Vein issues can be a serious issue, both for your health and your confidence. Luckily, addressing the issue with a venous ablation is easy and simple. The medical team at Heart of Dixie Cardiology can help you start your journey toward healthier legs today with venous ablations.
Venous ablation is also sometimes referred to as endovenous ablation, vein ablation, endovenous laser treatment, or radiofrequency ablation. It is a common and minimally invasive treatment used to treat varicose or spider veins, which are often caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that occurs when veins don’t carry enough blood back to the heart and remaining blood pools in the legs. Varicose veins are abnormally twisted veins often found on the legs and thighs that bulge above the skin’s surface. They affect around 40% of the adult population.
Varicose veins can be uncomfortable and swollen, and they can sometimes lead to more serious medical problems such as ulcers or phlebitis (swollen veins). If left untreated, serious circulation issues can cause inflammation and internal tissue damage.
In addition to health concerns, this procedure is frequently performed for aesthetic reasons as well: many individuals dislike the appearance of varicose veins and would like to minimize the swelling, discoloration, and uneven texture.
Venous ablation is a procedure where a catheter is used to apply heat directly on affected veins. This process causes the vein to close, eliminating the issue of blood pooling and improving vein appearance.
Venous ablation is a simple procedure that doesn’t require hospitalization and usually lasts less than an hour. It improves the look and feel of damaged, twisted, and swollen varicose veins that sit close to the surface of the skin.
Before the procedure, your doctor will sterilize the affected area and apply a local anesthetic to numb the catheter insertion site. Next, they will make a small incision in your skin and insert a long, skinny tube called a catheter into the vein. Laser energy will travel through the catheter, and the associated heat is concentrated enough to cause the affected vein to close. Blood flow is then redirected to healthier veins, improving circulation.
After the lasering is complete, your medical professional will remove the catheter and bandage the incision site. A compression sock will be placed over your leg to reduce swelling and bleeding and prevent any blood clots from forming.
There are very few complications and risks associated with this procedure. However, infection, blood vessel damage, and rare blood clots may occur.
After a venous ablation, most patients can get back to regular life the same day. Avoid strenuous activities, air travel, or long road trips for several weeks. Light activity, however, is encouraged to keep your blood moving. Since it’s best not to sit for extended periods, try to walk every hour for at least a few minutes.
Compression socks should be worn continuously for several days following the procedure and for several weeks following whenever the patient is walking. Veins will begin to empty and fade back into the leg within 1–2 weeks, and the full effects of venous ablation can be seen several months after the procedure.
Bruising and discoloration are common side effects and may be present for several months. Pain may occur at the incision site following the procedure, and you may take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) at recommended doses to alleviate any discomfort. Some patients may experience swelling of the leg or ankle for several days to a few weeks; compression socks will minimize the occurrence of this side effect.
Heart of Dixie Cardiology has been providing high-quality cardiovascular care to patients throughout southern Utah and eastern Nevada since 1997. Our cardiology clinics are located in St. George, Mesquite, Cedar City, and Kanab, and are staffed with cardiology professionals committed to providing open communication, affordable services, and compassionate care. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Heart of Dixie Cardiology has been providing high-quality cardiovascular care to patients throughout southern Utah and eastern Nevada since 1997. Our cardiology clinics are located in St. George, Mesquite, Cedar City, and Kanab, and are staffed with cardiology professionals committed to providing open communication, affordable services, and compassionate care. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Heart of Dixie Cardiology is a specialty subset of the Revere Health group. We have over a dozen cardiology providers throughout our locations to give you the specialized heart care that you deserve.
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