Nearly 25% of women and 15% of men suffer from lower extremity venous insufficiency and associated visible varicose veins.
Traditionally, varicose vein treatment has been painful surgery (called ligation and stripping). Now, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT�) provides a proven, minimally-invasive alternative that allows patients to return to their everyday lives immediately.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins (and sometimes spider veins) are usually a symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, a disease that causes blood to flow backward in the veins, making them bulge and twist down the leg. Venous insufficiency (also called venous reflux) can occur throughout the venous system, but occurs most frequently in the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, and other veins of the superficial venous system in the lower legs.
One-way valves in the veins of the legs typically ensure that blood is carried toward the heart and prevent it from flowing backward (down the leg) and pooling. Valve failure leading to chronic venous insufficiency can be caused by multiple factors:
- Injury or other trauma
- Weak vein walls that dilate under normal pressures
- Genetically abnormal valves
- Normal veins whose vein walls are weakened by hormones (as in pregnancy)
Varicose vein treatment may be indicated when valves fail, blood flows backward (or downward) in the veins, and pressure increases in the venous system below. This increased pressure causes many of the symptoms of venous insufficiency as well as potentially (over time) causing the failure of additional valves below the original failed valve.
Who is at risk?
Primary risk factors include heredity, gender, pregnancy, and age. Most of these patients have long-standing leg symptoms which compromise their daily routines, with symptoms worsening during the day while they are on the job or simply living their lives. Without varicose vein treatment, these symptoms can progress to a life-style limiting condition.
What are the benefits of EVLT?
- Up to 98% Success Rate
- No need of hospital stay
- Lower risk of complications
- No Scarring
- Strong Patient Satisfaction
- Fast Recovery
Immediate return to normal activities Taken together, these factors make endovenous laser treatment the fastest growing procedure in treating varicose veins. In fact, EVLT is quickly on the path to becoming the predominant varicose vein laser treatment.
