Steam treatment is a new method based on impacting the veins with high temperature steam produced by compressed distilled water vapor, the temperature inside the vein reaches 120C. The procedure is considered a “green” method, due to the fact that it makes use of distilled water vapor, which does not harm the environment. It is important to note that our bodies are made up of 70% water, so that no foreign matter is introduced to the body.
The treatment method was developed in recent years in France, and is considered the most advanced and innovative. Vein treatment with steam is an effective and easy method for the patient.
The advantage of the steam treatment method is mainly to patients who have undergone invasive varicose vein surgery – Stripping, – since, unlike laser and radio wave treatments, steam treatment is suitable for treating both the main and the secondary veins, i.e. the branches of the main veins. These branches will be treated by applying distilled water vapor through a needle that is inserted into the branches, without the need for tube insertion.
After local anesthesia is performed, a needle is inserted into the affected vein. The needle is inserted using ultrasound guidance and a thin tube is inserted through the needle all along the vein, pulses of distilled water vapor are released through the end of the tube, which wash the blood from the vein and burn its internal walls. Vein treatment with the use of steam is performed under local anesthesia and sedation.
After the operation, patient may experience a burning sensation in the areas where the superficial veins were treated. About 10 days to two weeks after the treatment, the inflammatory process which seals the vein reaches its peak, so there is a possibility of slight pain which can be addressed through pain medication (analgesics).
Protruding veins, leg pain, leg swelling, skin discoloration. The most common symptoms are the feelings of heaviness and fatigue in the legs. In most cases, varicose veins is a genetic condition.
Referral from a blood vessels specialist at the HMO for performing leg vein Doppler test. It’s advised to bring along medical history records, blood test results.
