Laser Treatment for Perforator Veins

The vascular system resembles a ladder. The veins closer to the skin are called the superficial veins and the veins closer to the nerves, bone and organs are called deep veins. The metaphorical rungs of this ladder are the perforator veins. Sometimes these veins become defective. Laser treatment for perforator veins is a new venture in medicine. While there are other, more developed treatments, modern technology is looking to lasers as a way to treat perforator veins.

Symptoms and Causes

• Varicose veins are a major symptom of perforator vein problems. Skin ulcers on the lower leg or ankle are sometimes reported. Causes for this disorder include heredity, being overweight, prolonged periods of standing or sitting, trauma to the body, pregnancy, advancing age or changes in hormonal levels.

Treatments

• Laser treatment for perforator veins is not yet approved for use and is still in the testing phases. However, there is much promise in laser treatment of defective perforator veins. A study at the University of Heidelberg in Germany found that after laser treatment of 67 perforator veins, 66 were occluded. The study concluded that the use of laser treatment for perforator veins is feasible.

  A study by Baskent University in Turkey found that after laser treatment on seven perforator veins, six were completely closed and one was halfway closed (partial treatment). After one month, the six veins remained closed.

  Because laser treatment is still in research phases, traditional treatments must still be discussed. The main form of treatment for larger perforator veins is via catheter. A needle is placed through the vein and the catheter brings the vein back to its original form. For smaller veins, a form of sclerotherapy under the guidance of an ultrasound is performed. A needle is placed in the vein and a small amount of foam sclerosant is injected. The sclerosant kills the vein; eventually, the body rids itself of the defective vein. Unlike sclerotherapy, laser treatment requires no breaking of the skin.

  Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) is an invasive surgery performed under general anesthesia. With this procedure, incisions are made in the skin and the veins are exposed from the muscle. The perforator veins are then closed off via special clamps. After this surgery, there will be bruising and discomfort as your incisions heal. Most patients return to work with in a week. Laser treatment would allow patients to return to work after treatment if needed.

Post-Op

• Patients of traditional treatment must wear compression stockings continuously for one week; after the first week, patients must wear compression stockings during the day for four weeks. All high-impact activities such as running, aerobics, tennis or other extensive exercising must be stopped for three weeks.

  With laser treatment, there are no major reported side effects and there is no need to wear compression stockings. Lasers are used in treating spider and varicose veins; the average side effects include redness near the treated site, looking like sunburn. Side effects of laser treatment for perforator veins mirror the side effects of laser treatment for other vein disorders.

  The research into laser treatment is still too early to observe long-term side effects. As of now, laser treatment appears to be a safe, easy and effective method for perforator vein treatment.