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Patient information on treatment of varicose veins via endoluminal diode-lasers
In general, this fairly new laser technique is carried out as an outpatient procedure, similar to the current standard surgical procedures and under local anesthesia (tumescent-local anesthesia).
The following steps however differ from the standard surgical procedures:
No cutting with a scalpell is required. The varicose vein is simply punctured as in phlebotomy for blood sampling.
Under ultrasound-control, a thin, flexible glas-fibre is inserted into the vein and used as a guide for the laser beam to reach the inner surface of the vein.
Within a few minutes, the fibre is removed and a pressure bandage is applied to the treated site.
You will have to wear a compression stocking for 1 week and also inject heparine for 8 days to prevent the risk of thrombosis.
Currents expertise with this technique and risks
In the US and in Europe several thousand patients have been treated via this endoluminal laser technique as described above. Both short term and mid term results do not differ significantly from the standard surgical procedures. However, long-term results are not available, yet. In rare cases (less than 1%) the immediate obliteration of the vein fails and a repeated tretament either by laser or surgery might be required. Risks are the same as for standard surgery.
As mentioned above, as there are no long-term results available, standard surgery might be required in some cases. However, even with the standard surgical procedure, 20% of the patients require another operation.
Patients with state health insurance are billed individually, while patients with private health insurance are covered by their health care provider and are billed according to GOÄ (regulations for physicians' fees).
Advantages
- Best cosmetic results as only a small puncture of the vein (Phlebotomy) is necessary
- Minimal bleeding into the tissue or skin
- Near normal mobility and functionality one day after the procedure
