This page will give you information about endovenous ablation (EVA) treatment for varicose veins. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins in the leg. They tend to run in families and are made worse by pregnancy and if you do a lot of standing.
Veins in your legs contain many one-way valves to help the upward flow of blood back to your heart. If the valves fail to work properly, blood can flow in the wrong direction causing varicose veins (see figure 1).
The Procedure
What are the Benefits of Surgery?
Your symptoms should improve. Endovenous ablation (EVA) should help prevent the symptoms and complications that varicose veins cause.
Are There Any Alternatives to EVA?
Support stockings can often help the symptoms caused by varicose veins.
Foam sclerotherapy is a similar technique that uses an injection of chemicals to treat the veins.
Varicose veins surgery involves disconnecting and removing the superficial veins from the deep veins, using a cut on your groin or the back of your knee.
What Does the Operation Involve?
This vascular surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, local anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic. The operation usually takes about 45 minutes.
Laser Ablation
Your surgeon will insert a catheter (tube) into the great or small saphenous vein. They will pass a laser fibre through the catheter and up to where the saphenous and deep veins meet. Your surgeon will use laser energy to cause the saphenous vein to close.
Radio-frequency Ablation
Your surgeon will insert a radio-frequency ablation catheter into the great or small saphenous vein. They will use radio-frequency energy to cause the saphenous vein to close.
What Complications Can Happen?
General Complications of Any Operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
Specific Complications of This Operation
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Developing a lump under a wound
- Numbness or a tingling sensation
- Burns to your skin
- Ablation device cracking or breaking
- Damage to nerves
- Damage to arteries
- Continued varicose veins
Summary
Varicose veins are a common problem and can lead to complications if left untreated. Support stockings can help to control symptoms but will not remove the varicose veins.
If you would like to receive more information on Varicose Vein Treatment (Endovenous Ablation) at New Victoria Hospital or to make an appointment, please call our Outpatient Department on 020 8949 9020 or:
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