Thermal Treatment of Veins

The heart pumps blood to the various parts of the body through blood vessels. Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood from the various parts of the body back to the heart for purification (oxygenation). Obesity, pregnancy and standing for long hours can cause the veins to swell, bulge and twist, and be visible under the skin. This condition is known as varicose veins or spider veins. Varicose veins are very common in your thighs or calves, while spider veins are seen more often on the face and legs.

Thermal treatment is recommended to close and shrink varicose veins that are symptomatic and severe in nature.

What are the indications and contraindications for thermal treatment of varicose veins?

Thermal treatment is mainly indicated for the treatment of varicosities in:

• Saphenous veins: long superficial veins running from the groin to the ankle
• Reticular veins (feeder veins): dilated green and blue superficial veins
• Telangiectasias: widened veins, causing patterns or red lines on the skin

However, the procedure is contraindicated if you have a blood clot in any one of the femoral veins in your leg (deep vein thrombosis) as it may affect the flow of blood from the leg.

How is thermal treatment performed?

During the thermal treatment, your doctor numbs the area with local anesthesia where a sheath (hollow tube) will be inserted. Your doctor then examines your varicose veins using ultrasound, and a small incision is made in your skin to insert the catheter which is guided through the varicose vein. A laser or radiofrequency catheter is passed through the catheter and heats up the varicose vein as it is pulled back out through the catheter. The heat causes the vein to close up and eventually shrink and scar in. The incision made for the catheter is very small and does not need any sutures for closure. Only a bandage will be placed at the site of the incision. The entire procedure takes a few minutes to complete.

What should I expect after the thermal treatment?

After the surgery, you will be required to wear special stockings for several days or weeks, which will help to compress the treated veins and keep them closed. You are also advised to walk around regularly rather than sitting or lying in bed for long hours. The bulged varicose veins will progressively shrink over time.

Are there any complications from thermal treatment of veins?

As with all medical procedures, thermal treatment for varicose veins may be associated with certain complications that may include, but are not limited to:

• Infection at the incision site
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage
• Bruises
• Changes in skin color at the treated area or inflammation of nerves

What are the advantages of thermal treatment?

Thermal treatment of varicose veins is safe, efficient and almost painless. Most patients are able to get back to normal activity within a day.