An endovenous laser treatment or EVLT is a process that helps to eliminate bulging varicose veins. Varicose veins are the result of a venous insufficiency that causes reflux or backflow of blood within the veins. As the blood reverses direction a swell results within the vein causing it to gravitate to the skins surface and bulge. EVLT treatment will shut down these insufficient, damaged veins and decrease symptoms and make the lower extremities more cosmetically pleasing. The EVLT procedure is a less invasive alternative to vein stripping. Because the treatment is less aggressive, post operative recovery is faster allowing the person to get back to their activities of daily living quicker.
The laser treatment can be done in an in office setting under local anesthesia. Once the physician has decided on EVLT, the varicosity is mapped out under ultrasound. The vein is then marked and the leg is draped for the procedure. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area to be treated. Again using ultrasound, a needle puncture is made into the vein.
EVLT works by means of thermal destruction to the venous tissue. The laser energy is delivered through a laser fiber that is inserted and advanced through the length of the damaged vein. As the laser is fired, it deposits high amounts of heat energy into the blood and venous tissue. The result is irreversible localized tissue damage that shuts the vein down. The heat is delivered continuously as the laser fiber is gradually withdrawn along the track of the vein as the entire vessel is treated. Once completed, the leg is wrapped with an elastic bandage and then a compression stocking is applied. The elastic bandage remains in place for 3 days and the compression stocking is worn for at least one week. If additional smaller veins remain, sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy can be done a month or so after the procedure to give an aesthetically pleasing result.
EVLT is less invasive nature makes it a more attractive option for those with varicose veins. The side effects and complications are greatly reduced as is the cost compared to a vein stripping or ligation. Consult with a qualified endovenous laser treatment physician to determine if this procedure will get you back to being varicose vein free. |
