Treatment & Procedure for Varicose Veins

What are your varicose veins treatment options?
Traditional treatment has been surgical removal of the saphenous vein with a procedure called surgical ligation and stripping. This procedure requires general anesthesia and a long recovery period with immobility and pain. Other options include conservative treatment with compression stockings, sclerotherapy and radio frequency ablation. Laser Vein Ablation (LVA) is the safest most advanced treatment for varicose veins with the highest success rate and longest durability.

How is the Laser Vein Ablation (LVA) procedure performed?
The vascular specialist applies a local anesthetic to the skin, then inserts a thin catheter into the vein through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee. Using imaging guidance, the catheter is guided up the saphenous vein in the thigh. Then laser energy is applied to the inside of the vein, heating and shrinking the vein walls, causing them to seal the faulty vein so blood cannot flow through it. By closing the saphenous vein, the varicose veins shrink and improve in appearance.

Who should have the procedure?
Anyone suffering from unappealing or symptomatic varicose veins will benefit from the procedure. The procedure is not only aesthetic but also relieves pain and discomfort caused by varicose veins.

Who will perform the procedure?
LVA is performed by one of Saddleback Memorial and Orange Coast Memorial’s vascular specialists, Dr. L.C. Arora. Dr. Arora has over ten years of experience and expertise in treating disorders of the blood vessels.

Will my insurance cover Laser Vein Ablation (LVA)?
Based on medical necessity to relieve symptoms of varicose veins, insurance may cover the procedure. Check your policy and call your insurance provider to find out what their exact coverage will be.

Who is at risk for varicose veins?
Risk factors include age, family history, female gender and pregnancy. In women, pregnancy is one of the most common factors that accelerate the development of varicose veins. Additional factors that may speed or worsen varicose veins include obesity, prolonged standing or physical trauma to the lower limbs. It is estimated that 25 percent of women and 15 percent of men suffer from varicose veins.