Duke's physicians offer endovenous laser treatment for vericose veins at our state-of-the-art Duke Aesthetics Center in Durham, North Carolina. 

Endovenous laser treatment, also known as ablation, uses targeted laser or radio frequency energy to treat vericose veins by sealing the vein shut to help you look and feel better fast. The procedure provides:

• Decreased probabilty of developing stasis ulcers
• Relief from leg heaviness
• An improvement in general health
• A sense of well-being
• Confidence to bare your legs in the summer
• Confidence and desire to wear shorts/dresses again
• Desire to renew sporting activities
• Renewed energy and vigor

Procedure Details

The endovenous ablation procedure is a revolutionary, minimally invasive laser or radio frequency treatment for treating varicose veins with no scarring.

The energy damages the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates vein bulging at its source. After the treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.

The procedure usually only takes about 45 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.

Recovery

There is less than a one percent chance of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from endovenous ablation. This can occur at the common femoral vein which is where the greater saphenous vein enters the deep venous system.

Numbness may also occur in a small number of cases and on rare occasions can be permanent. It is common to experience pain around the inside area of the knee, which can last up to seven days following the procedure.

The procedure leaves no scars, has minimal postoperative pain, a quick recovery period, and provides almost immediate relief from your symptoms.

Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged.

Minor soreness and bruising can be treated with over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) as needed (i.e. Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve).

How Long Will the Results Last?

Published clinical studies show that endovenous ablation has a 98 percent initial success rate with excellent long-term results.

Risks

There are no risks from the treatment, but when using the laser for EVLT, special glasses will be provided as a precaution against accidental firing of laser energy outside the body.

Alternatives

• Surgical treatment: Traditionally faulty saphenous veins have been treated with surgical ligation and stripping. This involves at least two surgical incisions in order to tie off and pull out the faulty vein and is usually performed under general anesthesia.
• Minimally invasive: Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (injection therapy) involves an irritant chemical that is injected into the vein followed by tight compression. This treatment is limited in the size of vein which can be treated and has a high recurrence rate frequently requiring re-treatment. However, it is excellent for cosmetic treatment of small veins and to treat any visible veins remaining after endovenous ablation. 

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Lawson, Jeffrey H.
  • Surgery / General Surgery
• Shortell, Cynthia E.K.
  • Surgery / General Surgery

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Aesthetic Center
  3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705