Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Endovenous Ablation
Endovenous ablation is a procedure that seals off an abnormally enlarged leg vein (varicose vein). This procedure uses heat from radiofrequency waves or a laser to close off the affected vein. This procedure leaves the vein in place, so there is minimal pain and bruising.
Closing off the vein can help reduce symptoms by preventing the pooling of blood that causes varicose veins. This procedure may be done if the vein is causing pain, swelling, sores on the skin (ulcers), or skin discoloration.
Tell a health care provider about:
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Any allergies you have.
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All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
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Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
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Any bleeding problems you have.
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Any surgeries you have had.
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Any medical conditions you have or have had.
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Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What are the risks?
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Infection.
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Bleeding.
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Allergic reactions to medicines.
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Damage to nearby structures.
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Numbness or tingling along the leg. This is uncommon, and it is usually temporary.
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Vein swelling. This is usually temporary.
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Blood clots that form in a deep vein of the leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) and can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism, or PE). This is very rare.
What happens before the procedure?
When to stop eating and drinking
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8 hours before your procedure
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Stop eating most foods. Do not eat meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
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Eat only light foods, such as toast or crackers.
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All liquids are okay except energy drinks and alcohol.
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6 hours before your procedure
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Stop eating.
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Drink only clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, plain tea, and sports drinks.
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Do not drink energy drinks or alcohol.
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2 hours before the procedure
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Stop drinking all liquids.
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You may be allowed to take medicines with small sips of water.
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If you do not follow your health care provider’s instructions, your procedure may be delayed or canceled.
Medicines
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Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
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Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
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Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
General instructions
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You may have blood tests to make sure that your blood can clot normally.
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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Plan to have a responsible adult take you home from the hospital or clinic.
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If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have a responsible adult care for you for the time you are told. This is important.
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Ask your health care provider what steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These may include:
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Removing hair at the procedure site.
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Washing skin with a germ-killing soap.
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What happens during the procedure?
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You will lie on an exam table.
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An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
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You will be given one or more of the following:
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A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
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A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
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A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
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Your health care provider will use an imaging tool that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to show images of your leg veins and to mark the skin over the target treatment vein.
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A small incision will be made near the area that will be treated. A thin tube (catheter) will be slipped through the incision and into the vein.
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Your health care provider will inject a solution of salt water and anesthetic agent along the length of the vein to be treated.
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Electrodes or laser fibers will be passed through the catheter and into the vein.
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Radiofrequency or laser energy will be sent through the electrodes or laser fibers to burn the vein. This seals off the vein.
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The electrodes, laser fibers, and catheter will be removed from the vein.
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A bandage (dressing) will be placed over the incision.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
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Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level may be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
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You may have to wear compression stockings. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
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You will be encouraged to walk around right after the procedure.
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If you were given a sedative during the procedure, it can affect you for several hours. Do not drive or operate machinery until your health care provider says that it is safe.
Summary
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Endovenous ablation is a procedure that seals off an abnormally enlarged leg vein (varicose vein).
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about changing or stopping your medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking before the procedure.
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Plan to have a responsible adult take you home from the hospital or clinic.
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After the procedure, you may have to wear compression stockings, and you will be encouraged to walk around right away.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
