Endovenous laser therapy is another minimally invasive vein treatment for varicose veins. EVLT uses laser heat therapy to reduce varicose veins.
The EVLT laser transmits a beam of radiation energy in the form of light into the vein. This shrinks the varicose vein and seals it off, which forces your blood to flow through healthier veins nearby.
EVLT is similar in concept to sclerotherapy because it also collapses varicose veins. However, EVLT is more appropriate for enlarged, swollen, and bulging veins.
You may be a candidate for EVLT if your varicose veins are painful or sore or if they have become inflamed. We may also recommend EVLT if the skin over and around your varicose veins has become irritated.
EVLT is minimally invasive, but like microphlebectomy, it does require small incisions. Like microphlebectomy, you should not experience pain or discomfort during the procedure. On average, EVLT appointments take around 60 minutes.
First, we treat the area around the vein with a local anesthetic. Once the area is numb, we create the micro-incision in the skin. A laser fiber is then placed into the treated vein.
The laser fiber is then activated, which transmits the radiation into the vein. The radiation energy safely damages the vein, which causes it to collapse and seal. Your body compensates by rerouting your blood through surrounding healthy veins.
Over time, the closed veins will be partially absorbed back into your body. In some cases, parts of the vein remain but should appear less prominent.
EVLT can be performed in conjunction with other vein treatments like sclerotherapy and microphlebectomy.
Like other treatments, EVLT is followed by compression therapy to help protect the treatment sites. Depending on your specific case, we will advise the length of time you must wear your compression garments.
We encourage walking after EVLT but discourage both strenuous activity and lifting anything heavier than 20 pounds for at least a week after the procedure. You may experience some post-procedural bruising, but that is expected and will resolve quickly.
The success rates of EVLT are extremely high. Studies show patient satisfaction rates of around 97%.
For more information on EVLT, contact us for a free phone consultation with one of our doctors.Related:
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4640 Lincoln Blvd.
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