Is varicose veins treatment safe? What every patient should know

Many patients wonder if varicose veins treatment is safe. Discover from today’s article the benefits and the risks of these treatments!

Table of contents:

Introduction
What is the first step in varicose veins treatment?
What are the dangers of treatment for varicose veins?
What are the dangers of ignoring varicose veins?
What varicose veins treatments are available?
Conclusions

Introduction

Varicose veins can bring discomfort, pain, and potentially escalate into severe health complications when ignored. For many individuals suffering from varicose veins, seeking treatment is a priority. Yet, safety concerns persist. Is varicose vein treatment reliably safe? In this article, we’ll explore this question in depth, providing valuable insights for patients considering treatment options.

What is the first step in varicose veins treatment?

The first step in effectively treating varicose veins is to conduct a correct and thorough Doppler ultrasound scan for both legs. With the results from this scan, a tailored treatment plan can be crafted for each patient. Utilizing this approach, we can achieve a recurrence rate of 3% or less.

Dr. Omar emphasizes the significance of a precise and correct Doppler scan. Crafting a personalized treatment strategy requires a detailed map of your leg veins. This ensures that the treatment plan is perfectly tailored to your individual needs.

A quick examination lasting only 5-10 minutes might overlook critical details. Dr. Omar conducts a detailed Doppler exam that lasts 20-40 minutes. This exam meticulously examines each vein, considering its roots and perforators. This approach aids in better understanding the condition. It assists in the selection of personalized treatments. These treatments aim to reduce the chances of recurrence.

What are the dangers of treatment for varicose veins?

Treatment procedures for varicose veins are generally minimally invasive, performed under local anesthesia, and involve incisions of less than 2mm. These factors contribute to a relatively low risk profile associated with the procedures. Patients can typically resume normal daily activities immediately after the procedure, minimizing downtime and discomfort.

One significant concern that patients may have is the risk of pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs. However, the actual risk of pulmonary embolism associated with varicose vein treatment is exceedingly low, estimated at 1 in 10,000 cases. This statistic underscores the safety of the procedures and provides reassurance to patients considering treatment.

What are the dangers of ignoring varicose veins?

Ignoring varicose veins can have severe consequences on the quality of life. In some cases, varicose veins may become complicated with venous ulcers, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. These ulcers often result in reduced mobility, making it challenging for patients to walk or perform everyday tasks.

Furthermore, untreated varicose veins pose a serious risk of developing blood clots, a condition known as thrombophlebitis. When clots form in the veins, they increase the risk of strokes and pulmonary embolisms (clots in the lungs), which can be life-threatening.

What varicose veins treatments are available?

There are several advanced treatment options available for varicose veins, each offering unique benefits and considerations.

SONOVEIN: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

This non-invasive treatment for varicose veins uses ultrasound energy to target and close off problematic veins. It requires minimal intervention and anesthesia compared to traditional methods. With SONOVEIN, patients can experience effective relief from varicose veins with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Endovenous Microwave Ablation of the veins (EMWA)

Endovenous Microwave Ablation (EMWA) offers a relatively new and unique approach to treating varicose veins. This minimally invasive treatment utilizes local anesthesia. During EMWA, a device is inserted into the problematic vein to induce controlled destruction, causing the vein to shrivel away. Unlike traditional methods, EMWA does not require direct contact with the vein wall. Instead, it generates an electromagnetic field to ablate the vein.

Dr. Omar Abu-Bakr is a trained and certified practitioner of EMWA, ensuring patients receive expert veins care and optimal outcomes.

Endovenous Laser Ablation of the veins (EVLA)

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) offers a non-surgical method for varicose veins. Unlike traditional surgical approaches that involve tying and removing abnormal veins, EVLA utilizes laser energy to heat and close off the affected veins. The laser treatment involves inserting a laser fiber into the vein to deliver targeted heat. This heat effectively kills the walls of the abnormal veins, which are then naturally absorbed by the body.

One of the advantages of EVLA is that it can be carried out in a simple treatment room, eliminating the need for an operating theatre. During the procedure, a small amount of local anesthetic is injected into the skin over the vein. Overall, EVLA offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive approach to treating varicose veins, with minimal discomfort and downtime for patients.

Transluminal Occlusion Of the Perforators (TRLOP)

Transluminal Occlusion of the Perforators (TRLOP) targets perforator veins, which serve as communication channels between the deep and superficial venous systems. TRLOP employs a technique to close and ablate affected perforators using laser energy, delivered through a needle puncture. This procedure is guided by ultrasound imaging and performed under local anesthesia.

Micro-phlebectomy

Microphlebectomy is the medical term for the removal of large or medium-sized protruding varicose veins. This procedure involves making tiny incisions, each no more than 2 mm in length, to access and remove the problematic veins. These small incisions are cosmetically acceptable and typically do not require stitches to close; a small piece of adhesive tape is sufficient.

Despite the removal of a large vein, microphlebectomy has no detrimental effect on blood flow or circulation in the leg. Blood flow is naturally rerouted to deeper veins in the leg, resulting in improved and more efficient circulation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, varicose veins treatment offers patients safe and effective options, providing advanced and minimally invasive procedures.

Patients benefit from personalized procedures performed under local anesthesia with rapid recovery. Ignoring varicose veins can lead to serious complications, and modern treatments offer an efficient way to prevent recurrence and improve patients’ quality of life. It is essential to consult with Dr. Omar to determine the most suitable treatment for individual needs and enjoy the benefits of improved vein health.

Take charge of your vascular health! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Omar today to explore personalized solutions and cutting-edge treatments.

Is varicose veins treatment safe? What every patient should know