Endovenous ablation is performed to close off damaged blood vessels and force healthy blood vessels to take over the transportation of blood to the area. It is typically used to treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
Endovenous ablation is a catheter-guided procedure. The catheter is placed into your vein and guided to the far end of the damaged vein. Once it is in place, a laser or a radiofrequency emitter is fed through the catheter to reach the damaged vein. It is allowed to protrude from the catheter, and it begins to seal off the vein. The catheter is then slowly drawn out of the vein, sealing it off as it goes.
The ablated vein will be reabsorbed by the body, and blood flow will be diverted to healthy veins in the area.
The only difference between radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation is the method that is used to close off the vein.
- Radiofrequency ablation uses a mild and painless radiofrequency energy, similar to the microwaves that you use to heat your food, to destroy the blood vessel and cause it close.
- Laser ablation uses a laser to destroy the blood vessel and cause it to close.