EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment or Endovenous Ablation)
This revolutionary new treatment for large varicose veins was pioneered at Cornell University in New York. Originally performed in Spain, the EndoVenous Laser Ablation is performed in the office, takes less than an hour and accomplishes the same thing as a major surgical vein stripping. Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, a thin laser fiber in a catheter is threaded up the vein. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, the laser shrinks and seals the large vein that causes varicose veins in most patients. There is little or no visible scarring. In those patients who are candidates for the procedure, it is 97% successful.
Is the Procedure Painful?
You will feel the prick of the needle used to inject the anesthetic, but you will be completely numb for the remaining part of the procedure. Many people describe a feeling of pressure as the anesthetic is injected into the tissue, but this only lasts for a few seconds until the medication takes effect. Since the entire area around the vein is numb, you will feel nothing as the laser is fired. After the procedure, the anesthetic lasts a few hours. We then recommend that you take the prescription-strength ibuprofen at regular intervals for at least 3-4 days. This decreases inflammation and pain. After this, you may take extra-strength Tylenol or Motrin. Most people find the pain-relief we recommend to be more than sufficient. Very rarely will patients require a stronger pain-reliever, but if they do, we are happy to prescribe something.
Recover Time
Recovery involves resuming normal daily activities the next day and wearing a support stocking for about a week. Strenuous exercise may be resumed in two weeks. The only risk of this procedure is possible bruising.
