WHAT IS ENDOVENOUS ABLATION?

        Endovenous ablation is a procedure whereby energy is used for closure of damaged veins that are causing varicose veins. By closing a damaged saphenous vein (greater or lesser) you are actually treating the root cause of other varicose veins.  The 2 recognized types of modalities  for approved endovenous ablation therapy are Radiofrequency (RF) and Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA).

          Both RF and ELA are performed through percutaneous vein access. They employ a thermal effect to collapse or heat seal the vein. The procedure is usually done under the guidance of Duplex Ultrasound. RF uses heat from a radiofrequency electric current to close the vein. It is rather labor intensive (up to 2 hours or more) and the cost of the disposables is rather high ($700-$800). Due to the limitations of the design, certain larger veins cannot be successfully treated using RF.  ELA is the newest technology available using laser light to create a thermal effect for closing the vein. Due to the technology used, endovenous medical lasers are able to treat a large range of vein sizes.

         ELA is a highly successful and cost effective alternative to stripping or ligation and RF. Since the laser actually destroys the whole lining of the vein, the opportunity for new collateral veins to grow is greatly minimized. This patient-friendly treatment is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Patients experience very little or no pain and are able to return to normal activity very quickly.

        There are several different endovenous lasers in the marketplace. We have found the 1320nm CTEV by CoolTouch to be the best technology available. The chromophore for this laser is water  (collagen is primarily water), resulting in a shorter absorption length than the Diode lasers (810nm-980nm). 1320 nm ablates the endothelium inside the vessel wall. Specific absorption of energy only in the vein wall results in a more controlled depth of vein coagulation.  Because Diode lasers' chromophore is hemoglobin they will penetrate 10 times deeper which can rupture the vein resulting in pain, swelling and purpura. Doctors are reporting 100% success rate with the CoolTouch 1320 CTEV. Patients who've had bilateral procedures with Diode lasers and 1320 are reporting a significant difference in the comfort level. The CoolTouch 1320 has proven to produce the best results in the quickest, most affordable and patient  friendly manner.