Preparation For Endovenous Laser Ablation

Abstract

Improved systems and methods for removing blood from a blood vessel in preparation for endovenous laser ablation are described. The improved methods include one or more of: placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, applying external compression around the vein, massaging the vein, cooling the vein externally, encouraging spasming of the vein, and removing blood with a suction device.

1 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . An endovenous system for treating a varicosed vein of a patient, the system comprising a laser having a wavelength between about 1.2 and 2.5 um to heat and shrink collagen, a cooling device applied externally to the leg of the thereby causing constriction and exsanguination of the vein, and an endovenous fiber optic laser delivery device for endovenously transmitting the laser energy directly into the exsanguinated varicosed vein. 
     
     
         28 . An endovenous system for treating a varicosed vein of a patient, the system comprising a laser having a wavelength between about 1.2 and 2.5 um to heat and shrink collagen, means for causing the varicosed vein to spasm thereby causing constriction and exsanguination of the vein, and an endovenous fiber optic laser delivery device for endovenously transmitting the laser energy directly into the exsanguinated varicosed vein. 
     
     
         29 . An endovenous system for treating a varicosed vein of a patient, the system comprising a laser having a wavelength between about 1.2 and 2.5 um to heat and shrink collagen, a vasoconstricting drug and means for applying the drug near the varicosed vein thereby causing constriction and exsanguination of the vein, and an endovenous fiber optic laser delivery device for endovenously transmitting the laser energy directly into the exsanguinated varicosed vein. 
     
     
         30 . An endovenous system for treating a varicosed vein of a patient, the system comprising a laser having a wavelength between about 1.2 and 2.5 um to heat and shrink collagen, a suction device for removing blood from the varicosed vein, and an endovenous fiber optic laser delivery device for endovenously transmitting the laser energy directly into the exsanguinated varicosed vein.