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Questions and Answers…
Our doctors and staff understand that patients have many questions regarding their condition
and treatment. We are happy to spend as much time as you need to feel comfortable with your
treatment options. We encourage you to contact us for more information or if you have any
questions at any time during the course of your evaluation and treatment.
The following
is a list of commonly asked questions related to endovenous laser ablation:
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur for a number of reasons including age, prior pregnancy, weight
gain, hereditary factors and prolonged periods of standing.
Is endovenous laser ablation effective?
Yes. Five year results in thousands of patients have demonstrated that this procedure
is more effective than traditional vein stripping and successful in >90% of patients.
How does saphenous laser ablation work?
Thermal energy is delivered to the vein wall and this causes the leaking, diseased vein to
close off so it does not continue to leak blood into the varicose veins.
Are patients satisfied?
More than 95% of patients have been satisfied in the short term as well as the long term.
Is this covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies cover endovenous laser procedures and phlebectomy if needed, the same as
any other outpatient procedure (less your deductible) if you have pain and have attempted medical
management (compression stockings, weight control and elevation) for 3-6 months sometime in the past.
Sclerotherapy is rarely covered by insurance.
Does this require hospitalization?
No, this is an office procedure and takes about 1 hour. You have the option for local anesthesia
alone (lidocaine like at the dentist) or can have anesthesia if you are very anxious.
Are other treatments necessary?
You may still require sclerotherapy or tiny incisions to remove additional varicose veins after this
procedure. We will also do an ultrasound several days after the procedure to check the status of the
treated vein.
Does it hurt?
Some patients are more sensitive than others but few really complain of significant pain during or
after the procedure. Patients typically describe an aching, burning or pulling sensation.
How long is the recovery period?
We encourage walking the same day and return to normal activities the next day. You should delay
strenuous exercise for two week.
What is the difference between the laser procedure and radiofrequency ablation (CLOSURE procedure)?
Both procedures are FDA-approved, non-surgical methods of treating varicose veins. They are very
similar in terms of how you are treated and what you will experience. The results for both procedures
are excellent and this becomes a physician preference. The main difference is in the type of energy
delivered by the catheter. One procedure is not proven better than the other
Does loss of this vein cause problems with drainage of the leg?
No. An incompetent saphenous vein is essentially a non-functioning vein and blood that would have flowed
through the vein has already been diverted into other healthy veins to drain the leg.
Why should I choose Advanced Vein Center at Cardiology Consultants
Our physicans and staff are dedicated to provision of comprehensive vein care to our patients in a courteous
and professional manner in our state of the art equipped facility.
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