Koru Hospital Ankara Varicose Vein Center is a specialized center for the diagnosis and treatment of lower extremity venous insufficiency and varicose vein disease. Our experienced team of vascular surgery specialists performs all current treatment methods, including endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), foam sclerotherapy, adhesive ablation (VenaSeal), and surgical stripping when necessary.
Varicose Vein Disease and Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged and twisted superficial veins caused by valvular insufficiency. As a common vascular disease affecting approximately 25-30 percent of the adult population, varicose veins are not merely a cosmetic issue. If left untreated, they can lead to serious complications such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), thrombophlebitis, venous ulcers, and rarely, deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Symptoms and clinical findings of varicose vein disease:
- Pain, a feeling of heaviness, and fatigue in the legs — especially after standing for long periods
- Leg swelling (edema) — increasing towards the end of the day, decreasing with rest at night
- Itching and burning sensation — around the varicose veins
- Night cramps — in the calf muscles
- Skin changes — hyperpigmentation, stasis dermatitis, lipodermatosclerosis
- Superficial thrombophlebitis — clot formation in varicose veins, redness, and pain
- Venous ulcer — non-healing wounds around the inner malleolus in advanced stages
Clinical Staging with CEAP Classification
Our center utilizes the international CEAP classification system for the evaluation of varicose vein patients:
- C0: No visible or palpable venous disease
- C1: Telangiectasia and reticular veins (spider veins, capillary varices)
- C2: Varicose veins (visibly enlarged veins)
- C3: Edema (leg swelling)
- C4: Skin changes (pigmentation, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis)
- C5: Healed venous ulcer
- C6: Active venous ulcer
Diagnostic Evaluation
The foundation of accurate treatment planning is a detailed venous Doppler ultrasonography examination. In our center, the following parameters are evaluated using color Doppler ultrasonography performed in a standing position:
- Great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency — reflux duration and diameter measurement
- Saphenofemoral and saphenopopliteal junction insufficiency
- Perforator vein insufficiency — leakage in the connections between the deep and superficial systems
- Deep venous system — presence of DVT or signs of post-thrombotic syndrome
- Hemodynamic mapping of venous insufficiency — determination of the treatment strategy
Our Treatment Methods
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive method that has become the gold standard in the treatment of saphenous vein insufficiency. The insufficient vein is closed by applying thermal energy to the vessel wall via a thin laser fiber inserted into the varicose vein under ultrasound guidance.
- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia — general anesthesia is not required
- Procedure duration is approximately 30-45 minutes
- The patient is discharged on the same day and can return to daily activities in a short time
- No surgical scars — only a needle entry point
- Success rate is over 95 percent
- Homogeneous energy distribution to the vessel wall is achieved with 1470 nm wavelength radial fiber technology
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is a thermal ablation method alternative to endovenous laser treatment. The vessel wall is heated in a controlled manner using radiofrequency energy, ensuring fibrosis and vein closure. Thanks to the segmental ablation technique, thermal damage to surrounding tissues is minimized.
Adhesive Ablation (VenaSeal)
The VenaSeal system is a non-thermal, non-tumescent method based on closing the insufficient saphenous vein using medical cyanoacrylate adhesive. Since no thermal energy is used, it does not require tumescent anesthesia; there is no risk of nerve damage. It is particularly preferred in bilateral (two-sided) varicose vein treatment and for patients sensitive to local anesthesia.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a method that ensures vein closure by creating damage to the vessel wall through the injection of a sclerosing agent into the varicose vein:
- Liquid sclerotherapy — for the treatment of telangiectasia and reticular veins (capillary varices, spider veins)
- Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy — for the treatment of larger diameter varicose veins and recurrent varices. Injecting the sclerosing agent as foam increases the contact time with the vessel wall, thereby enhancing efficacy
- Multiple areas can be treated in a single session
- Use of compression stockings after the procedure increases the success of the treatment
Surgical Treatment
In advanced stage varicosities, large-diameter saphenous vein insufficiency, or selected cases where endovenous methods are not suitable, high ligation and stripping or phlebectomy (varicose vein removal via mini-incision) can be applied. Surgical methods are also performed in our center with minimally invasive techniques and cosmetic incision principles.
Post-Treatment Process
After endovenous procedures, our patients are discharged walking on the same day. Post-treatment recommendations:
- Compression stockings — daytime use for 2-4 weeks
- Walking — regular walking for at least 30 minutes a day
- Follow-up Doppler ultrasonography — 1 week and 1 month after the procedure
- Avoiding prolonged sitting and standing still
- Avoiding heavy physical activity and hot baths for the first 2 weeks
During post-treatment check-ups, the completeness of vein closure, the presence of recurrent reflux, and clinical improvement are verified ultrasonographically.
Why Koru Hospital Ankara Varicose Vein Center?
- Experienced team consisting of vascular surgery specialists — high case experience
- All current treatment methods in one center — EVLT, RFA, VenaSeal, sclerotherapy, and surgery
- Individualized treatment plan for every patient — with Doppler ultrasonography mapping
- Day-case procedures under local anesthesia — return home on the same day
- Minimally invasive approach — cosmetic results without leaving incision scars
- Regular Doppler control and long-term follow-up after treatment
At Koru Hospital Ankara Varicose Vein Center, with our expert staff, we ensure our patients achieve a healthy and comfortable life by applying the most current and minimally invasive treatment methods at every stage of varicose vein disease. You can apply to our center for your varicose vein complaints in your legs.
