Advances in laser technology are making it more beneficial for patients to treat venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency occurs when blood flows backwards, and starts to pool from the veins in the lower half of the body. These veins and others start to become elongated and with the increasing amount of blood leads to inflammation in the legs. This can cause the body to feel restless, and can cause aches, cramping and pain in the legs. The best way to treat your legs is through Endovenous Laser Treatment.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a treatment that uses a small laser fiber that is inserted by a needle through the skin in the affected vein. The laser light sends pulses inside the vein and causes it to collapse and seal shut. The patient is treated under local anesthesia and after the procedure the patient is bandaged or wears a compression hose over the treated legs.
According to a report from Kaiser Permanente titled, “Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins,” EVLT is less painful than vein ligation and surgical stripping, and it has a shorter recovery time. Varicose veins, a symptom of venous insufficiency, are distorted and appear larger in the surface of the skin and occur on the legs and ankles. If venous insufficiency is left untreated, it could lead to a number of health issues, including venous ulcers and blood clots or variceal bleeding.
Why not get the traditional surgical stripping?
Vein stripping removes a heavily damaged vein from the body. An incision is made in the skin and is pulled out by the surgeon. This is followed with a lengthy recovery and pain. In most cases it requires the patient to be hospitalized to improve recovery. The procedure sedates the patient with general anesthesia, and has a recurrence rate of 10 to 25 percent, not to mention scarring that the legs are left with.
With EVLT, the treatment is far less extensive than surgical stripping. No incision is made, only insertion of a needle is required. It takes less than an hour and does not require the care of a hospital.
Patients are at ease with treatment of EVLT. The patient is sedated with local anesthesia and can return to normal activities immediately with minimal pain. EVLT has up to a 98 percent success rate and leaves minimal to no scarring. The best part is that the treatment may be covered by insurance.
Even better, the patient is free to walk on his or her own and does not need to be bedridden for weeks to recover. Potential bruising may occur and pulling sensations, but that is standard and expected after successful treatments.
How will someone know when they need treatment?
Usually swelling or sensations of aching or burning in the legs develop after standing for extended periods of time. The legs become achy and leave the person feeling tired or restless. Some patients may not experience pain; they are just upset with the look of their legs.
EVLT is the best option to treat venous insufficiency. The pain and discomfort in the legs is not something to ignore, because it could lead to ulcers and blood clots. The key is to pay attention to the legs for signs of fatigue and swelling. Even if there are no noticeable symptoms, the patient should still consider checking for insufficiency.
The St. Louis Laser Vein Center can treat all patients for their problems and get efficient results. Our team of professionals is available for consultation and can provide quick and affordable service. Get up and get moving for happier and healthier legs today.
