Welcome to The Vein Treatment Center

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 Endonvenous Laser Ablation (EVLT) and now Painless Sclerotherapy, have revolutionized the specialty and are used by physicians worldwide.

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212-249-6117

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Meet Dr. Navarro

Dr. Luis Navarro, a Board Certified Phlebologist and vascular specialist, has devoted his professional life to the development of treatments for venous disorders. He has pioneered numerous non-invasive procedures, including EVLT, Combined Therapies, and now PAINLESS SCLEROTHERAPY.

About Dr. Navarro About the VTC

Painless Sclerotherapy

Advancements in technology have revolutionized Sclerotherapy and the treatment of veins on legs, hands and other areas of the body. The Vein Treatment Center has been treating veins for over 30 years with safe, fast, and long lasting cosmetic results.

Sclerotherapy Vein Treatments

Before & After Photos

View our before and after photo galleries that show the results of vein treatments on the legs, hands, face & more.

See for yourself why The Vein Treatment Center is the NYC leader in treating and removing unwanted varicose veins, spider veins, and all venous conditions.

Legs Hands Face

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Tag Archives: EVLT

What Is EVLT Treatment For Veins?

One common problem that may occur in a person’s veins is known as varicose veins. These are a set of veins that develop in the body, normally in the leg area. It happens when the veins become larger than usual and start twisting into each other.

These veins occur due to pressure on the legs and abdomen. Women who are pregnant and people who are obese tend to be more prone to this condition. Therefore, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle.

EVLT Treatment For Veins
(Source)

This condition has a few symptoms which indicate varicose veins. These symptoms include constant pain, irritation, and a feeling of fullness and stiffness in the area where the varicose veins have developed.

There are numerous ways to treat this condition. However, for each patient, the treatment method may vary due to multiple reasons, such as other health-related problems or soft skin. Today, we will focus on one treatment that helps in removing varicose veins, the EVLT.

Invest a few more minutes, as we are going to cover everything you need to know about this particular treatment.

What Is EVLT?

EVLT stands for Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy, and it is a procedure that involves catheters, lasers, and ultrasounds in order to heal the varicose condition in a patient. This method is best for veins that are a bit straight and not twisted.

What Happens During An EVLT Procedure?

First, the surgeon marks the important areas on the skin with the help of ultrasound visualization; these serve as a guide during the process. Next, the doctor applies a topical numbing cream to the patient’s skin for an hour. The patient then receives local anesthesia under color duplex ultrasound guidance.

The EVLT procedure starts with the doctor penetrating the vein with a catheter. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor can see exactly where the catheter is. The ultrasound guides the doctor to move the catheter through the vein, and the laser, which is at the end of the catheter, heats up the walls of the vein. This results in the vein to not only narrow down but completely close. The blood does not flow into these veins and instead flows into others.

Due to this procedure, blood circulation is back to normal as the blood won’t continue to flow through a faulty vein. Once the procedure is complete, the vein shrinks and disappears.

Is The Procedure Painful And Are There Any Side Effects?

Though the procedure is not painful at all, you might feel a slight pinch or pain during the process of inserting the catheter into the vein. During this process, the patient will not feel any discomfort. However, when the anesthesia comes into play, it can be a bit uncomfortable as this process requires numerous injections surrounding the vein. Anesthesia makes the procedure much easier to perform as the area is numb; hence, the patient feels less or no pain while the doctors work.

The question many people ask is if EVLT is safe or not. Well, the answer is yes, it is safe. Through thorough research and testing, the treatment is safe and beneficial for many patients. Many patients who have received EVLT have not complained about any side effects; however, we know that there are risks with medical treatments.

Therefore, you must be aware of issues that may develop and could be a concern.

What Benefits Does Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy Have?

There are a few benefits to choosing this treatment. The procedure only takes roughly an hour to complete, and once it is over, patients can go about their days as normal without being admitted into a hospital. The procedure involves one small incision, which means stitches won’t be needed, and the risk of infections due to the incision is less.

However, once the procedure is complete, doctors will recommend compression stockings as the body has not fully recovered yet. These stockings help to make the circulation more efficient and will remove any bruises and swellings that may have occurred after the procedure.

Besides, the doctor will also recommend an ultrasound the following week of the procedure to ensure there aren’t any clots or if any other veins have enlarged.

Is This Treatment Good For Everyone?

As we mentioned above, there are many treatments for varicose veins. Therefore, it would not be fair to say which one is the best to treat this condition. For every patient, the symptoms of varicose veins might be the same. However, there still might be other factors that differ in each patient.

There is no doubt this treatment has multiple benefits. However, it would be wise to confront and ask your doctor for the best treatment plan.

EVLT Treatment For Veins: Conclusion

You may not feel pain, but if your enlarged veins are visible, you must visit a doctor. In worse cases, such as bulging leg veins, the surgeon may recommend a minimally invasive procedure like EVLT.

We have mentioned all you must know about EVLT. Now, if you need to treat varicose veins, you should always consult with your doctor and ask what treatment is best for you.

If you’re looking for the best vascular doctors in NYC that treat veins with efficiency and safety, contact the Vein Treatment Center © and schedule an appointment today.

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

Varicose Veins: All You Need to Know

What are Varicose Veins?

varicose-vein-leg-photo-01Have you noticed large bulging veins on your legs? If so, it’s likely that these bluish-purple bulges are varicosities or varicose veins. More than 23% of US adults suffer from varicose veins. The data translates into the fact that 1 in 4 adults have or will develop varicose veins.

Varicose veins are the twisted, misshaped veins that become enlarged and dilated. Usually, your leg veins get affected the most because of the increased pressure in the lower body veins. The veins, over-filled with blood, appear swollen and have a bluish-purple color. Varicose veins can be painful in some cases.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

While this venous disorder has many symptoms, the most visible is the twisted veins in your legs. Also, you may experience pain or swelling around the dilated veins. Here are signs that you should not ignore.

  • Veins appearing blue, dark purple, or red
  • Bulging and twisted veins (mostly on the legs) which can look like cords

In case of severe varicose veins, you may develop these symptoms:

  • Aching in the legs
  • Heaviness in the legs; especially after some exercise
  • Discoloration of the skin (turning brown or blue)around the varicose vein
  • Swollen legs and ankles
  • Muscle cramps while standing up suddenly
  • Heaviness after standing or sitting for a long period
  • Varicose veins may lead to spider veins
  • Lipodermatosclerosis –Skin fat above your ankle may become hard causing the skin to become thin
  • Significant bleeding in the veins
  • Ulcers around the ankles

How do Varicose Veins Occur?

There is a complex network of veins running through the human body — the arteries transport blood from the heart to the tissues. The veins then return blood to your heart for blood recirculation. The veins in your legs act against gravity to return the blood to the heart.

However, when veins don’t function properly, symptoms of varicose veins occur. Weak or damaged valves in the veins affect healthy blood flow. Rather than flowing towards your heart, blood begins to accumulate in the veins. As a result, the veins enlarge.

The circulation network in your legs is more likely to experience varicose veins as they are the farthest from the heart. Because of gravity, it becomes harder for the blood to flow in an upward direction.

  • There is a genetic predisposition to develop veins. 60-70% of patients with varicose veins have a family history of veins more frequent on the mother’s side.
  • Varicose veins are more common in women than men; pregnancy and menopause can cause varicose veins
  • Overweight or obsess people have a higher risk of varicose veins
  • With aging your vein valves become weak due to wear and tear, thereby making you prone to varicose veins
  • Standing for too long also dilates the veins.

Diagnosis

diagnosis-varicose-veins-02

For diagnosis, the doctor physically examines your legs as you stand. Your doctor may inquire about the symptoms, such as aching or heavy feeling in the legs.

Also, your doctor may conduct an ultrasound to identify any abnormality in the functioning of the vein valves. He may find some evidence of obstruction, such as a blood clot in the vein.

For further examination, the radiologist may perform a venogram on your legs. During the procedure, a special type of dye is injected in the affected leg and X-rays are taken. A more modern and effective test is called a MRV (Magnetic Resonance of the Veins) usually reserve for deep venous systems or complicated cases.

Treatments for Varicose Veins

best-treatment-varicose-veins-nyc-03Adopting a healthy lifestyle and tweaking some habits can help you prevent varicose veins. For instance, daily exercise can improve blood circulation. A healthy diet helps to maintain a healthy weight, thereby reducing your chances of forming varicose veins.

If your job requires you to stand for long periods, consider taking breaks. You may walk around or sit for some time. More important the doctor may also advise you to wear compression socks or stockings. However, if the varicose veins become worse and cause pain, you may have to undergo treatment.

Sclerotherapy

painless-sclerotherapy-vein-treatment-04During the sclerotherapy procedure, the doctor injects a solution or foam in small or medium sized varicose veins. The foam scars the varicose veins and closes them. The doctor may repeat the procedure on the same or other veins.

The treated area will bruise and the veins will fade away within a few weeks. Sclerotherapy is a painless procedure and does not require anesthesia. Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for small and medium size varicose veins if properly performed.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

This procedure was developed and patented at The Vein Treatment Center © by vein treatment pioneer Dr. Luis Navarro.

In the office under local anesthesia a small laser fiber is introduced into the vein and with laser energy, the vein is closed. The procedure takes around 25 minutes, bandages applied, and patient can resume their normal activities within the same or next day.

This procedure is often combined with a Mini-Phlebectomy of the small branches. Afterwards, Sclerotherapy is used to remove the remaining spider veins.

Mini-Phlebectomy

mini-phlebectomy-vein-treatment-nyc-05This is procedure to removed small or medium sized veins, or so called perforators.

Under local anesthesia, through tiny incisions, and with small hooks, the veins are removed. The procedure takes around 20 minutes, dressings are applied, and the patient may resume normal activities the same day.

Vein Ligation and Stripping

Almost abandoned since the development of Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT) by Dr. Luis Navarro, chief vascular doctor at The Vein Treatment Center ©.

In the hospital, under general anesthesia, an incision is made at the groin, and the main vein is disconnected in the deep system. Through another incision at the ankle or knee, a wire is passed through the vein and up to the groin, and the vein is stripped.

The patient is given anesthesia before the treatment. The surgeon marks incisions in the skin, cuts the enlarged vein, and then removes it. The procedure may causes bleeding, bruising, and pain. However, a patient will recover in 3-4 weeks post-surgery.

Varicose Veins: Contact The Vein Treatment Center ©

Even if you don’t feel pain, but enlarged veins are visible, you should see a vein doctor. In severe cases such as swollen and bulging leg veins, you might need to undergo a minimally invasive procedure. For painless sclerotherapy, EVLA, mini-plebectomy, or laser therapy for veins, contact the Vein Treatment Center © and schedule an appointment with the best vascular specialists in NYC.

The Vein Treatment Center ©
327 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065
212-249-6117

Our Most Popular Vein Treatments:
Painless Sclerotherapy
Foam Sclerotherapy
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Ultrasound
Mini-Phlebectomy
Laser Therapy