Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins.

Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic flaw: over time they can lead to swelling and skin changes. Endovenous laser treatment closes the diseased vein from the inside – through a single needle puncture, usually under local anaesthetic.

  • Treatment in Wertheim
  • Outpatient, local anaesthetic
  • Insurance cover with a medical finding

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  • 30–45minutes, usually under local anaesthetic
  • Outpatientas a rule, home on the same day
  • 3–4days until your usual routine
  • 1–2weeks until bruising has faded

Typical figures from the clinics. Your personal plan is discussed at the preliminary consultation.

Varicose veins

When vein valves no longer close.

Varicose veins, known medically as varices, are widened, twisting veins directly beneath the skin. They are usually caused by an inherited weakness of the vein wall. The vein valves, which work like non-return valves to direct the blood towards the heart, then no longer close tightly; the blood sinks back, pools and stretches the vein further.

It often starts with heavy, tired legs in the evening, swollen ankles or a feeling of tightness. Over the years, the congestion can change the skin: it turns brownish and becomes firm and sensitive. Vein inflammation, bleeding from a varicose node and wounds that heal poorly are also possible.

The visible bulges are often only the consequence. The actual cause frequently lies in one of the two large superficial main veins – on the inside of the leg or at the back of the calf – and at the point where it joins the deep leg vein. Which sections are leaking can only be determined reliably with ultrasound.

Not every visible vein needs treatment. Fine spider veins are usually a cosmetic concern, whereas varicose veins with symptoms or skin changes are a medical condition. Compression stockings relieve the symptoms but do not remove the diseased vein. It can only be eliminated by a procedure – such as laser treatment, which is particularly suitable for main veins that run a straight course.

The treatment

What laser treatment can achieve.

From the inside

A thin laser fibre heats the vein wall until it shrinks and closes. Blood then flows back to the heart through healthy veins.

No incision

Instead of an incision in the groin, a single puncture is enough, usually at knee level or on the lower leg. As a rule, only tiny dots remain.

Quickly back on your feet

Walking is encouraged straight after the procedure. Many patients return to their usual routine after a few days.

The path

To laser treatment, step by step.

Ultrasound shows whether the laser is the right method. The procedure itself usually takes less than an hour.

  1. Preliminary consultation

    You will be asked about symptoms, existing conditions, previous thromboses and vein problems in the family, and your legs are examined while you are standing. Please bring your health insurance card, a referral, your list of medications and previous results.

  2. Ultrasound

    Colour duplex ultrasound shows blood flow, valve function and the course of the veins – and therefore which section is leaking and whether it is suitable for the laser.

  3. Informed consent

    The procedure, anaesthesia and risks are discussed, as are the alternatives: radiofrequency, sclerotherapy or conventional surgery.

  4. Procedure

    Under ultrasound guidance, the fibre is advanced into the vein through a puncture. A diluted anaesthetic solution surrounds the vein and at the same time protects the tissue from the heat. As the fibre is slowly withdrawn, the laser closes the vein.

  5. The first days

    Get up, walk and usually go home the same day. Compression stockings are worn for a short time, as long as advised by the doctor; a pulling sensation along the vein is normal.

  6. Follow-up

    An ultrasound check confirms whether the vein is closed. Any remaining side branches can be treated later with sclerotherapy.

Statutory or private insurance

Who covers the costs.

Statutory health insurance

Covered with a medical finding.

Varicose veins with symptoms, swelling or skin changes are a medical condition. If their treatment is medically indicated, it is among the benefits of German statutory health insurance. The first consultation will clarify which method is an option in your individual case.

Treatment covered by statutory health insurance takes place at the Bürgerspital Wertheim; aftercare is possible there or with your GP or a specialist practice.

Private insurance or self-pay

Through your policy or paid privately.

Private health insurers and Beihilfe (the German civil service medical allowance) cover medically necessary vein treatment under the terms of the policy. In Wertheim, the Main-Tauber-Klinik bills as a private clinic; the Bürgerspital also treats patients with private insurance.

If cosmetic reasons are the main concern, patients pay the costs themselves. Self-pay patients receive a quote after the first consultation.

Specialists

Your surgeons at a glance.

In Wertheim, vein surgery is part of general, visceral and vascular surgery within the Department of Surgery.

  • Dr. med. Gerhard SchüderSpecialist in General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery / Specialist in Special Visceral SurgeryWertheim

Locations

Where treatment takes place.

Each clinic shows on its own website how the treatment works there.

Frequently asked questions

Good to know.

Does laser treatment hurt?

What you mainly feel are the fine needle pricks for the local anaesthetic. While the laser is working, most people have hardly any discomfort. Afterwards, there may be a pulling or tight sensation along the vein for a few days; standard painkillers are usually enough for this.

Will there be scars?

Because the skin is only punctured, usually only tiny dots remain, which fade over time. Bruising and discolouration over the treated vein usually subside after one to two weeks.

When can I return to work?

With desk-based work, often after just a few days; with heavy physical work, somewhat later. Intensive sport and saunas only follow after medical clearance.

What are the risks?

Bruising and a palpable, tender hardening along the vein are common. Occasionally there is temporary skin discolouration, inflammation of the vein or numbness caused by irritated skin nerves. Thrombosis and heat damage to the skin are rare. All risks are discussed before the procedure.

Can varicose veins come back?

The closed vein only rarely reopens. The predisposition remains, however, and over the years new varicose veins can develop elsewhere. Exercise, a stable weight and check-ups help to detect them early.

Laser or conventional surgery – which is better?

Both approaches are recognised. Laser treatment requires no incision and allows a quick return to everyday life. Surgery, in which the vein is tied off where it joins the deep vein and pulled out, remains an option for very wide or highly tortuous veins. The ultrasound findings are decisive.

Will health insurance pay?

If the varicose veins need treatment, health insurance covers it; patients with statutory health insurance are treated at the Bürgerspital Wertheim. Which method is an option is clarified beforehand. Purely cosmetic requests are paid for privately.

Consultation

Personal consultation.

Describe your request – the right clinic will get back to you.

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Reviews

What patients say about us.

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    This was the best decision I have ever taken for myself. The whole experience has changed my life for the better. From the first consultation I felt welcomed and treated very well. I did not feel alone during the journey because the team were just a WhatsApp away and they made regular check-ups on me. Thank you for everyone at the hospital from the staff to the doctors, you are all amazing.

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