Laser Ablation for Varicose Veins: How It Works & Benefits

Laser ablation is a relatively non-invasive procedure designed to treat varicose veins. Laser ablation is performed in a physician's office or ablation clinic, and takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

Procedure

• During a laser ablation procedure, a laser fiber is inserted directly into the vein, and gradually heats the vein lining. This heating process causes the vein to collapse, shrink and finally disappear.

Function

• The heat of the laser applied to the vein compromises the stability of the vein walls, causing the walls to collapse. After the walls have collapsed, the vein is unable to carry the large amounts of blood responsible for the appearance of varicose veins.

Safety

• Laser ablation is a safe, non-invasive procedure that destroys only damaged veins, unnecessary to the process of transporting blood from the heart to extremities. In fact, because these veins are already damaged, you can actually improve blood circulation by removing them.