Skip to main content

3 Types of Endovenous Ablation — Which Is Right for You?

3 Types of Endovenous Ablation — Which Is Right for You?

Varicose veins often affect the legs, creating blue or purple veins that can bulge and show through the translucent surface skin. A smaller cousin called spider veins may appear as red or blue web-like veins. These signs of a vein disorder can be warning signs of serious blood vessel issues, but often they’re cosmetic issues, as well.

There are three common techniques used to treat varicose and spider veins combined under the term endovenous ablation, removing tissue from treatment within the vein. Dr. Clement Banda of MD Vein & Skin Specialists routinely performs endovenous ablation as part of his expertise in vein health. Here’s what you should know about the 3 types of endovenous ablation used to treat varicose veins. 

How varicose veins develop

Veins become varicose when valves inside veins begin to fail. These valves normally prevent the backward flow of blood in veins, ensuring movement back to the heart. As they fail, blood can pool and stretch vein walls near the skin’s surface, creating the characteristic bulging and discoloration of varicose veins. This is usually most obvious in the legs, where veins work hardest against gravity. 

You may be at risk of developing varicose veins if you have one or more of these factors: 

Varicose veins can also result from leg injuries. While many patients have no other symptoms, it’s possible you may have sensations like itchiness and burning in your legs. Heavy aching legs, swelling in the lower legs, and cramping are also sometimes symptoms. 

3 types of endovenous ablation

Your body can revascularize itself, so superficial varicose veins can be removed without affecting your blood flow. While there are surgeries to physically remove varicose veins, endovenous ablation is the most common approach. Each of these three techniques causes veins to close completely. At that point, your body starts to get rid of the compromised tissue naturally.

Laser ablation

Laser light energy delivered by a fiber optic probe inserted into the vein through a tiny incision heats up the blood remaining in a varicose vein section. This heat creates scar tissue that blocks the vein, triggering the absorption of varicose vein tissue. 

Radiofrequency ablation

 Working on the same principle as laser ablation, the radiofrequency version uses a catheter that heats vein walls as it’s pulled through a varicose section. This, too, creates scar tissue to promote absorption. 

Sclerotherapy

Laser and radiofrequency methods use heat. Sclerotherapy uses a chemical irritant injected into the varicose vein to trigger the scarring process. Dr. Banda typically uses foam sclerotherapy for its greater efficiency versus liquid agents. 

The right ablation procedure depends on your condition. Dr. Banda prefers sclerotherapy for spider veins and smaller varicose veins, choosing laser ablation for larger veins. The best way to decide is to consult with Dr. Banda after a physical examination and a review of your symptoms. 

Call or click to schedule your appointment with MD Vein & Skin Specialists. Treatment now means improved leg appearance by the time warm weather returns. Book your visit now. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Here's How You Can Play a Role in Preventing Vein Disease

Your veins, tasked with returning blood to the heart and lungs, have a unique design that helps them work against gravity. Diseases of the veins can allow the pooling of blood, a condition that creates further problems, usually in your legs.

Lesser-Known Facts About Skin Cancer

You may know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting Americans and that melanoma is the most serious. However, you might not know there are many types of skin cancer, including those that happen without sun exposure.

Is That Mole Cancerous?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Melanoma is the most aggressive type, forming in skin pigment cells, such as those found in moles. While most moles are harmless, there are signs when cancer hits.

9 Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Varicose Veins

While varicose veins usually aren’t a sign of serious health issues, their dark, twisted, and gnarly appearance makes them a cosmetic issue that destroys the smooth skin tone on your legs. You can make changes to reduce your risk of this condition.

Our Top Tips to Help You Reduce Your Skin Cancer Risk

The out-of-control cell growth that defines cancer strikes the skin more often than anywhere else in your body. While early detection often leads to successful treatment, there are also steps you can take to lower your skin cancer risk.

Itchy Skin from Vein Disease: What You Need to Know

Itchy skin on your lower legs may simply be from dryness. However, if you have risk factors for vein diseases, itchiness could be a symptom, especially when accompanied by skin discoloration or swelling. Here’s what you need to know.