Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is the procedure now most commonly associated with the treatment of varicose veins. This procedure uses laser energy to cauterize (burn) and close the diseased saphenous vein(s) in the leg, leaving virtually no scars. After the diseased vein is “closed”, related symptoms, such as aching, swelling, skin irritation and discoloration, are often alleviated. As a precaution, you may be advised to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood thinners several days prior to your procedure.
EVLT Using Local Anesthesia
The leg being treated will be cleaned, sterilized and isolated with a surgical drape. Ultrasound is used to visualize the varicose vein being treated. Dr. Cutchen will numb with local anesthetic the area where the catheter will pass through the skin. A needle is then inserted into the vein and through a few steps a laser fiber is placed inside of the vein and advanced through the length of the vein. Next, a few more injections are performed to inject local anesthesia around the vein along its entire length. The laser is then turned on and the laser fiber is slowly withdrawn back out of the leg. In this process, the vein is burned and closed and the vein is then left in the leg where it will be reabsorbed over many months.
Following the procedure, you will need to wear a compression stocking to help reduce bruising, tenderness, and minimize the rare possibility that blood clots may form. Some small, dilated varicose veins often require additional treatment with ambulatory micro-phlebectomy (minor surgical procedure to extract them) or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (injection of a foamed medication to close them).
Benefits of Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
- Virtually no scars – only a small nick in the skin is needed, which does not require stitches
- Effective – closes affected vein almost 100% of the time and treated veins are effectively invisible even to ultrasound 12 months after the procedure
- Relieves symptoms almost immediately
- Minimal downtime and discomfort during recovery