Vein Services

Endovenous Thermal Ablation

Treatment

What is Endovenous Thermal Energy Treatment?

Varicose veins are typically large and bulging veins that can be a significant cosmetic concern. However, since the problem is with veins below the surface, varicose veins are not always visible. The problem arises when your vein valves become damaged and are unable to close correctly, which causes blood to pool, making once healthy veins swollen and, in some cases, painful. While varicose veins can be a serious cosmetic concern because they can prevent you from confidently showing off your legs, they can develop into a medical issue too. Inflammation, skin discoloration and ulcers can all develop if varicose veins are not treated soon enough. Thankfully, the unsightly veins can be treated with endovenous thermal ablation, removing them and preventing them from becoming a more troubling issue.

Endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) is a minimally invasive procedure that can successfully treat your varicose veins, allowing your skin to be smoothed of the large, bulging veins. The treatment is virtually painless and quick. We are conveniently located just past the Knoxville Airport. So if you suffer from varicose veins, please contact Tennessee Vein Center at (865) 233-5858, or visit our contact page.

What is Endovenous Thermal Energy Treatment?
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous Laser Treatment

What is Endovenous Thermal Ablation?

EVTA is a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided method for treating varicose veins, utilizing either laser or radiofrequency energy. The energy is delivered through a fine optical fiber that is inserted into the underlying abnormal vein. This in-office treatment is performed with only local anesthesia and can bring rapid improvement of any symptoms associated with varicose veins or venous insufficiency. The goal of thermal is to treat the underlying abnormal veins with the broken valves. The energy heats the vein at the optical fiber’s tip, causing the abnormal vein to close. Blood is rerouted to the normal functioning veins. With time, the abnormal vein treated by thermal energy is broken down and reabsorbed by the body. The procedure takes less than one hour, and you can walk out and resume most of your normal daily activities.

What are the advantages of Endovenous Thermal Ablation?

  • No vein stripping – No surgery!
  • Immediate return to most normal activities
  • It is an in-office procedure – No hospitalization!
  • Thermal energy has a 98% success rate
  • Walk in and walk out in about an hour!
  • Rapid recovery with minimal post-procedure pain
  • A nearly pain-free procedure
  • Only requires local anesthesia
  • The procedure is covered by most medical insurance
  • No scalpels, no incisions, and no unsightly scars

Who is a good Endovenous Thermal Ablation candidate?

EVTA is a suitable treatment for men and women of any skin tone that suffers from varicose veins. The procedure is perfect for you if your varicose veins are a medical issue. However, some contraindications can prevent you from receiving the treatment. Patients that are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised not to consider having EVTA performed. Compression stockings need to be worn during the healing phase after EVTA is performed.

We will assess your condition and health during an initial consultation to ensure that EVTA is an appropriate procedure.

Varicose Veins Treatment with Radiofrequency Ablation or Obliteration
Varicose Veins Treatment with Radiofrequency Ablation or Obliteration

What should I expect during an Endovenous Thermal Ablation Treatment?

The first step in evaluating varicose veins or symptoms suggestive of venous insufficiency is to schedule a medical consultation with Tennessee Vein Center. As part of the consultation, we will determine if full evaluation with duplex venous ultrasound (venous mapping) is appropriate and if you are a candidate for treatment. Insurers will require a documented trial of conservative treatment before approving the procedure. On the day of the procedure, you should:

  • Avoid the use of lotion on the legs
  • Wear or bring a pair of loose-fitting shorts (We can provide disposable shorts if needed)
  • Bring your compression hose
  • Drink plenty of water on the day of treatment and eat normal meals

Remember, it is OK to eat on the day of the procedure, but you may want to avoid eating a heavy meal just before treatment, and you may want to consider a light snack if it has been several hours since you last ate.

What should I expect after an Endovenous Thermal Ablation Treatment?

  • Immediately after the procedure, you will be asked to put on your compression hose and walk or cycle for 10 minutes.
  • You need to wear your medical-grade compression hose for up to 7 days after the procedure or until your follow-up ultrasound has been performed. Compression hose helps your circulation and serves to reduce swelling, reduce inflammation, reduce complications, and speed healing.
  • During this healing process walking and normal daily activities are strongly encouraged.
  • Complications from the treatment are extremely rare.
  • Bruising, minor soreness, and a feeling of tightness are normal and will pass.
  • If needed, the mild discomfort can be relieved by an over the counter pain reliever.
  • A follow-up ultrasound will be scheduled and needs to be performed between 3-7 days following the procedure.
  • Extremely strenuous activities should be avoided for a few days after the procedure.
  • Extremely strenuous activities should be avoided for a few days after the procedure.

Thermal energy treats the source of varicose veins and takes the pressure off of the visible varicose veins, allowing sclerotherapy treatment to be much more effective. Most patients will require sclerotherapy treatments to address the entire problem comprehensively.

Treat your Varicose Veins with Endovenous Thermal Ablation at Tennessee Vein Center

Blood can begin to pool if your veins become damaged, leading to large, rope-like veins that protrude from your skin, known as varicose veins. These displeasing veins can be stressful to live with as they can prevent you from wearing your favorite clothing and keep you from showing off your legs. What’s worse is that if left untreated, varicose veins can develop into a severe medical condition. The bulging veins can result in swelling, pain, skin discoloration and, eventually, ulcers. If you suffer from varicose veins, don’t let them get to that point. Have them treated with endovenous thermal ablation at Tennessee Vein Center.

Tennessee Vein Center is home to specialists in all things related to vein health. Dr. Keith Campbell specializes in phlebology and is dual certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Under his supervision and guidance, your venous issues can be successfully treated. If you suffer from varicose veins or are concerned about your veins in any matter, please contact us at (865) 233-5858, or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.

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