EVLT - Non-Surgical Varicose Vein Treatment

EVLT - endovenous laser therapy - is a safe and simple varicose vein treatment that closes varicose veins without surgery.

With EVLT, a laser is threaded through a tiny incision and through the full length of the varicose vein. As the laser is slowly withdrawn, heat is applied to the vein walls, causing the vein to permanently close and disappear. The body then reroutes the blood to healthier veins. No other tissue in the legs is affected.

Patient satisfaction with endovenous laser therapy has been high. A prominent study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology showed better than a 93% success rate after two years. These results are comparable or superior to other methods for treating varicose veins, including surgery, with lower rates of complication and the avoidance of general anesthesia.

After having endovenous laser therapy, you may still have smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy can be used to treat these, if desired.

This page contains the following information about laser therapy for varicose veins:

Reasons for Having EVLT

Varicose veins are not only a just a cosmetic problem. They can cause discomfort and pose significant health threats. Treatment can eliminate aching, throbbing, cramping, swelling and heaviness in the legs. It can also reduce the dangers of non-healing wounds and blood clots posed by varicose veins.

Not everyone is a candidate for endovenous laser therapy. People who are candidates may choose it over a surgical varicose vein treatment for the following reasons:

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Risks Involved in EVLT

Endovenous laser therapy is a very safe procedure. Potential but uncommon side effects include:

Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About

There are no conditions you need to let your INVISION radiologist or nurse know about before the procedure.

Insurance Coverage

Endovenous laser therapy is usually covered by insurance. Check with your insurance carrier to be sure.

Procedure Locations

EVLT is done at the following INVISION locations in the Denver, Colorado area:

Scheduling This Varicose Vein Procedure

To schedule a consultation for EVLT, call 720-493-3406.

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Preparation Guidelines

Following are the preparation guidelines for endovenous laser therapy. Please contact us at 720-493-3406 if you have any questions.

What to Expect During Your Varicose Vein Treatment

Prior to the date of the procedure, you will come in for a consultation. You will also fill out paperwork and consent forms so the radiologist will know your medical history. You will have to undergo a noninvasive vascular assessment so the radiologist can identify the source of the varicose veins and plan treatment.

When you come in for the procedure, a nurse will take your blood pressure and temperature. You will then change into your shorts. The radiologist may take photos of your legs to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. You will be given goggles to protect your eyes from accidental exposure to the laser light during the procedure.

After answering any questions you have, a radiologist will begin the procedure. The access site for the procedure will be cleansed and anesthetized and the radiologist will make a small incision, about 2 millimeters wide. Using ultrasound guidance, the radiologist will carefully thread a catheter through the incision and into the vein. After the catheter is in place, the laser will be advanced into the vein. Local anesthetic will be applied along the length of the vein to make the procedure virtually painless. The laser is activated and slowly removed, closing the vein as it is withdrawn.

The incision will be cleaned and taped. You will put the compression stockings on and change back into your normal clothes.

You will have a follow-up visit approximately a week after your session. The radiologist will perform an ultrasound to ensure the varicose vein has been completely closed and no blood clots have developed. He or she may take photos of your legs again to keep in your file.

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Recovering from Your Procedure

There is no recovery after endovenous laser therapy. However, you will need to wear the compression stockings for two weeks. You must also avoid high impact aerobics for 2 weeks after the procedure.

Some people experience bruising, tenderness or swelling after the procedure. These side effects can be reduced or prevented by wearing the compression stockings as directed.

Watch a Video of This Procedure

For more information on and testimonials about endovenous laser therapy, watch the Patient Education Video by AngioDynamics. In order to view the video, you must have the QuickTime plug-in installed on your computer. You can download the free player now if necessary.

You may download the full video, or download smaller segments separately. Select the option you prefer.

  File Size Estimated Download
Time (56k modem)		  
Full Video
19 MB
46 min.
Segment 1:
Introduction/Patient Interviews
3.7 MB
9 min.
Segment 2:
How ELVS Works
9.5 MB
23 min.
Segment 3:
Conclusion/Patient Interviews
6.3 MB
15 min.

Additional Information

The information on this page was taken in part from some of the following web sites and articles.

Sources

Additional Sites

 

With endovenous laser therapy, a laser is threaded through a tiny incision and through the full length of the varicose vein. Although there is no recovery for the EVLT varicose vein treatment, you will need to wear compression stockings and avoid high-impact aerobics for two weeks.