Laser treatment of varicose veins

How does the laser affect the veins?

Laser therapy as a method of treating varicose veins of the lower extremities was introduced in 1999. This method uses the effect of high temperature on the blood. The laser, by emitting various wavelengths, leads to the closure of the vessel's lumen. These waves can be, for example, 801, 940 and 980 nm long and are then absorbed by hemoglobin or 1054 and 1320 nm long - then they are absorbed by water and collagen. The emission of laser waves causes ablation of the deformed vein. It is a safer method than surgical operations. In 2001, a work on laser therapy was written by Dr. Robert Min and his partners from New York, which proved that laser treatment can replace surgical procedures because it is not burdened with such a high risk of complications as classic surgery.

What does the varicose veins laser removal procedure look like?

The laser removal of varicose veins takes place in the operating room, where the conditions are sterile. It begins with puncturing a vein with a cannula and inserting a laser fiber or probe. By inserting the optical fiber inside the diseased vein, the doctor constantly monitors the course with an ultrasound machine. Then, he gives an anesthesia in the form of a tumor preparation, which allows the laser energy to be limited only to the vein, thus saving the surrounding tissues. Activating the probe triggers the generation of light energy and delivering it to the inside of the vein, where it is converted into thermal energy. This results in heating the vessel wall and its destruction. Thanks to this, the vein can be permanently closed.

What are the advantages of laser varicose veins treatment?

The advantages of laser treatment of varicose veins are:
1. Low invasiveness of the method. It does not expose the patient to the same number of postoperative complications as classic surgery.
2. Faster regeneration. Fewer punctures during surgery means the patient recovers faster. There is also no risk of scarring.
3. No need to wear compression garments for more than 7 days.
4. Method safety. Due to the fact that a tumescent preparation is injected into the vein, which constricts it and moves it away from the surrounding tissues and skin, it minimizes the risk of burns and related complications.
5. More patients qualified for this type of surgery. In the case of classic surgeries, some people are disqualified due to diseases they suffer from. This is the case, for example, with patients with cardiological problems. A classic operation with general anesthesia is too much of a burden for the body. In the case of laser surgery, there is no such burden, because the anesthesia is only local.