Varicose Vein Treatments
Varicose (large, ropy, bulging, grape-like) veins affect large numbers of both women and men. Most common causes are hereditary (genes), followed by pregnancies in women, and standing for long periods of time in men. The primary defect leading to varicose vein formation is something called a leaking venous valve (reflux). Basically blood travels in the veins of the leg from the feet to the heart through a series of valves. If the valves fail to close properly (reflux or the movement of blood in the reverse direction) then blood backs up to work its way around the bad valves leading to varicose veins. In the past, the only treatment for this was a procedure called ligation and stripping which required many incisions and many stitches resulting in an ugly leg with many scars and significant downtime. Varicose Veins affect many people of all ages and can be both unsightly and painful. If left untreated they may be potentially dangerous for your health and well-being.
ELAS(EVLT) – Laser Vein Closure
ELAS™ stands for Endoluminal Laser Ablation of the Saphenous Vein. It is a revolutionary treatment for varicose veins that virtually eliminates the need for older surgical procedures such as “leg vein stripping” or ligation operations. It is revolutionary because it can be performed with the patient awake and able to walk home after. The ELAS™ is appealing to patients and physicians because it eliminates much of the pain, bruising, discomfort and complications of the surgical options and allows patients to go back to their normal activities quickly.
Microphlebectomies
This procedure is a method by which large varicose veins can be removed through small pinhole (Micro) incisions. It is done under local anesthesia and is often combined with laser closure. No sutures are used and there is minimal associated down time.
How Lasers Work
The 1470 Laser by ThermaLite™ was released in 2010. Lasers work by heating structures at certain wavelengths specific to each laser. For example – the 940 heats at a depth from the skin of 940 microns. At this level blood is the target of the heat. The 1470 heats at a depth of 1470 microns from the skin. The target of the heat at this level is the water around the vein. The 940 works by heating the blood and vein wall to dissolve the vein. This can result in bruising along the treated vein, and, since it requires about 15 watts of energy to do this, there is resultant post procedure discomfort along the treated vein. The 1470, on the other hand, functions by heating the water in the tissue around the vein, leading to the vein being evaporated without destroying the vein wall. This, therefore, results in minimal post op bruising. Since only 4-5 watts of energy are required, there is minimal post procedure discomfort and patients can return to most normal activities within 24 hours. Don’t let Varicose Veins hold you back in life. Talk to Dr. Landi about an office based standard of care solution.
Contact our office to learn more about our Varicose Vein Treatments or to schedule an appointment.