Minimally invasive endovenous procedures

According to international guidelines, endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation are the first-line treatments for trunk vein insufficiency before considering open surgery. 

In our practice, the treatment of diseased veins is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. 

In thermal treatment procedures (laser or radiofrequency ablation), the applied heat leads to a scar-like contraction and eventually to the complete obliteration of the treated vein.

• Laser ablation
  

  The closure of the diseased vein occurs through heat generated by the laser energy. The radially emitted energy, combined with the continuous withdrawal of the catheter, leads to damage to the vein. This results in a scar-like contraction of the vein, eventually leading to its complete dissolution.

• Radiofrequency ablation
  

  In radiofrequency ablation, the closure of the diseased vein also occurs through heat. The catheter consists of a 7 cm or 3 cm long heating coil that is insulated. The vein is obliterated segmentally. The closed vein is then remodeled by the body through scar tissue formation.

The costs of endovenous thermal procedures such as laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation have been covered by basic insurance since 2016.