Until 8-10 years ago, the treatment for vein disorders often required a major surgical procedure that removed or “stripped” the culprit vein. This operation required hospitalization, general anesthesia and a considerable recovery time. Approximately, 10-12 years ago it was discovered that vein disease was 90% of the time caused by malfunction of the superficial systems of veins in the leg, and not the deep system. Almost immediately after that discovery, vein specialists developed technologies that could close off the malfunctioning superficial vein from inside the vein, without removing the vein or requiring an invasive procedure. What is more, these technologies could be performed in a specialist’s office with only local anesthesia. Finally, over time it appears this method of caring for patients with vein diseases has resulted in a more successful and long lasting outcome, than the previously practiced vein stripping operation. Laser technology in the U.S. and Europe is the most widely used method to accomplish these excellent, minimally invasive outcomes. At Vein Specialists of Tampa, we have chosen the CoolTouch 1320nm laser for our patients. This laser requires less heat to close the veins than previous lasers and results in much less bruising and pain than previous brands still on the market. While this is new technology, it has been used and tested around the world for over 6 years. Indeed, the CoolTouch 1320 is superior to its predecessors.
As new lasers or other vein closure technologies enter the market, we at Vein Specialists of Tampa will continually evaluate these devices for safety, superb outcomes, ease of use, effectiveness and cost to our patients. As new lasers or other vein closure technologies enter the market, we at Vein Specialists of Tampa will continually evaluate these devices for safety, superb outcomes, ease of use, effectiveness and cost to our patients.