Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
Endovenous Laser Treatment is the modern alternative to the old "vein stripping" procedures that caused so much pain and scarring in the past. Not only is the new method of treatment easier, cheaper, quicker and less painful, it also works better than surgical stripping of the saphenous veins. The saphenous veins (two in each leg) are the most common veins to fail and need treatment in a patient with vein disease. The EVLT procedure is performed with the patient wide awake and with minimal discomfort. A laser fiber is carefully inserted into the vein using ultrasound guidance. The area is "numbed" with an anesthetic so that the patient feels no pain during the procedure. The fiber applies heat to the vein as it is withdrawn to seal the vein closed with no surgery. Once sealed closed, the vein is absorbed away by the body and disappears. Patients may return to light work and normal activities the next day.
Schematic of endovenous laser treatment.
Advantages of EVLT:
- Highly effective
- Non-surgical, same day, outpatient procedure
- Minimal downtime
- Only local or regional anesthesia needed
- No surgical scars
