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Laser coagulation of blood vessels is a minimally invasive intervention. It is based on thermal damage to the vessel wall with thermal energy with a certain dose. Removal of the vein is not the goal of this method. A special light guide has a thermal effect, is inserted into the vessel and releases a pulse. It is absorbed by the blood cells and then quickly converted into heat. The purpose of the operation is to eliminate the expansion of the venous bed. The indication for laser coagulation is the presence of varicose veins.
Varicose veins is a very insidious disease, since for a long time it does not bring any complaints, except for aesthetic inconvenience. It is worth consulting a phlebologist if you have the following complaints: pain in the legs; itching, cramps of the calf muscles, aching legs; swelling, feeling of fullness and heaviness; an increase in tortuous veins protruding above the level of the skin; dryness and further appearance of brown pigmentation areas; telangiectasia – “spider veins”.
The beginning of any problems with the vessels can be found quickly: in the evening, heaviness in the legs and a feeling of fullness are seriously disturbing. At the moment when the legs get tired, I want to lie down, raise them above the level of the body, because this brings relief. In the future, severe swelling appears.
The main advantages of the procedure
It is worth saying that the procedure has a large number of advantages compared to conventional surgery, namely: minimally invasive and painless; no need for general anesthesia; hospitalization is not needed – it is possible to perform the procedure on an outpatient basis; trophic ulcers can be treated; it is allowed to carry out the manipulation several times; fast recovery period.
The procedure is not performed if the vein is dilated by more than 10 mm, or if the vein is too tortuous and dilated. The operation will be technically impossible and inefficient as a result. In addition, this procedure can be used to treat hemangiomas (benign neoplasms of the vascular system) and telangiectasias (“spider veins”).
Treatment is recommended for those patients who have a small number of varicose tributaries, trophic changes in the lower leg with varicose veins, trophic ulcers, and disruption of the venous valves.
If we talk about contraindications to the procedure, then there are a considerable number of them. Most often, the operation has to be canceled or postponed due to the presence of inflammatory diseases (especially skin), a history of thrombosis, obesity, infectious, oncological and hematological diseases.
Preparation for the procedure
Before carrying out laser coagulation, it is necessary to undergo the following set of examinations:
- general and biochemical blood and urine tests;
- coagulogram;
- ECG;
- blood for markers of infectious diseases;
- fluorography;
- examination by a therapist, for women – examination by a gynecologist;
- Ultrasound of peripheral arteries and veins of one limb.
The patient must inform the doctor that he is taking hormonal drugs, or, if this is a woman, about the phase of his cycle. Do not neglect such things. Before undergoing the procedure, you must stop using certain medications (tell your doctor if you are taking hormonal drugs). You should also take a hygienic shower, give up bad habits two days before and after the procedure.
It is forbidden to carry out hair removal before the procedure, use creams and lotions. It is advisable to eat 1 hour before the procedure. Following these recommendations will make the procedure as effective as possible.
The doctor must necessarily consult and acquaint you with the rules of preparation.
The essence of the method
Under the control of an ultrasound probe in a vertical position, a mark is made at the site of the procedure. Next, local anesthesia is injected, and after that, a vein is punctured through a small puncture with a special catheter and a laser light guide enters.
The next step is to administer anesthesia to the areas around the modified vein. It provides painlessness and protects surrounding tissues from burns.
After that, the radiation is turned on and the reverse movement of the laser is carried out. Dilated ducts are sclerosed or removed. Compression stockings must be worn after the operation.
Postoperative period
A very important stage is the postoperative period, because the health of the veins and the rapid improvement of well-being depend on it.
The following tips must be followed:
- walking for an hour or two;
- secondary consultation with ultrasound examination in 2-3 days;
- the compression bandage is not removed for 5 days, then for 1-2 months it is worn only for daytime;
- for several weeks, it is necessary to avoid increased stress on the lower limbs, and also try not to visit baths, saunas and hot baths.
After laser coagulation of vessels, redness may form at the site of exposure, which should disappear in about two days. Sometimes bruises, swelling and crusts form on the surface of the skin. Under no circumstances should the crusts be torn off.
They should fall off on their own within two weeks. Only in this case, infection and scarring can be avoided. In order to avoid postoperative complications, the puncture site should be regularly treated with Panthenol and Bepanthen (approximately five to six times a day).
Most often, one procedure is enough to eliminate the problem, but there are cases when the vessel is removed in one place and appears nearby. The total number of procedures for laser coagulation of blood vessels can vary from two to six, everything directly depends on the size of the formation. Between procedures it is important to maintain the interval correctly, they can not be carried out more often than once a month.