VARICOSE VEINS
Interventional Treatments With Intravenous Devices
Laser and radiofrequency (RF) methods are the most commonly used intravenous catheter methods. They are used in the treatment of large and medium-sized veins. They are performed in operating room conditions, using tumescent anaesthesia. The surgical technique used in both methods is the same and is called laser or radiofrequency (RF) ablation depending on the source of the heat generated. To simplify for better understanding, the application techniques for laser or radiofrequency for varicose vein treatment are mostly the same, with the most important difference being the diverse source of energy used.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
In the endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) method, laser heat is transmitted to the vein wall via a thin fiber optic cable or catheter placed in the main varicose vein (great saphenous vein). The laser light heats and destroys the vein wall, causing the vein to close and disappear over time. With ultrasound guidance, the catheter is inserted into the vein below the knee with a needle and the vein is burned from the inside with the laser. In this method, the vein is not removed, it remains in place, but it is aimed to make the diseased vein disappear by burning from the inside. No incision is made in this method. If the patient has local large varicosities, the excision surgery (mini-phlebectomy) to remove them is performed. In this case, there may be small incisions due to the larger varicosities.
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (EVRF)
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (EVRF) is a method of closing varicose veins by heating their inner walls using radiofrequency energy. The heat generated by radiofrequency waves is transmitted to the vein wall via a thin fiber optic cable or catheter placed in the main varicose vein (great saphenous vein). This energy heats and destroys the vein wall, causing the vein to close and disappear over time. Under ultrasound guidance, the catheter is inserted into the vein below the knee level with a needle and the vein is burned from the inside with radiofrequency heat. In this method, the vein is not removed, it remains in place, but it is aimed to make the diseased vein disappear by burning from the inside. No incision is made in this method. If the patient has local large varicosities, the excision surgery (mini-phlebectomy) to remove them is performed. In this case, there may be small incisions due to the larger varicosities.