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Catheter Ablation - Overview
Catheter ablation has become a useful alternative method for the treatment of varicose veins. Catheter ablation of the veins damaged by venous reflux disease is a minimally invasive alternative to vein stripping. Instead of stripping the vein, the catheter is used to deliver energy that seals the vein shut.
Catheter ablation is not a procedure for every varicose vein or every patient with varicose veins. Catheter ablation is used most often to close suitable great saphenous veins (GSV) that are damaged by venous reflux disease. Other suitable veins, such as the lesser saphenous vein, accessory saphenous veins, and some perforator veins can also be treated.
The GSV usually cannot be seen by simply looking at the leg of a patient with varicose veins, although, it can often be the source of many of the varicosities in the affected leg(s). Its location (on the inside of the thigh from the groin to the ankle) and the role it plays in varicose vein formation can be shown with an ultrasound.
There are two different methods used to close the affected vein(s). The first is with radio-frequency (RF). Using ultrasound, your physician will position the Closure® catheter into the diseased vein through a small opening in the skin. The tiny catheter delivers radio-frequency energy to the vein wall. As the RF energy is delivered and the catheter is withdrawn, the vein wall closes and blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.
The second method is with Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). Again, the physician will use ultrasound to find the vein and insert a very small catheter into the affected vein. An energy source, such as laser fiber, is inserted through the catheter and fired to cause damage to the internal vein wall, causing it to seal shut.
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