Do you have varicose veins in your legs? Let's learn about the modern method of treating them without surgery (Endovenous Thermal Ablation)

When you look at your legs, do you see blue or purple veins under the skin, twisted and knotted like worms? Sometimes these can cause your legs to feel heavy, achy, or itchy, right? This condition is very common among many of us. So you may be wondering what can be done about this, or if you need surgery. Don't worry, today we are talking about a modern treatment method that provides a solution to this problem without surgery, very simply.

So what is Endovenous Thermal Ablation?

This may sound like a long, strange name, but it's actually quite simple. Simply put, it's a minimally invasive, modern treatment for varicose veins. It's sometimes called endovenous laser or radiofrequency.

Imagine that a water pipe in your house has a hole and is leaking. Instead of replacing it, we seal the hole with a special type of gum. In this treatment, your doctor uses a special device and heat from laser beams or radio waves to seal the problem vein from the inside .

What happens when a vein closes like this? Our body is amazing. It automatically redirects the blood flow that went through that vein to nearby healthy veins. After a while, the sealed vein shrinks and is absorbed by the body. The result is that the swollen, ugly veins on your legs disappear, and your legs look beautiful.

Why do we need this treatment?

If you have medium or large varicose veins in your legs, this treatment may be a good fit for you. First, let's look at the common symptoms of this condition.

Simply put, our veins have small, door-like parts that only allow blood to flow in one direction. We call these valves. When these become weak or damaged, blood can flow backwards instead of going to the heart and pool inside the veins. This is how blood pools in the veins, causing them to become swollen, twisted, and visible above the skin.

Some people do this treatment for cosmetic reasons, such as to get rid of the appearance of leg swelling. Also, long-term varicose veins can sometimes lead to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) , non-healing wounds (skin sores), or bleeding from the veins. Therefore, a doctor may recommend this treatment.

How is this treatment performed?

This treatment is usually performed by a vascular surgeon. This is not a major operation, so there is no need to stay in the hospital.

Before treatment

Your doctor will ask about all the medications and vitamins you are taking. Some medications (especially blood thinners) may be asked to be stopped a few days before treatment.

During treatment

Don't be afraid, you're doing what you need to do so you don't feel pain.

• Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the vein being treated.
• You may be given a sedative to keep you calm.

Then, the doctor follows these steps:

1. An ultrasound scan will pinpoint the vein with the problem.

2. A very small incision is made on the leg, usually below the knee or near the ankle.

3. Through that incision, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the vein.

4. Through this tube, a very fine device that emits laser or radio waves is sent to the problematic part of the vein.

5. The heat released from it permanently seals and closes the vein from the inside.

6. Finally, a bandage is applied to the small incision. Most of the time, stitches are not needed.

The entire process takes about an hour . You can go home the same day.

Is this method better than traditional surgery?

Of course, yes. The old method (Vein Stripping Surgery) involves cutting several places on the leg and pulling out the vein. It takes weeks to heal afterwards, and it is very painful. But this modern method has many advantages.

What should we be careful about after treatment?

After treatment, you will need someone to help you get home. Take care of these things after you go home.

• It is mandatory to wear special compression socks prescribed by the doctor.
• Keep your legs elevated whenever possible.
• Walking frequently during the day is very good for blood circulation.
• Avoid exercising and lifting weights until your doctor gives you permission again.
• Do not use swimming pools or hot tubs.
• Avoid air travel for two weeks.

About a week later, your doctor will do another ultrasound scan to see if the treatment was successful and if the vein is properly sealed.

Side effects and when to seek immediate medical attention

This is a very safe treatment. However, there may be some minor side effects. For example, there may be some bruising, tingling, or pain in the treated area for a few weeks. These usually resolve on their own.

However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). So, don't waste time and go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

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