Varicose and Spider
Laser Treatments for Varicose Veins
Endovenous laser ablation, EVLT, is a minimally invasive technique to treat venous insufficiency, a cause of varicose veins. The basic technique of this laser treatment for varicose veins, called endovenous laser ablation, or EVLT, involves the insertion of a tiny catheter into the problematic source vein, a damaged vein that is allowing venous blood to be pulled back into the leg. Laser ablation is used to close the damaged vein, and thus prevent the vein blood from pushing back to the skin.Varicose vein laser treatments like endovenous laser ablation, EVLT, and VNUS Closure work by applying energy to the inside of the damaged vein, literally ablating the problematic vessel. It is this energy that causes the damaged source vein to close. These varicose vein treatments are all endovenous, meaning they work from inside the damaged vein, and are not the same as topical laser photo ablation. Topical laser vein treatments treat only the superficial veins commonly called spider veins and do not address deeper vein damage.
There are a number of manufacturers who produce endovenous treatments for varicose veins. Dr. Calure has chosen the technique of radiofrequency (RF) ablation, also known as the VNUS Closure Procedure. Just like EVLT, Closure is minimally invasive and uses a tiny catheter to deliver energy to the damaged vein. The Closure Procedure is an in-office procedure, covered by insurance, with a same day return to work or regular activity. With Closure, radio waves are the form of energy used for treatment. Radio waves are of longer wavelength and lower frequency than the light waves delivered by a laser.
The mechanism of action of RF ablation differs from laser ablation. The RF energy causes vein closure by a molecular change in the vein protein structure, while the laser acts by actually destroying the vein. When Closure is used, RF energy causes resistive heating amongst the collagen molecules; they then denature and the vein collapses.
VNUS Closure has been clinically demonstrated to produce better patient comfort during and after the treatment with less pain, tenderness and bruising than EVLT.
MVP has performed more than 11,000 RF Ablations or VNUS Closure Procedures to date and continues to be impressed with its efficacy and patient comfort during the procedure. With an experience of more than 11,000 VNUS Closure procedures, we have seen fewer than 10 veins require retreatment. If you are considering treatment for varicose veins, you should consider the merits of VNUS as well as EVLT.
Please visit our page of patient testimonials to read the reactions of patients who have been treated by VNUS Closure. At Maryland Vein Professionals, we believe that we offer the latest treatment for varicose veins, that offers our patients less discomfort and superior results compared to EVLT.
1 Almeida JI. Recovery trial interim results, 34th Veith Symposium. Nov 14-18, 2007. New York.
2 Moderate to severe ecchymosis is defined as bruising over greater than 25% of the treated surface area.