What Is Endovenous Laser Guided Treatment (EVLT)?
Endovenous laser guided treatment (EVLT) is a tool that treats the source veins for varicose veins in the legs.
Why Does VVC Use Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)?
The primary procedure used for the treatment of varicose veins at Vascular Vein Centers is laser ablation (EVLT). This has been very successful in treating source veins: Great and Small Saphenous and Perforator veins. The procedure has been shown to be effective and has a very low recurrence rate with less post-operative discomfort when compared to traditional “vein-stripping.”
How Is the Laser Treatment Performed?
This laser vein treatment is performed in our clinics and takes about 30 minutes. Local anesthesia is used without the need for sedation. A catheter (small tube) is inserted into the vein (usually above the knee) and a thin laser fiber is placed through the catheter and then pulled back using focused energy to close the problem vein.
The laser procedure is performed in our clinic setting using local anesthesia.
"The care and compassion that I have received during my visits has been wonderful."
— Margie D.
What Are the Advantages of this Vein Treatment?
This vein treatment has many key benefits over more invasive, older procedures:
- No scars
- Only local anesthesia is needed
- No general anesthesia or IV sedation
- There is no need to be NPO, so diabetics don’t have issues with coverage and patients don’t stop anticoagulation pre-procedure (Patients on Coumadin for arterial fibrillation or previous DVT)
- Performed as a clinic procedure (no hospitalization needed)
- Minimal downtime: Return to work the next day with minimal restrictions
What Happens After Your VVC Treatment with EVLT?
The results of laser ablation are better than surgical removal and there is less discomfort and recovery time. Approximately one week after your EVLT treatment, an ultrasound is performed to evaluate the treated vein for closure.
Strenuous exercise usually can be resumed in a week. Laser treatment of veins is a safe, effective and enduring procedure. The blood that would normally flow through these veins is redirected into the deep veins, which carry 90% of the blood from the leg anyway.
