Endovenous laser ablation is one of today’s top procedures for eliminating painful and unsightly varicose veins. Michael Kassouf, MD, and the team at Vein Doc NYC in the Midtown East area of New York City are nationally recognized experts in venous procedures. They have a long history of performing successful endovenous laser ablation procedures that permanently remove varicose veins. If you’re interested in treating your varicose veins, call the office or schedule an appointment online.
Endovenous Laser Ablation
What should I know about varicose veins?
Even if your varicose veins don’t cause symptoms, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated by a specialist at Vein Doc NYC. Untreated varicose veins can lead to complications that are more serious than symptoms such as painful, tired legs.
Varicose veins can cause changes in your skin, making it turn hard, tight, and discolored. Untreated varicose veins also increase your risk for blood clots and wounds called venous stasis ulcers that are difficult to heal.
What is endovenous laser ablation?
Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to eliminate varicose veins. A laser-containing catheter goes into the vein, then heat from the laser safely closes the vein, sealing it shut, and causing scar tissue to develop. Over time, your body naturally absorbs the scar tissue, and the treated veins disappear.
You don’t need to worry about circulation issues because your body reroutes blood flow to other healthy veins. This process improves your circulation because you no longer use a vein with damaged valves that restrict blood flow.
What should I expect during endovenous laser ablation?
Your doctor at Vein Doc NYC performs endovenous laser ablation in the office, using ultrasound to map your veins and guide the laser during the procedure. After applying a local anesthetic, they make a tiny cut and use the small opening to insert the laser catheter into the vein.
After threading the catheter through the varicosity and placing numbing fluid around the vein, your Vein Doc NYC physician slowly withdraws the catheter with the laser activated. Gentle heat sent from the laser tip makes the vein collapse without affecting any of the surrounding tissues.
The procedure usually takes an hour or less, depending on the extent of your varicose veins. Afterward, you can begin to move around immediately, and when you leave the office, you can get back to your normal daily routine.
Your Vein Doc NYC physician provides detailed instructions about how to care for your leg and any activity restrictions to follow. As a general guideline, you should plan to avoid prolonged sitting and strenuous exercise for a short time.
If you have questions about endovenous laser ablation or you’d like to schedule an appointment, call Vein Doc NYC or use the online booking feature.