What is Endovenous Ablation?
Endovenous ablation is a non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins. It is performed in the office using local anesthesia, with very minimal discomfort, if any.
Benefits of endovenous ablation include zero scarring because there are no incisions, reduced recovery time than traditional surgeries like vein ligation or stripping, and a decrease in painful varicose vein symptoms.
The endovenous ablation procedure starts with anesthesia being applied followed by a small catheter inserted into the problem vein at a tiny puncture site on the skin. A thin fiber is then threaded through the upper end of the vein via the catheter, which emits radiofrequency energy, or heat, to the vein wall. Ablation with cyanoacrylate glue, VenaSeal, is also a newer and very popular option.
As the heat or glue is delivered, the vein wall shrinks and is sealed closed, rerouting blood to other healthier veins in the legs. This eliminates the blood pooling and appearance of these knotty bulges.
Am I a good candidate for endovenous ablation?
Endovenous ablation is ideal for patients with enlarged varicose veins that cause painful symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, or tiredness and heaviness in the legs.
What are the risks or side effects of endovenous ablation?
Our board-certified vascular surgeon will discuss any potential risks with you prior to undergoing this procedure. It is important to note that, without treatment, varicose veins could worsen and lead to the development of more varicose veins and varicosities, or even more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis, and increased/chronic discomfort and pain.
What does recovery look like for endovenous ablation?
Your leg will be dressed in compression bandages following the procedure, and you can go home immediately. If your surgeon performed the VenaSeal procedure, compression stockings are not required, only a small bandage. You may return to work within a day or two depending on your physical requirements. Prolonged sitting or standing however, along with intense exercise and heavy lifting, are not recommended for the first week following endovenous ablation.
Walking as much as you can afterwards is strongly encouraged and will help promote circulation and healing.
Our team will share instructions with you on caring for the small punctures and wearing your compression socks.
Patients are typically very pleased with the relief they feel from varicose vein symptoms and the improved appearance of their legs following treatment with endovenous ablation.
Please contact us at VeinSolutions in Austin, Georgetown, and Kyle to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified vascular surgeons who will help determine if this treatment or another minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure is right for you.