Dr. Ali Yurtlak - Thermal Ablation Treatments #draliyurtlak #varicose #trending #thermalablationtreatments Thermal Ablation Treatments; There are two types of ablation methods for varicose veins. Two different energy types are used in these two methods. -LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) treatment method has been developed with this energy source. Here, the energy source is obtained with the LASER generator. -RF (Radiofrequency) method; It is a newer treatment method compared to laser. Here, radiofrequency energy is used instead of laser energy. The application methods and clinical effects of this method are equal to LASER. Laser and radiofrequency (RF) ablation methods are similar to each other. Under the guidance of Doppler ultrasonography, the superficial vein called the great saphenous vein is found below the knee level and this area is locally anesthetized. A needle is entered into the vein from the anesthetized area and a plastic sheath is placed. Laser or RF catheters are advanced through this sheath to the groin area. The groin area is observed with ultrasonography to ensure that the catheter tip does not approach the deep vein junction more than 2-3 cm. After the correct location is found, high heat is generated within the vein with LASER or RF energy, causing the vein to contract and close. Since heat is generated within the body in both of these methods and will cause damage to the surrounding tissue outside the vein, 200-300 cc of local anesthetic fluid, which we call tumescence anesthesia, is injected around the vein for both pain relief and to protect the surrounding tissues. This fluid around the vein; acts as a cushion, preventing the effect of the heat inside the vein on the surrounding tissue and burn formations in the skin and subcutaneous area, and also blocks the sensation of pain. When do patients return to their normal lives after ablation? After intravascular cauterization, the patient's leg is wrapped with an elastic bandage or varicose vein stockings are put on before getting off the table. After the patient is removed from the table, they are kept under observation for 1 hour and a 2-3 day rest is recommended for the patient. The advantages of ablation treatment; the procedure time is approximately 20-30 minutes. It does not require general anesthesia. When we compare ablation treatment to classical surgery, it is an extremely comfortable and groundbreaking method in this regard. The risk of infection is almost negligible. Burn marks or skin deformation are extremely rare in experienced hands. Normal activities and light sports can be started 2 days after the procedure. A recovery period of a few weeks is required for heavy sports. Success in endovenous ablation; LASER and RF applications are equal. The success rates of ablation treatments are around 95-99%. The success rate of classical surgeries is low. Does closing the saphenous veins with ablation cause a problem? The veins called the great saphenous in the leg start from the inner side of the groin and extend from the inner thigh to the back of the foot. This vein meets 10% of the total blood flow of the leg. However, once this vein is damaged, it cannot perform this function. Therefore, destroying the vein does not cause any problems for the individual.