Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
Procedure Description:
Common Questions Regarding this Procedure
- What is Endovenous Laser Treatment?
- What is the Pre-Procedure Evaluation?
- How is EVLT Performed?
- What are the Risks of EVLT?
- What is the Pre-Procedure Evaluation?
- What is the Post-Procedural Care?
- What are the results for Endovenous Laser Treatment?
What is Endovenous Laser Treatment?
Endovenous Laser Treatment - or EVLT - is a minimally invasive laser procedure used to eliminate painful and unattractive varicose veins. According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, varicose veins affect 1 of every 2 people 50 years of age and over and about 15% of men and 25% of women overall. Varicose veins can cause aches and pains, cramps, and leg swelling. The condition is caused by an incompetent saphenous vein, the main vessel that runs the length of the inner leg, and is seen as twisting, bulging veins on the outside. Valves in the vein become weak and allow blood to flow backward instead of returning to the heart.
EVLT is performed by having the patient lie on an examining table after which a local anesthetic is administered and a tiny incision is made at the knee. Under ultrasound guidance, a thin laser fiber is inserted and targeted laser energy is delivered to shrink and close the faulty vein. The treatment takes less than one hour and the patient is able to walk immediately after the procedure. This procedure is performed at the Spectrum Medical Group Office located at 33 Gorham Road Scarborough, Maine.
Since EVLT is a minimally invasive procedure there are few risks compared with the surgical alternative of vein stripping, which requires hospitalization and anesthesia. EVLT may cause soreness and bruising after the procedure. Many patients experience immediate relief of their symptoms.
What is the Pre-Procedure Evaluation?
All patients are evaluated by an interventional radiologist to determine the appropriateness of the procedure. During the consultation, patients will be examined with ultrasound to evaluate all potential therapy options including medical, surgical, and interventional treatments including endovenous laser treatment.
What is the Post-Procedural Care?
Patients can walk immediately after the procedure and can return to normal daily activity with few limitations. Patients are instructed to wear compression stocking for one week after treatment. The compression stocking prescription will be provided to the patient at the time of consultation. There may be some discomfort which can be treated with over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers as necessary. There is no scarring, however there may be some bruising.
What are the Results of Endovenous Laser Treatment?
Endovenous Laser Treatment is an image-guided, percutanous procedure which, when compared to surgical stripping, is much less traumatic to the leg, has fewer side effects, no operative scars, does not require hospitalization or anesthesia and has a much quicker recovery time. Unlike conservative management, EVLT cures the problem rather than slowing the progression of varicose veins. The patient may resume normal activities immediately, but should avoid rigorous activities. There is a reported > 97% success rate of first-time endovenous laser treatment.
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