How Vascular Radiology Can Be Used To Treat Your Varicose Veins

The field of vascular radiology makes it possible for doctors to perform minimally invasive surgeries. Vascular radiology, which is also known as interventional radiology, uses imaging equipment for guidance during surgery. The surgeon operates through a small incision while watching a video monitor rather than creating a large incision to see inside your body. This type of treatment is often used for varicose veins. Endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive procedure your doctor may suggest if you have varicose veins that cause discomfort or if you just want to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons. This is how the procedure works.

Endovenous Ablation Relies On Ultrasound Images

Various types of imaging techniques can be used in vascular radiology such as ultrasound, CT scan, X-ray, and fluoroscopy. The technique used depends on the composition of the area. For instance, X-rays work well on your lungs since they are filled with air while an ultrasound works better on your legs since the tissue is more dense. The ultrasound wand is rubbed on the surface of your leg to send sound waves into your tissues that bounce back and create video images your doctor can see on a monitor. This allows the doctor to see the veins in your leg so laser fibers can be inserted through your skin and directed inside a varicose vein.

The Doctor Works Through A Tiny Incision

The advantage to using vascular radiology for varicose vein treatment is that it only requires a tiny incision. Because of that, it can often be done as an outpatient and it has a minimal recovery period. The doctor needs to make a small incision to insert a catheter into your leg. The catheter is then passed into a varicose vein so a tiny laser fiber can be slipped through the catheter and into the vein. Laser energy is applied as the catheter and fiber are withdrawn.

This procedure is repeated for each vein being treated. It doesn't matter how deep the veins are because your doctor can clearly see them and tell which veins need to be treated by watching the video monitor as the ultrasound transducer wand is rubbed along your leg. You'll be given a local anesthetic so the procedure isn't painful. The incision is so small that it doesn't need stitches and it won't leave a scar when it heals.

The laser energy causes the veins to close off and be absorbed by the body. If your varicose veins gave you discomfort, you may feel relief right away. However, it often takes several weeks for the veins to disappear and improve the appearance of your legs. Many surgical procedures have been adapted to use vascular radiology techniques since it has so many benefits over traditional surgeries that required large incisions and long recovery periods. Vascular radiology makes it much easier to undergo treatment for varicose veins.

Get in touch with a company like DeSoto Memorial Hospital to learn more.