Perth's Leading Specialist in the Treatment of Varicose Veins
Dr Luke Matar | MBBS, FRANZCR, FACP
So you’ve heard of the traditional surgical stripping procedure for varicose veins, but how does laser vein treatment work? Below we cover the basics of this modern procedure.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are blue-purple swollen, bulging veins most commonly found on the legs. They are caused by a predominantly inherited condition called venous reflux, a malfunction of the valves that normally facilitate blood flow as it returns to the heart.
When leg muscles contract, the valves open to let the blood through, and when the muscles relax, a normal valve would close to prevent the blood from falling. With venous reflux, however, the valves fail to close properly, prompting blood to pool in the vein. This eventually leads to visible, often painful bulges – varicose veins.
Treatment for Varicose Veins
At The Vein Clinic we pride ourselves in offering Perth’s widest range of technologically advanced vein treatments. We offer several types of non-surgical procedures – Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), Medical Superglue or VenaSeal and Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy. In addition to these non-surgical treatments, in certain cases we combine EVLA with Ambulatory Phlebectomy, a procedure in which tiny cuts are made in the leg to remove the vein.
How Does Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins Work?
Guided by ultrasound imagery, EVLA involves the insertion into the vein of a catheter with a laser fibre and tip. From this tip, laser energy releases intense heat that destroys the vein wall lining, therefore sealing the vein. Blood is then unable to pass through it and is rerouted through healthy vessels. The closed vein is eventually absorbed by the body, thus solving the problem of painful and unsightly bulges.
The Benefits of Laser Treatment
EVLA has become the gold standard of varicose vein treatment. It is a quick and minimally invasive outpatient procedure, which boasts a much quicker recovery time than the traditional surgical stripping method. In addition to the laser fibre, a diluted local anaesthetic is pumped through the catheter, therefore providing local analgesia, as well as protecting the tissue around the vein from heat damage. This means it is a safe procedure, and with very low recurrence rates of around 5%, laser treatment is now the go-to choice for medical professionals and patients alike.
How The Vein Clinic Can Help You
The Vein Clinic is Perth’s only dedicated varicose vein clinic. Led by our passionate expert Dr Matar, we take pride in offering the city’s most extensive range of treatments for venous conditions.
Trained by world-renowned Dr Whiteley, Dr Matar brings this superior knowledge to The Vein Clinic to deliver the best care with minimal discomfort and recovery periods.
For more information or to book a consultation, contact The Vein Clinic today.