Heat Closure Treatment for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen, superficial veins that have lost their ability to efficiently move oxygen-depleted blood from the body back to the heart. Heat closure treatment is one method of repairing these veins.

The Facts

• According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, varicose veins occur when the walls of veins are weakened or when valves inside veins fail to prevent blood from abnormally reversing its flow.

Heat Closure Basics

• Heat closure uses laser or radiofrequency energy to close and destroy varicose veins from the inside. The procedure is also known as endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation.

The Beginning of Treatment

• At the beginning of ablation, doctors insert a hollow tube called a catheter into the affected vein. Using ultrasound images, they direct the catheter to the treatment site.

Closing the Vein

• Once the catheter is in place, laser fibers or a radiofrequency electrode are passed through its interior. At the treatment site, these devices generate significant heat, forcing the affected vein to close and stopping its flow of blood.

Considerations

• Varicose vein heat treatments take roughly one hour and are frequently done on an outpatient basis. In some cases, a hospital stay may be required.