What is a key aspect of venous ablation that distinguishes it from ligation?

Venous ablation is characterized by its technique of targeting veins for treatment while preserving some of the surrounding venous structure and function. The primary distinction from ligation lies in how the vein is managed. When venous ablation is performed, it typically focuses on destroying the vein's tissue (often through thermal or chemical means) rather than simply closing it off.

This process involves damaging the internal lining or wall of the vein, leading to a response that eventually causes the vein to be absorbed by the body, effectively eliminating its function without completely removing it or causing significant structural damage around it. This contrasts with ligation, where the vein is physically tied off, potentially leading to more structural changes and scarring.

Unlike ligation, venous ablation does preserve some aspects of vein structure, which is important for maintaining optimal blood flow in adjacent vessels. Thus, the emphasis on how ablation impacts vein structure ultimately defines its key aspect when compared to ligation.