Instituto Médico Láser has developed a new technique for the treatment of varicose veins. This technique referred to as Photodynamic Therapy of Varicose Veins has been patented in collaboration with the Universidad Complutense of Madrid.
IML and Instituto Pluridisciplinar (Laser and Molecular Beam Unit) from the Universidad Complutense of Madrid have conducted a research project showing optimal efficacy in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs combining the Nd-YAG laser and sclerosing foam made of polydocanol.
This new technique developed by IML provides safety, decreased pain, fast treatment (as fewer sessions are needed) and limited hyperpigmentations. At present, it is considered a fast, effective and safe method for the treatment of varicose vein pathology.
The Universidad Complutense of Madrid has collaborated in the demonstration and explanation of the precise action mechanism of this treatment: "Indeed, a RESONANCE PHENOMENOM occurs in the absorption coefficient of the blood after an emission of Nd:YAG laser if such emission is combined concomitantly with the concomitant application of polydocanol sclerosing foam in the medium. The resonance phenomenon produces increased absorption of energy, which goes up from 24 to 27%, which is standard at 85-87%. This increase in effectives performance in the target chromophore causes a larger and improved therapeutic effect.
The therapeutic approach has been reconfigured and now we can confirm that the Photodynamic Therapy of Varicose Veins employed at Instituto Médico Láser now permits to treat venous pathology of troncular, reticular veins and telangiectasias (that is, all the varicosities of the superficial venous system). Average time for clearance is about 3 treatment sessions.
In severe varicose veins, Instituto Médico Láser first establishes the permeability of the deep system by echo Doppler and assesses the insufficiency of the greater saphenous arch. Next, the patient is administered microfoams in the rest of the troncular veins of the affected limb, in combination with Nd:YAG laser therapy. The application of these foams for the treatment of troncular varicose veins (only treatable by surgery until recently) avoids the use of more aggressive surgical techniques.
The main advantage offered by this combined procedure is that it avoids the risk of pulmonary thromboembolism, as the affected territory is surgically closed in its connection to the rest of the venous tree, thus avoiding greater reflux, which is the main cause for relapse. Moreover, the use of laser with microfoam minimises the risk of hyperpigmentation.
In this field of the so called “aesthetic varicose veins” is where the contribution of the new generations of laser systems, particularly those from Neodymium: Yag sources, have changed the expectations of patients. These laser systems play a decisive role in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs (telangiectasias or “spiders”).
The treatment of telangiectasias with laser is faster and safer than conventional sclerosis or any of its modified modalities.
Instituto Médico Láser asks its patients to return for follow up visits for quite a few years, a period that is required to be able to confirm that there will be no relapses caused by a chronic venous insufficiency.
