Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins: An Overview

Endovenous Laser

and Health Benefits

Varicose veins are surprisingly common, affecting nearly 25 million individuals in the United States. These veins are caused by various factors and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, itching, swelling, leg fatigue and aching. Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive treatment available that can eliminate symptomatic varicose veins with minimal downtime: endovenous laser therapy.

What is Endovenous Laser Therapy?

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive treatment designed to treat symptomatic varicose veins. It involves a medical specialist heating up a thin laser fiber inserted into the vein with laser energy. This causes the vein walls to collapse and eventually close, allowing blood to reroute naturally to other veins, resulting in relief from pain and other symptoms.

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The Benefits of Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

The benefits of endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins are numerous, including:

  • Minimally Invasive – Endovenous laser therapy is less invasive than traditional surgery, meaning that there is very little discomfort associated with the procedure and recovery time is much faster.
  • High Success Rate – Endovenous laser therapy has an extremely high success rate, with an estimated 80-90% of patients seeing long-term results from the procedure.
  • Fewer Side Effects – Compared to traditional varicose vein treatments, endovenous laser treatment has much fewer side effects. These include the general discomfort and bruising associated with the procedure, but no post-procedural pain or long-term complications.
  • Cost Effective – Endovenous laser treatment is a cost-effective option for treating varicose veins, especially when compared to traditional surgery.

Conclusion

Endovenous laser treatment is an effective and cost-efficient way to treat symptomatic varicose veins. The minimally invasive procedure has an extremely high success rate and minimal recovery time. Patients who suffer from varicose veins should speak with a medical specialist to determine if endovenous laser therapy might be the right choice for them.