking any blood thinners per a doctor’s prescription.
• Inform your healthcare practitioner if you have any drug sensitivities or allergies, including those to latex, contrast dyes, and anaesthetic medications.
• Eight hours before the surgery, you must go without food or liquids.
• For relaxation, you could be taking medication (sedative).

What happens during Endovascular Laser Varicose Vein surgery?

There is no hospital stay necessary for this surgery. In most cases, the process is completed within an hour. Most likely, you can return home that day.

• You’ll put on a hospital gown and lay on an examination table.
• You can be given specialised eyewear, like goggles or glasses. Your eyes will be shielded from the laser light by doing this.
• Your medical professional will numb the region before inserting the catheter or tube into your vein.
• Before and during the surgery, your healthcare professional will examine the vein using a Doppler ultrasound machine.
• The catheter will be inserted into your body through a tiny skin cut or incision made by your healthcare professional. The varicose vein will be directed by it.

It’s probable that you won’t require stitches because the incision where the catheter was put was so tiny. A bandage will be applied to the incision area.

After the Endovenous Laser Varicose Vein surgery

• After the procedure, you will be instructed to walk for at least 30 minutes.
• There may be minor bruises on your leg. In about two weeks, the bruises should fade.
• To aid with swelling reduction, apply an ice pack to the region for 15 minutes at a time.
• For 48 hours, avoid getting any water on the incision areas.
• Walk for 10 to 20 minutes each time, around three times each day.
• Don’t sprint, jump, or lift large objects for a week or two, but keep moving about.

Risks of Endovenous Laser Varicose Vein surgery

The following are a few potential risks:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Pain over the vein
• Nerve damage
• Having a vein that is flamed or reddened
• Blood clots
• Burns
• Alterations in skin tone along the treated vein

Treating Varicose Veins with Vein Glue Treatment

An intriguing development in the treatment of varicose veins is vein glue, sometimes referred to by the brand name VenaSeal. It is a safe adhesive for usage within the human body that is of medical grade.

What takes place during the glue treatment?

A local anaesthetic injection is administered to freeze the skin next to the knee. A needle is used to numb the skin before a thin catheter is sent up the major vein to the groyne. As the catheter is gently removed, the glue is injected, and pressure is given to ensure that the vein’s walls have securely glued together. The veins’ ultrasound images are used as a guide for the whole procedure.

What happens after the Glue Treatment?

Following the treatment, you can get up and move around normally before returning to your regular activities without taking any further safety measures. When varicose veins have been surgically removed by Phlebectomies, you may have some soreness in your thigh, and likely have bruises, but you can still resume your normal activities as soon as you feel ready. For the first several days, refrain from taking showers to prevent getting the adhesive patches on the Phlebectomy sites wet. 

Who is an eligible candidate for glue treatment?

The use of glue during varicose vein therapy works best on veins that are deeply concealed within the leg or those that have a diameter of 2 cm or more. If your veins have never had Sclerotherapy or surgery in the targeted vein, you could be a good candidate for the procedure.

Complications & Risks

Phlebitis, an irritation of the vein, is the most frequent adverse reaction of glue treatment. The other frequent adverse effects include dermatitis and bruising or soreness at the injection site. This dermatitis develops in around 10% of patients and generally shows up 10–14 days after therapy.

Treatment at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka

These cutting-edge treatment options for varicose veins have been successfully created by the Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, and have benefitted a large number of patients. The varicose veins team at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, includes interventional radiologists and surgeons who have experience managing even the most difficult instances of varicose veins and are skilled in performing varicose vein surgery.

Make an appointment with our specialists at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka, to get the best medical advice for your condition.