Endovenous laser therapy is a quick, effective procedure for varicose vein removal. Varicose veins occur when veins are not returning blood from the lower leg to the heart. All veins have valves that open to allow the flow of blood to the heart and close to prevent backflow of blood to the foot. When valves fail to function properly, blood leaks through and flows down the leg in the wrong direction. The blood overfills and distends the superficial veins under the skin, resulting in the bulging seen in varicose veins.

Schedule a free Chicago Varicose Vein Removal consultation today.

HOW DOES ENDOVENOUS LASER THERAPY WORK?

Previously, treatment of painful, swollen varicose veins required a surgical procedure called vein stripping, in which the vein was completely removed from the leg. Today, EndoVenous Laser Therapy has been developed to treat varicose veins by delivering laser energy through a small puncture in the leg to close the diseased vein.

With Endovenous Laser Therapy, no surgery is required and the entire procedure can be performed in less than one hour in our office. During the procedure, you are awake and your leg is anesthetized. A thin laser fiber is inserted into the greater saphenous vein or a tributary in your thigh. Dr. Kovak then will deliver laser energy through the fiber and into the vein, causing the vein to close.

WHY IS THE LASER FIBER PLACED IN THE THIGH, WHEN THE VARICOSE VEINS ARE LOCATED BELOW THE KNEE?

Bulging varicose veins in the lower leg usually are caused by a faulty valve located higher in the leg that can’t be seen at the surface. The endovenous laser therapy treats the source of the problem, which then causes the varicose vein in the lower leg to shrink and disappear.

IS THE LOSS OF A VEIN A PROBLEM?

No. Because there are many veins in the leg, the blood that would have flowed through the closed vein simply flows through other healthy veins after the laser therapy.

IS ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT PAINFUL?

Although individual responses vary, most people report little to no pain associated with endovenous laser therapy. Often the only sensation is felt during the delivery of anesthetic to the leg. After the procedure you may feel some tenderness, tingling, itching or tightness in the treated leg, which should disappear within a month.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

After endovenous laser treatment, a gauze pad and tape will be placed over the puncture site and a compression stocking will be placed on your leg. You will be encouraged to immediately walk following the procedure and resume normal activities. However, during the two weeks following your procedure you should avoid swimming, vigorous gym workouts, hot baths or excessive sun.

Dr. Kovak has been helping patients who suffer from varicose veins for over 10 years. Schedule a free endovenous laser treatment consultation today and discover which varicose vein removal treatment is right for you.