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Vericose and Spider Vein Treatment
Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment, also called Endovenous ablation, is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that uses heat generated by a laser to seal off enlarged veins in the legs. Normally, blood circulates from the heart to the legs and back again using a system of one-way valves to prevent the blood from flowing backward into the legs. When leg veins become less elastic and valves malfunction, some blood may remain in the leg where it pools and causes the vessels to become enlarged or varicose. Endovenous ablation reroutes the blood flow to nearby, health veins.
How to Prepare
| 1. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. |
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| 2. Women should always inform their physician or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. | |
| 3. Report to your physician all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements. | |
| 4. Report to your physician any allergies you may have, especially to anesthesia or to contrast materials. | |
| 5. Check with your physician if you are on blood thinners (Coumadin, Warfarin). You may need to stop your medication and/or have blood coagulation tests within normal values prior to the procedure. | |
| 6. Plan to have a relative or friend drive you home after your procedure. |
What to Expect
Using an ultrasound to visualize the enlarged vein, a catheter is inserted through the skin into a blood vessel and positioned within the abnormal vein. You will feel a slight pin prick when the local anesthetic is injected. You may be asked to wear protective glasses when a laser fiber or radiofrequency electrodes are inserted through the catheter and advanced to the site. Heat generated by the laser is then applied, heating the vessel and causing it to close. Following the procedure, the faulty vein will shrink and “scar down.” You will need to wear a compression stocking to help reduce bruising, tenderness, and the small possibility that blood clots may form. You may resume your normal activity immediately, with the exception of lifting heavy objects or prolonged sitting (such as a long plane or bus trip). You should not remain inactive or spend too much time in bed during the recovery period since this increases the chance for clotting complications.
For more information about Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
