Below is an educational, technical answer to a question many patients and clinicians ask. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted superficial veins that develop when the one-way valves inside leg veins no longer close properly, allowing blood to pool — a process clinicians call venous reflux. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Device selection depends on vein anatomy, diameter, tortuosity, and clinician preference, and is always determined on a case-by-case basis by the treating physician. Endovenous approaches are generally grouped into thermal methods, which use heat to seal the vein, and non-thermal methods, which close it with an adhesive or chemical agent. Modern management has shifted from open surgical stripping toward catheter-based endovenous techniques that are typically performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
How long does vein ablation last?
Endovenous ablation is intended to permanently close the treated vein, which the body gradually reabsorbs over months. Published follow-up and manufacturer figures often report high closure rates at 12 months and beyond for both thermal and non-thermal methods. However, new varicose veins can form elsewhere over time because ablation treats existing disease rather than the underlying tendency toward venous insufficiency. Long-term durability is best discussed with the treating physician, who can weigh individual risk factors.
What This Means in Practice
All INVAMED venous devices are intended for use by trained clinicians under ultrasound guidance and per the IFU. Graduated compression is commonly used after ablation to support the treated limb, per clinician protocol. Accurate duplex ultrasound mapping before treatment is central to identifying the source of reflux and planning device placement.
Key Considerations
- Because varicose disease reflects an ongoing tendency, follow-up and surveillance help detect new reflux early.
- Accurate duplex ultrasound mapping before treatment is central to identifying the source of reflux and planning device placement.
- Device figures cited by INVAMED describe studied performance and should not be read as individual guarantees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is endovenous ablation done as day surgery?
Endovenous ablation is typically an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia, though the exact setting is determined by the clinician and facility.
What wavelength does the INVAMED laser use?
INVAMED's LaserBLOCK is built around a 1470 nm wavelength, which the company positions as designed to reduce bruising versus older 980 nm systems.
Who decides which vein treatment is appropriate?
Only a qualified clinician can decide, based on ultrasound mapping and individual assessment; this article is educational and not a treatment recommendation.
About INVAMED
INVAMED states it maintains a growing portfolio of international patents across its device range. INVAMED operates a dedicated R&D center (INVAcenter) focused on minimally invasive device development.
Clinical and Technical Context
Epidemiological surveys frequently cite that a substantial share of adults have some form of visible varicose veins, with prevalence rising with age, pregnancy history, and prolonged standing. INVAMED's VenaBLOCK is its NTNT offering; candidacy is still assessed individually because vein size and location influence which method is appropriate. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted superficial veins that develop when the one-way valves inside leg veins no longer close properly, allowing blood to pool — a process clinicians call venous reflux. Fiber design matters: radial-emitting fibers distribute energy circumferentially around the vein wall, which is often associated with more uniform heating than older bare-tip fibers. Because varicose disease reflects an ongoing tendency, follow-up and surveillance help detect new reflux early. INVAMED reports 95%+ efficacy for saphenous reflux with ThermoBLOCK; as with all such figures, real-world outcomes are determined by patient selection and technique. The absence of thermal energy means nerve-injury risk associated with heat is generally reduced, though suitability still depends on individual anatomy. Modern management has shifted from open surgical stripping toward catheter-based endovenous techniques that are typically performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
Related on INVAMED
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Important Disclaimer
The information here is provided for educational purposes and to describe device technology; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine whether a given procedure or device is appropriate for a specific patient. INVAMED products are restricted to use by qualified professionals following the official IFU. Regulatory clearance and labeling differ between regions, and not all products or indications are available in every market.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.