Non-Surgical Varicose Vein Treatments
What is Non-Surgical Varicose Vein Treatment?
Non-surgical varicose vein treatment refers to all methods that do not require surgery or an incision in the skin. When discussing non-surgical varicose vein treatments, the methods used to treat larger veins—Laser, Radiofrequency, and Adhesive (Glue) techniques—are included, as these procedures are performed with a single needle entry directly into the vein.
All varicose veins can be treated with non-surgical methods, which are effective and safe for both early and advanced stages of varicose veins.
Treatment Methods
Under local anesthesia, a catheter (Laser, Radiofrequency, or Adhesive) is placed into the vein and guided to the top of the targeted vein. The closure process is then initiated by applying heat (Laser, Radiofrequency) or glue, while the catheter is gradually withdrawn, sealing the vein completely.
Today, non-surgical varicose vein treatments are more effective, comfortable, and safer than surgical alternatives. The success rates of Laser, Radiofrequency, and Adhesive methods are similar, with a very low chance of recurrence. Patients treated with these methods can return to their normal activities quickly.
How Each Treatment Method Works
Laser and Radiofrequency methods close the targeted vein by generating high heat inside it. The Adhesive (Glue) method, however, closes the vein by creating polymerization, which bonds the vein walls together without the use of heat. Since Laser and Radiofrequency are thermal procedures, tumescent anesthesia is used to protect the surrounding fat and skin tissue. The Adhesive method does not require this anesthesia, making it a quicker and simpler procedure.
Steps in Non-Surgical Varicose Vein Treatment
In all non-surgical treatments, an entry is made into the target vein with a fine needle. Doppler ultrasound examination is a crucial step, as it helps identify any vein leakage and ensures precise treatment. The procedure is typically performed in a specialized varicose vein treatment room, which may be a regular treatment room or an operating room.
Usually, general anesthesia is not required; however, the entry point may be numbed with local anesthesia for complete comfort. Additionally, sedative and pain-relieving medications (sedation analgesia) may be given to ensure patient comfort. This approach is both safe and effective, allowing for a painless treatment experience.
Regardless of the non-surgical varicose vein treatment method chosen, the process begins with a fine needle entry into the vein to be closed. The main source vein is then sealed using the Laser, Radiofrequency, or Adhesive technique. For visible varicose veins, a procedure called “mini phlebectomy” is performed under local anesthesia to remove these veins.