Laser Vein Ablation Procedure (EVLT)

If you're wondering how this can be so easy when vein ablation has always been so complicated in the past, we have one thing to say. Thank goodness for laser technology!

The laser itself is the key to the simplicity of endovenous laser ablation. Here's how it works:

First, a local anesthetic is applied to an area on the skin. Then, an experienced interventional radiologist makes a very slight incision and inserts a thin catheter into the vein, and, with ultrasound guidance, advances it up the great saphenous vein. Then the tissue around the vein is infiltrated with dilute local anesthetic before the laser energy is applied. The inside of the vein is heated and the heat seals the vein closed. Once the vein is closed, other healthy veins re-route blood flow and the treated varicose vein dissolves. It's that easy.

You can expect this process to take less than 90 minutes and you can return to your usual activities, possibly as soon as the same afternoon, with minimal discomfort. You may feel a slight "pulling" sensation along the treated vein for a few days. For best results, we do recommend wearing compression stockings during the day for the first week following treatment.

Our non-invasive laser procedures have been proven up to 98% effective, with rare cases of reoccurrence. In addition to vein ablation, our expert physicians can also treat other venous disorders and complications with minimally invasive methods.

The Day of Treatment

Any kind of medical procedure can sound scary if you don't understand the process. At Veradia, we want you to be as comfortable as possible. Below we outline your pre-procedure instructions, so that you can come prepared and relaxed.

Do not come to the office on an empty stomach. You will not be having general anesthesia. We encourage you to have a small meal 1 to 2 hours prior to arriving at the office.

You will be receiving a local anesthetic and, if you choose, an oral sedative. You will not be able to drive home following the procedure. Please arrange for someone to drive you home. You will be in the office up to 2 1/2 hours. The actual procedure itself takes only about 1 hour.

Shave the affected leg the night before your procedure including 1-2 inches in the pubic area on that side. Do not apply any type of moisturizer to your leg the day of the procedure.

Do not use any aspirin products for 1 week prior to having the procedure. If you are on blood thinners, please notify us immediately so we can speak with your primary doctor and determine a course of action.

Please bring your compression hose to all appointments.

Be sure to ask any questions at any time. Again, we want your experience to be positive and rewarding!

Going Home

Now that your varicose veins have been successfully treated, making sure they stay that way takes a few simple measures. We ask all our patients to follow these standard post-treatment instructions:

Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after your procedure. For any long car rides the week after your procedure, please get out and walk hourly.

You will have compression hose in place when you leave the office. Wear this hose for the first 24 hours (including during sleep) after your procedure. Then wear the hose for the next 6 days except when sleeping or showering.

You will have a small dressing and Steri-Strips at the insertion site after your procedure. You may remove the dressing at your first shower, but leave the Steri-Strips in place. The Steri-Strips may begin to come loose after 5-7 days, at which time you may remove them.

You may have some discomfort following the procedure. We suggest Tylenol (2 tablets every 4 hours as needed) to manage this discomfort. A "pulling" sensation in the treated leg several days (5-7) after treatment is normal. If you are having extreme discomfort or bleeding, notify the office immediately. Some patients find it helpful to take a day or two off from work, although we expect you to be able to resume all your pre-procedural activities (including work) the following day.

We would like you to continue to keep moving and maintain a normal level of activity. Walking twice daily for 20 minutes is encouraged and promotes speedy healing. Please refrain from vigorous exercise, however, for 1 week.

You will have a short, follow-up appointment 72 hours after the procedure.