Varicose Veins Treatments

About EVLT Endovenous Laser Treatment

EVLT™ is a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided laser treatment for the elimination of large varicose veins, such as the greater saphenous vein. The procedure, unlike vein stripping, leaves no scars, and patients usually walk out of our center and return to work the very next day. There is most often a pain free recovery from this procedure, and most patients achieve elimination of painful varicose veins after just one treatment.

This procedure has been featured in many magazines as well as television programs such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, and in Forbes Magazine. The popularity of EVLT also stems from the reduced cost to the patient and to the entire healthcare system as this procedure is usually performed in the clinic, avoiding costly hospitalizations. Further, because most patients return to work on the same day of the procedure or the next day, the EVLT procedure saves the healthcare system and patients unnecessary expenses of prolonged recovery times associated with surgical ligation and stripping of leg veins.

Benefits

• Removes larger varicose veins
• One day treatment
• One day recovery
• Patients return to work the next day
• Avoids hospital stay
• Avoids scars
• Avoids one to two week downtime of vein stripping and surgery

  
  Alternatives

  Traditional Sclerotherapy, Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy, Laser Sclerotherapy, Vein Stripping, Ambulatory Phlebectomy, Surgical Ligation.

  How Does it Work?

  Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT™) for varicose leg veins work by applying laser energy via a thin laser fiber inserted directly into the greater saphenous vein under ultrasound imaging. The vein becomes closed off, resulting in elimination of the underlying cause of the varicosities. EVLT™ is an ultrasound-guided procedure with a success rate similar to surgical ligation and vein stripping. The advantages over the older surgical procedures are:

  • EVLT™ is a minimally invasive procedure with a single, tiny entry point near the knee which minimizes the risk of scarring and post operative infections
  • a local anesthetic is used which eliminates the risks and expense of general anesthesia
  • the patient can resume most activities immediately after treatment

  Who is a Candidate?

  Most patients with unwanted veins of the legs can undergo EVLT™. Patients with genetic tendencies toward excessive clotting of the blood may be excluded.

  What can I Expect?

  Reduction or elimination of large varicose veins.

  Results may vary.

  Safety & Side Effects

  Minimal complications have been seen with EVLT™ showing it to be safe as well as highly effective. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

  Recovery Time

  After the procedure, patients may return to normal activity immediately, avoiding strenuous exercise for approximately 10 to 14 days.

  Does it Hurt?

  Minimal to none. Even EVLT™ procedures result in only minimal discomfort.

  Before Treatment Instructions

  Avoidance of blood thinners such as aspirin, Motrin, Naprosyn and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

  After Treament Instructions

  The local anesthesia will last for about one hour after the procedure. We encourage a small walk around the office immediately after the procedure. After the procedure you will have a stocking on the treated leg for one week. Avoid strenuous aerobic activity for 2 weeks after the procedure. We expect that you will resume most of your pre-procedure activities including work, the day after the procedure. We encourage you to continue moving and walking after the procedure. Discomfort is not unusual after the procedure, and may be alleviated with Motrin or Advil.

  Who Performs the Treatments?

  Our Physicians, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses.