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The Use of Ultrasound Scanners in the Treatment of Superficial Venous Insufficiency
Ultrasound-guided Endovenous Laser Ablation
Veins of the lower limb are divided into 2 types: Deep and superficial veins. Due to various factors, the veins can become enlarged and twisted near the surface of the skin.
In the majority of cases, this condition is hereditary. However, other factors can lead to a higher risk of having varicose veins, such as age, obesity, jobs that involve a long period of standing or sitting, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, thrombosis, or thrombophlebitis.
Varicose veins are defined as veins visible under the skin, with a diameter greater than 3-4 mm, that appear swollen, palpable, and tortuous. Varicose veins are most commonly found in the lower limbs (i.e. legs and ankles).
More than 80% of varicose veins visible on the legs are caused by superficial venous insufficiency of the great saphenous vein, while the saphenofemoral junction is the main point of reflux in most patients with superficial venous insufficiency.
In order to close off a varicose or an enlarged swollen vein, an Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) should be performed.
EVLA is a procedure where the doctor uses laser radiation to heat the vein walls in order to create a typical signal with the Color-Doppler imaging.
Using ultrasound scanning is one of the most important non-invasive investigations used in the assessment of vascular problems, including varicose veins. It’s used in evaluating the properties and the state of the patient’s veins.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging allows the assessment of microcirculation and can be used for detecting the veins and the points where they intersect.
SIFULTRAS-5.17 and SIFULTRAS-5.34 are 2 instances of ultrasound scanners with portable linear color Doppler probes that can be used in Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA).
SIFULTRAS-5.17 has a frequency of 4-12 MHz, while SIFULTRAS-5.34 has a frequency of 7.5-10 MHz. Both probes have a scan depth of 20-100 mm.
These 2 ultrasound scanners by SIFSOF give clear and accurate scan results for superficial veins, making them very suitable for vascular surgeons while performing EVLA.
Ultrasound-guided EVLA of lower limb varicose veins using SIFSOF ultrasound scanners is an effective way that leads to a satisfying clinical outcome. It is a minimally invasive and safe interventional procedure, related to a low risk of complications.
Ultrasound EVLA does not require general anesthesia, so it can be performed in an ambulatory setting, increasing the patient’s comfort and resulting in a faster and cheaper treatment compared to traditional surgery.
EVLA is almost painless and it is a well-accepted treatment option in patients with superficial venous insufficiency. It’s performed by phlebologists.