Vein surgery aims to treat varicose veins, which occur when valves in leg veins malfunction, causing blood to pool and veins to enlarge. Several techniques exist, each addressing the problem differently.
1. Vein Stripping and Ligation:
This traditional surgical approach is reserved for severe cases. The procedure involves tying off (ligation) and removing (stripping) the affected veins through small incisions. Patients are typically sedated during the procedure to minimize discomfort. [Reference: Vein stripping and ligation is typically only performed for severe cases of varicose veins. The procedure involves tying shut and removing the veins through small cuts in your skin. You will be given medicine to temporarily put you to sleep so you don't feel any pain during the procedure.] [Reference: Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical treatment for varicose veins. One or more cuts are made over the vein, and the vein is… ] [Reference: Varicose vein stripping and ligation is surgery to remove varicose veins in your legs. Your veins have valves inside them to help ensure that blood flows in the… ]
2. Endovenous Laser Varicose Vein Surgery (EVLT):
This minimally invasive technique uses heat from a laser to close off the varicose vein. The laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a small incision, and the heat seals the vein walls, preventing blood flow. The vein then naturally fades away. [Reference: Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery is a procedure that uses heat from a laser to reduce varicose veins.] [Reference: Laser vein treatment, also known as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), uses the power of light energy to irritate the lining of a varicose vein. As with other… ]
3. Endovenous Thermal Ablation:
Similar to EVLT, this method employs heat, but instead of a laser, it uses radiofrequency energy to close the vein. This also results in the vein's eventual disappearance. [Reference: Endovenous thermal ablation is a way to get rid of varicose veins without surgery. Providers use a laser or radiofrequency waves to seal off veins.]
4. Sclerotherapy:
This non-surgical treatment involves injecting a solution or foam into the varicose vein. This solution irritates the vein's lining, causing it to scar and close, eventually fading from view. [Reference: Sclerotherapy. A healthcare professional injects the varicose veins with a solution or foam that scars and closes them. In a few weeks, treated… ]
5. Endoscopic Vein Surgery:
This minimally invasive procedure utilizes a small incision and a tiny camera (endoscope) to visualize and treat the veins. The surgeon can then precisely address the affected veins. [Reference: For endoscopic (en-do-SKOP-ik) vein surgery, your doctor will make a small cut in your skin near a varicose vein. He or she then uses a tiny camera at the end… ]
