Information for patients preparing for endovenous ablation and for after treatment

This animated explainer video talks about the technique of endothermal ablation of the long saphenous vein. Endothermal ablation refers to the use of heat energy to treat the vein from the inside and cause it to block. The two main forms of endothermal ablation use either laser or radio frequency energy to treat the inside of the vein.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally-invasive procedure used to treat symptomatic varicose veins. A catheter probe is inserted into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance and high-frequency laser waves are directed at the affected segment in order to seal it shut. It is indicated in patients with documented reflux and evidence of symptomatic venous disease, despite a minimum of 3 months of medical therapy.

This animated explainer video talks about the non-thermal. (non-heat energy) based techniques for ablation (destruction) of varicose veins. These techniques are different from the thermal techniques (laser and radiofrequency) in that they use alternative techniques to block the veins.

This is a form of endogenous ablation for the treatment of refluxing varicose veins. Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) uses heat generated from radio-frequency waves to treat varicose veins. The superficial veins in the leg (Long or Short Saphenous veins) are entered with ultrasound guidance and a radio-frequency catheter inserted along the length of the vein. The heat energy is delivered to the walls of the vein to to cause it to closes up. Blood flow is redirected through healthy veins. It can be done under local or general anaesthetic.

This 49 years old lady suffering from varicose veins was admitted as a day case for left long saphenous vein endovenous ablation and multiple phlebectomies under local anaesthesia for symptomatic varicose veins. This procedure removes the faulty vein from the circulation by causing it to block. The procedure works by damaging the lining of the vein with heat caused by a radio frequency element introduced into the vein. The visible varicose veins in the leg are removed by making tiny incisions and pulling them out of the body (multiple phlebectomies/ stab avulsions).

This 46 years old gentleman suffered from both legs varicose veins causing discomfort, pain and swelling. He shares his story about the treatment for this condition. He takes medications for diabetes type 2. Following clinical appointment, he had venous duplex scan of both legs, which showed incompetent superficial veins. He was seen in the clinic with the scan results and treatment options were discussed with him. He agreed for minimally invasive endovenous ablation, which was performed by Mr Jaffer under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure. Recovery was uneventful.