Laser treatment for varicose veins

Laser treatment for varicose veins is becoming a popular option for patients who have not found traditional methods effective. This procedure uses heat from a laser to close off the affected veins, offering a less invasive alternative to older surgical techniques.

Michel's experience with varicose veins

Michel, a 77-year-old man, has suffered from varicose veins for over fifteen years. He tried sclerotherapy, which involved injecting a solution to block the vein, but his symptoms returned, especially in hot weather, causing severe foot swelling and difficulty wearing shoes.

The laser treatment procedure

Michel recently underwent laser treatment at a vascular surgery clinic. The procedure involved marking the vein, administering local anesthesia, and using a Doppler ultrasound to guide the insertion of a probe along the vein's length, with laser pulses applied at regular intervals to close it.

Recovery and future treatment

The laser treatment took less than an hour, with an hour of recovery afterward. Michel was able to walk on his own after the procedure and will need to wear compression stockings for about twenty days. He is also scheduled for another operation on his right leg in a few weeks.

Advancements in varicose vein treatment

Dr. Christine Fiscel-Martin, a vascular and angiologist, noted that thermal ablation is now the primary treatment for varicose veins. This method has largely replaced older surgeries like stripping, which involved physically removing the vein. Other options include sclerotherapy or echo-sclerotherapy, with the choice depending on the patient's specific condition.