Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins beneath the skin that develop as a result of venous insufficiency. Apart from causing pain, their appearance is also a cosmetic concern for many people. If left untreated, symptoms may worsen and other problems such as ulcers, blood clots, and even deep vein thrombosis, a life-threatening condition, may develop.
Learn More: Everything you Need to Know About Varicose Veins
Vascular disease can be treated via a number of techniques. One of the most common treatments is endovascular surgery, which is a less invasive option than open surgery that many vascular surgeons may recommend. They offer many benefits, such as a quicker recovery time. But like all medical procedures, endovascular surgery also has its risks.
What is Endovascular Surgery?
Endovascular surgery is an innovative, less invasive procedure used to treat problems affecting the blood vessels, such as aneurysm and varicose veins, by making small incisions to access the affected vein with long and thin tubes called catheters. It can be performed to remove blood clots, improve blood flow, and repair blood vessels to reduce the risk of damage to the brain, heart, limbs, and lungs.
Endovascular surgery can also be performed with different tools to treat other conditions. Varicose veins are just one of the many conditions an endovascular surgery can treat. Other problems include atherosclerosis, carotid artery disease, deep vein thrombosis and peripheral artery disease.
In varicose vein treatment, the surgery aims to reduce or stop the backward flow of blood through a procedure known as ClosureFastTM. It is a consistent and controlled treatment option that delivers positive patient experiences.
This procedure is significantly less invasive as compared to vein stripping, which involves making multiple incisions and pulling the affected vein out of the leg. It is also reported to have produced improvements in the quality of life up to four times faster than in patients treated with endovenous laser ablation.
What to Expect?
Before the vascular surgeon performs the procedure, they will do a physical examination and may have you go through tests such as a vascular ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications.
The ClosureFastTM procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Using ultrasound, your vascular surgeon will make a small opening in the skin and position the catheter into the diseased vein to deliver heat to the vein wall. This causes it to shrink and the vein to seal closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will reroute itself to other healthy veins.
Following the procedure, a simple bandage will be placed over the insertion site and additional compression may be provided to promote healing. Your doctor may encourage you to walk while refraining from extended standing and strenuous activities for a period of time. Typically, patients may resume normal activities within a few days, depending on your condition.
Proven Outcomes
Studies have shown that with this treatment, relief of symptoms will occur within two days and improvements are noticeable after one to two weeks. ClosureFastTM produces less pain than a laser outpatient procedure and grants a much faster recovery.
Recovery
Patients treated with this procedure may resume normal activities much faster than patients who undergo vein stripping or laser ablation, typically within a few days. A few weeks after your treatment, the doctor may recommend a regular walking regimen. Most patients also report no swelling or bruising after recovery.
Cheng SC Vein and Endovascular Clinic in Singapore is led by a team of highly trained and qualified healthcare professionals with the expertise to help resolve and manage vascular conditions. Book your medical appointment with us today.