February 10,2023 Author : Tiago Soares Chronic venous disease, commonly known as varicose veins , is a very common and has great impact on quality of life. Its most common symptoms are pain, tiredness, heaviness, tingling or itching in the lower limbs , which can get worse throughout the day. The main factors that contribute to varicose veins are: Family history; Feminine gender; Sedentary lifestyle; Age; Pregnancy; Obesity. In recent years, intravenous treatment techniques have been developed as an alternative to conventional surgery, with a high rate of effectiveness and safety and several advantages like: Less pain; Faster recovery; Lower risk of complications. Endovenous thermal ablation is a minimally invasive technique which uses heat (thermal ablation) and is performed from the inside of the vessels (intravenous). This technique occupies an important place among the treatment options for varicose veins and can be performed using laser fibers or radiofrequency catheters . Contrary to what happens in conventional surgery, in which varicose veins are removed, in intravenous techniques the affected veins are occluded promoting circulation through healthy veins. How is endovenous thermal ablation performed? With the use of ultrasound, the diseased vein is identified and punctured for the placement of an introducer; Through the introducer passes a laser fiber or radiofrequency catheter that will produce heat inside the vein promoting its occlusion; After the procedure a protective dressing is putted on, with no need for stitches; Assisted total thermal ablation (ATTA technique) Recently, an innovative method of minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins was developed, the ATTA technique , which makes it possible to treat all varicose veins with a laser, from the thinnest vessels to the most prominent ones. Although laser surgery for varicose veins has already nearly two decades, it was only used for the treatment of saphenous veins, with other varicose veins having to be surgically removed or treated by injecting chemical substances. The ATTA technique uses a much thinner fiber, making it possible to treat all varicose veins – saphenous, communicating and perforating – with the exclusive use of laser. It allows its indication for more patients, such as those who have already been operated on and who do not have saphenous veins. When compared to other techniques, assisted total thermal ablation has great aesthetic and functional advantages , such as: Absence of scars; Less pain and bruising; No need for hospitalization; Almost immediate recovery. Meet the vascular surgery clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
