Endovenous laser therapy (evlt)

EVLT or ELT - Endovenous laser therapy is identical to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). It is one of the many procedures we use at the San Francisco vein center to treat varicose veins. This is a minimally invasive procedure that we perform in the office. It does not require general anesthesia and allows the patient to leave the office after the procedure and resume normal activities soon after. It is safe, effective, and lasts approximately one hour. The EVLT or the EVLA For Venous Insufficiency is a vast improvement over the traditional past method of removing varicose veins called the stripping of the vein.

Candidates and preparation

Because endovenous laser therapy is minimally invasive, there is little to prepare for the procedure. It is necessary for the surgeon to perform a venous ultrasound to determine if the patient has venous insufficiency. This is the main cause of varicose veins. The surgeon then uses ultrasound to trace the vein or veins that will be treated with laser. General anesthesia is not necessary for laser ablation, although patients can sometimes take something to relax.

EVLT EVlA Process

Endovenous laser ablation is similar to radiofrequency ablation in that the ultimate goal is to close the diseased superficial vein. The Best Solution For Varicose Veins surgeon places a special laser catheter in the greater saphenous vein or in the smaller saphenous vein through a very small entry point. Using ultrasound to guide the catheter, the laser emits a concentrated beam of light energy while the surgeon pulls the catheter back through the vein. The laser applies enough energy to the walls of the vein to make it seal and close. This process causes blood flow to be redirected to healthy veins that work. The body finally absorbs the sealed vein and disappears.

Recovery

There are very few restrictions with recovery after the procedure. One of the few is to stay away from a highly strenuous or high-impact exercise for a few days. There are some other key factors to follow for optimal recovery after laser ablation.

We encourage patients to exercise and walk immediately after treatment. Walking frequently and daily is important and helps recovery.

It is also important to wear compression stockings. The patient should use them for about two weeks. They are not necessary while they sleep.

Avoid sitting for long periods of time.

Risks and success rates

Laser vein ablation is a very low risk procedure. Patients may experience some bruising and discomfort for a few days to weeks. Sometimes patients experience redness or irritation around the treatment site. Deep vein thrombosis is one of the main risks you should take into account. There is a 1% risk. This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in the vein. Although it is rare, it can become serious if it travels and travels to the lungs. When this happens, it needs to be treated immediately with blood thinners. Following the recovery regimen of wearing compression stockings and walking frequently helps reduce these risks.

Vascular Specialist Near Me

The initial success rate for laser ablation is approximately 99%. However, over time there is a 5% to 10% chance of recurrence. Because it is minimally invasive and low risk, patients who experience recurrence may choose to perform the procedure again.