What Is Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT/EVLA) For Vein Treatment?

EVLT_laser_treatment Varicose_veins_clinic_NYCWhat is endovenous laser ablation? Also known as EVLA or EVLT, the endovenous ablation or laser ablation uses heat and radio wave energy to burn and close varicose veins or damaged veins. Doctors use this procedure to help ease symptoms such as swelling, irritation, and pain. Laser ablation is generally safe. It is minimally invasive and causes less pain. This treatment has a quick recovery period as compared to traditional surgical methods used for the same problems. Another advantage of laser ablation is that it leaves no scars on the skin.

What Conditions are Treated by Endovenous Laser Ablation?

endovenous_laser ablation_vein_ diagramEndovenous laser ablation treats the following conditions:

  • Varicose veins
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency
  • Throbbing leg pain
  • Swollen legs
  • Skin irritation or ulcers
  • Skin Discoloration
  • Phlebitis – painful swelling of the veins
  • Leg heaviness or fatigue

 

Laser Ablation For Vein Treatment – The Equipment & How It Works

Endovenous laser ablation uses an ultrasound machine, radiofrequency cathode (laser fiber), catheter, and console. The doctor uses ultrasound scanners to detect and view the problematic veins. These scanners have a computer console and a video display screen. The scanners are attached to a transducer – a device that looks like a mic. The transducer sends high-frequency inaudible sound waves into the body and then detects the returning echoes.

The doctor or surgeon will apply some gel and place the transducer there on the area he/she is examining. The gel allows the sound waves from the transducer to move back and forth between the area under examination and transducer. The ultrasound image immediately becomes visible on the video display.

The catheter is a very thin and long plastic tube that is smaller than a pencil lead or 1/8 inch in diameter.

Radiofrequency electrodes and laser fibers are long thin wires that carry energy from power generators to the body.

How to Prepare for Laser Ablation

endonvenous_laser_ablation_evlt_treatment_before_after_pic_legs_womanBefore you get an endovenous laser ablation, it is necessary to tell your doctor of any recent illnesses, allergies, medical conditions, or about your family history. If there is some genetic disorder in your family, then you should let the doctor know about it before you undergo any type of laser procedure.

You should list the medications you take, even the herbal supplements. If you take aspirin or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), your doctor will ask you to discontinue them for a temporary period. These medications or blood thinners can cause post-operative bleeding.

Tell your doctor if you have a fever. They might reschedule your appointment, depending on your condition.  Drink lots of water the day before your surgery to avoid dehydration. Wear loose and comfortable clothing on the day of your surgery. You will have to wear a gown during the surgery. You also have to make sure that there is someone to drive you home after the surgery.

Procedure for Laser Ablation

vein-laser-ablation-process-steps-infoThe procedure for endovenous ablation is usually done on an outpatient basis, which means you will be able to go home the same day you get the treatment. However, some patients may require an admission before the surgery. The doctor will tell you better whether you need to stay or not.

Before the surgeon performs laser ablation, they will numb the skin and surrounding tissues either through local anesthesia or topical application (numbing cream). The doctor will clean and sterilize the area and cover it with a surgical drape.

Then they will make a small incision in the skin to insert a very thin catheter. The catheter is carefully inserted in a way that it goes into the vein for treatment with the help of ultrasound imaging.  The fiber or electrode is exposed when the surgeon slightly pulls back the catheter. The laser emitting from the catheter’s tip helps enlarge the vein.

The surgeon will then gradually pull the catheter out of the vein, which will heat up the vein. As a result, the vein will collapse and slowly heal shut. The blood will reroute to other veins, and this is how the normal blood flow restores after the procedure.

What to Expect After Endovenous Laser Ablation

Although most patients do not feel pain after the treatment, there might be some discomfort in the area where the catheter was inserted.  You should wear compression socks or a hose for the next three days continuously. Take short walks daily to help maintain the restoration of normal blood flow. While walking, you should have the compression hose on, at least for the three weeks.

Some patients may experience pain or bruise on the leg for one to three days after the surgery. The area will feel tender in the first few days, which is normal. Medications like aspirin can help lessen the pain.

The Vein Treatment Center © – #1 Vein Clinic In NYC

Established in 1982, The Vein Treatment Center © is the leading New York City medical facility specializing exclusively in the treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, and related venous disorders.

The methods developed at the facility, including EVLT and now Painless Sclerotherapy, have revolutionized the specialty and are used by physicians worldwide.

If you think you have varicose vein or other vein insufficiency problems, then call us today at 212-249-6117 to book a free consultation and get quick treatment. At The Vein Treatment Center, we have board certified, highly experienced & skilled doctors for endovenous laser ablation. We ensure permanent and paiinless treatment with minimal pain and a very quick recovery.

Call today for a free consultation:

The Vein Treatment Center
327 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065

212-249-6117

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