Lasers are a proven means of treating many
medical conditions because of their inherent precision,
reliability and safety. Endovenous laser therapy is a
non-surgical method of resolving the unsightly, painful and
potentially dangerous effects of varicose veins. The application
of lasers to the treatment of varicose veins is a welcome,
non-surgical alternative and is now offered at the Medical City
Ambulatory Center.
In endovenous laser therapy, a small puncture
is made into the varicose vein, which has been numbed with a
local anesthetic. A very thin laser fiber is then inserted into
the vein and directed to the desired treatment location. When
the laser is activated, thermal energy is delivered, causing the
vein to close. The laser fiber is gradually withdrawn until the
entire diseased vessel is treated. The whole procedure lasts
less than one hour. After treatment, patients can immediately
return to normal activities, including walking.
"It can be done right in an outpatient
setting, and the results are excellent. Before this therapy was
developed, the only effective treatment for large varicose veins
was vein stripping, an invasive surgical procedure with a
lengthy recovery period. Now, these same patients can be treated
in the office, and the procedure is often covered by insurance.
Because the therapy is both effective and affordable, more and
more patients are choosing to have their veins treated by the
laser," Dr. Paul Jesus Montemayor, a staff vascular surgeon at
the hospital said.
To counteract the forces of gravity, veins
have valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards as it is
pumped back toward the heart. Over time, these valves can
weaken, allowing the blood to pool inside the vein. This can
cause the vein to distend, resulting to a rope-like appearance
commonly associated with varicose veins. This condition can lead
to a range of serious circulatory problems, including blood
clots, leg ulcers and poor circulation. Varicose veins are a
very common problem – approximately 25 percent of women and 15
percent of men worldwide suffer from this condition. Women are
more prone to suffer from varicose veins because of pregnancy,
and heredity has been shown to be a contributory factor as well.
The Medical City offers a range of
patient-friendly treatments for varicose veins, spider veins and
venous ulcers. Its motto "Patient on Center Stage, Service of
Greater Worth" reflects its commitment to patient satisfaction
and safety.
