The most effective method of treatment

Modern technologies

Since the method's inception in 1994, both laser technologies and laser fibers have improved. Currently, at Dr. Maurins Clinic, we use third-generation laser equipment with Biolitec ELVeS Painless 1940 nm laser wavelength, which is 3–4 times more effective than previous generations of lasers. The latest generation laser technologies offer many advantages – the patient experiences less pain, the risk of nerve damage is minimized, and less anesthesia is required. The new generation radial (radial fibre) laser fibers emit energy sideways, directly onto the vein wall, rather than forward like bare fibre lasers. This allows the treated vein to be closed at the entry point in the deep vein, leaving no untreated vein segment.

For reference: endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) has become one of the main methods for treating chronic venous insufficiency. In Latvia, more than 90% of all vein surgeries are performed using this method.

At Dr. Maurins Clinic, only single-use laser fibers are used, as their reuse is not possible due to the special technologies that prevent the fibers from being used again!

Fast and gentle treatment

The blood flow in the veins is directed physiologically from the periphery to the center (toward the heart) by the heart's suction action, breathing, muscle activity in the legs (“muscle pump”), and the vein valves. If any of these components function inadequately, especially the vein valves, venous blood stagnation in the legs occurs, mainly due to blood reflux (backflow).

During laser surgery, only the damaged segments of the superficial veins are closed, ensuring blood flow in the physiological direction through the healthy veins. The majority of blood (85-90%) flows through the deep veins, so the absence of the closed subcutaneous veins usually does not cause venous circulation problems.

At Dr. Maurins Clinic, all doctors follow unified principles. Preventive measures are provided to all patients to reduce the risk of thrombosis, and the patient's health is carefully monitored. During the postoperative period, follow-up visits are required to assess the closed vein segments as well as the deep veins through ultrasound: on the first postoperative day, all patients are checked, on the 10th postoperative day, and again after three months. For preventive purposes, we also recommend annual follow-up visits.

10–14 days after surgery, it is often observed that the venous branches have flattened, and after three months, it can be seen that the venous network continues to reduce, confirming that the treatment was successful – blood reflux has been eliminated.

Laser surgery with side branch removal

For patients in whom vein branches have developed as the disease progresses, the damaged side branch segments of the veins are removed in addition to the laser surgery through small 1 mm skin incisions using specialized instruments (Varade method). The uniqueness of the special instruments and techniques allows for excellent aesthetic results.

Complications

Any surgical procedure or operation carries a certain risk of complications. Although the risk of potential complications is small, even in carefully examined patients and after a high-quality surgery, the following complications or side effects may occur:

• Allergic reaction to medication
• Hematomas (blood pooling under the skin)
• Wound inflammation or infection
• And others

These complications have been observed in less than 1% of patients treated at Dr. Maurins Clinic.

How is the procedure determined?

Laser surgery is performed on an outpatient basis – the patient arrives at the clinic 30 minutes before the scheduled surgery. The duration of the surgery depends on the number and length of the veins being treated: 30-40 minutes for one leg, 40-55 minutes for both legs, as only the damaged part of the vein is operated on. 30 minutes after the surgery, the patient can go about their daily activities, such as going home, to work, or traveling.

Dr. Maurins Clinic uses the latest generation laser, which causes less trauma compared to previous-generation lasers. For most patients, compression stockings are not necessary after the procedure. This is the most modern treatment technology worldwide, providing a minimal risk of recurrence.

At Dr. Maurins Clinic, a standardized treatment protocol is followed, which defines the area requiring local anesthesia, the technique for inserting the laser fiber into the diseased vein, and its power. Under ultrasound control, the laser fiber is guided to the entrance point of the vein in the deep vein. By activating the diode laser, the energy emitted by the laser fiber is delivered precisely to the vein wall, thermally closing it. The closed vein will be fully absorbed within 12 months, and connective tissue will form, leaving no trace. This method is safe and gentle as it protects surrounding tissues, skin, nerves, and lymphatic vessels.

Patient satisfaction with the treatment process and results is very high: 99.8% of patients report being very satisfied with Dr. Maurins Clinic (data from the 2024 patient satisfaction survey).

Under the guidance of Prof. Uldis Maurins, appropriate technologies are used for standardized treatment of leg veins. The doctors have extensive knowledge and experience, as all clinic doctors are engaged in continuing education, result monitoring, and research.

Each patient's case is analyzed individually, and if necessary, treatment is carried out in stages, combining laser surgery with mini-phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, or laser sclerotherapy.