Endovenous Laser
The revolutionary CoolTouch CTEV
For years vein specialists have been searching for the best way to eliminate varicose veins. Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy blocks the blood going into varicose veins, providing long-term relief of vein symptoms. However, the vein still has a small chance of reforming and, at some stage, becoming a problem again. So wouldn't it be great to get rid of the vein completely?
Some years ago, a device was developed that used radiofrequency energy to destroy the inside lining of large varicose veins. While it worked well and long-term results have been excellent, the treatment was quite slow and expensive (the cost of each radiofrequency fibre was more than $1000). But the idea of trying to destroy the inner lining of the varicose vein was a good one.
Lasers have been used for a long time to treat medical problems. So why not large veins? Medical lasers come in many forms, using various light frequencies, depending on their objective. Lasers used to reduce facial veins use wavelengths of around 550nm – the light heats the blood pigment, which in turn heats the walls of the small blood vein, destroying it. But this is a two-stage process – blood is heated and then the vein wall is heated. It would be much better to heat the vein wall directly.
The CoolTouch CTEV laser does just this. Laser light at 1320nm is absorbed by the water in the cells that line the vein wall. The result is that the vein is destroyed by damaging only the small amount of the vein wall necessary to close it off. This means less bruising, less discomfort and an almost instant ‘vanishing’ of the vein.
Clinical studies show that this form of treatment is the best long-term solution to treat large varicose veins. The Alia Clinic has performed more than 1000 CoolTouch CTEV laser procedures with an extremely high (98 per cent) closure rate and a very high degree of patient satisfaction. The treatment is quick and requires limited time off work. Also no sedation or general anaesthetic is required, so you can walk straightaway after the treatment or drive home.
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Q&A – CoolTouch CTEV endovenous laser treatment
Is the treatment painful?
Minor. To numb the area being treated, a special local anaesthetic solution is placed around the vein. It takes just a few minutes for the anaesthetic to work and then the laser is pain free.
Is endovenous laser treatment better than sclerotherapy and surgery?
Yes. Generally the vein disappears and appears less likely to reform. There is also less inflammation and much less potential pigmentation of the skin.
Does it take long?
The CoolTouch CTEV treatment of the vein takes less than an hour from start to finish.
Can all large veins be treated with the CoolTouch CTEV laser ?
Usually only veins at the top of the leg (the great saphenous vein) and the vein behind the knee (the small saphenous vein) are suitable for endovenous laser treatment. The veins are usually greater than 6mm in diameter and quite straight. If this is not the case, then Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is the treatment of choice. This will also mean that some of the smaller and branch veins leading off the large veins will need UGS treatment, but they are easier to treat when the pressure of the large vessels above them has been removed. First session consists of Laser and UGS. The second session is UGS alone
Are there any side effects from using the CoolTouch CTEV?
Generally very few – less than Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) and much less than surgery. Some bruising is possible and there may be a slight dragging sensation for a few weeks in the area treated. Complications, such as skin pigmentation, appear to be much less of a problem than with UGS.
Is it expensive?
Endovenous laser treatment using the CoolTouch CTEV does cost more than Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS). And although varicose veins are a medical problem, endovenous laser is not at present covered by Medicare. While it is a superior form of treatment, the out-of-pocket expenses between endovenous laser and UGS may well be greater. For more information about the costs you may expect, complete the Online Vein consultation and we will respond with an estimate. At the time of your consultation and ultrasound to determine the extent of your vein problem, you will be given a quote for the total cost of your treatment.
What happens after treatment?
As for sclerotherapy, specially designed hosiery must be worn on the treated leg following each treatment. This is fitted at the time of treatment and is worn until two weeks after the last treatment session.
Walking is important right after a treatment, usually for 30 minutes. However, strenuous exercise, even aerobics and yoga, must be avoided as it can increase the pressure in the treated veins and disrupt the healing process. A few short-term lifestyle adjustments must be made to get the best from your treatment.
How do I find out more about this vein treatment or have it done?
The easiest way to see if you can benefit from endovenous laser treatment is to complete the Online Vein consultation and we will respond as soon as possible with answers to your questions. You can also call the Alia Clinic on (02) 99061555 to make an appointment for a free consultation. If you would like more information on the CoolTouch CTEV laser, please download the brochure.
The before and after images on this page have not been manipulated or enhanced in any way. As every person is different with differing levels of vein problems, there is no guarantee that you will experience similar results to those shown here. Please arrange a consultation with one of the experienced team at Alia Clinic to determine what you can realistically expect from having vein treatment.
Read more about Varicose Veins
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