Endovenous Laser Vein Ablation (EVLT)

Typical Treatment Benefits

• Reduction or elimination of leg pain, achiness and fatigue caused by venous reflux translates to renewed enjoyment of activities such as walking, running and bicycling — results will vary by patient
• Improved healing of venous ulcers and skin changes related to venous reflux
• Your legs will look better

VenaCure EVLT™

This YouTube video describes the VenaCure EVLT procedure

Basic Patient Information About
This Treatment
EVLT is typically used to treat varicose veins, and not spider veins. This outpatient procedure has been in use for over 10 years, and has consistently seen excellent results. As with our other non-surgical procedures, most of our patients find themselves ready to resume normal activity almost immediately. Patients report feeling little if any pain during the procedure. Typically, patients receive a local or regional anesthetic to numb the treatment area.

What EVLT Does
Via a thin fiber, laser energy is used to heat the diseased vein wall forcing its collapse. As a result basically two things happen:
1) The blood flow gets redirected to healthier veins;
2) Symptoms of venous reflux such as the blue, bulging varicose vein, leg pain, swelling and fatigue can be reduced or eliminated.

Considerations and Follow-up
The doctor will have you wear a compression stocking for a couple of weeks, and may suggest a regimen of regular exercise. Some patients may experience minor bruising that goes away quickly. By comparison to stripping and other surgical techniques, EVLT's possible side-effects are minimal. Results will vary by patient, and in some cases multiple treatments maybe needed to achieve the desired results. Dr. Forman carefully works with each patient to develop a plan best-suited to their specific needs. Visit the Expectations and Results Section to see example before-and-after photos.

Tell Me More...

• VenaCure EVLT™
• FAQs about VenaCure EVLT™
• Related Weblinks

Here’s what to expect from the VenaCure EVLT procedure:

1. Your doctor uses ultrasound to map out your vein.
2. Local anesthetic is applied.
3. A thin laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee.
4. Laser energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein.
5. Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged. Normal daily activity can be resumed; just avoid rigorous activities such as gym workouts.
6. There may be minor soreness and bruising. Any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers as necessary.

The VenaCure EVLT system uses targeted laser energy to seal the vein shut and help you look and feel better fast.

1. Treatment in less than an hour.
2. Can be performed in the doctor’s office.
3. Up to 98% success rate.
4. Immediate relief of symptoms.
5. Return to normal activity immediately – with little or no pain.
6. No general anesthesia or hospitalization.
7. Minimal-to-no scarring.
8. Typically is covered by insurance.

http://venacure-evlt.com/varicose-veins/venacure-evlt/

Frequently Asked Questions About Endovenous Laser Ablation: VenaCure EVLT
This information is derived and reproduced in part from http://venacure-evlt.com/varicose-veins/venacure-evlt/faqs/

How successful is VenaCure EVLT™

Clinical data with up to 5 years of follow-up show success rates of 93-98%. This is much higher than surgical ligation and stripping, radiofrequency electrosurgery, and injection sclerotherapy. Laser treatment for varicose veins has become the ‘gold standard’.

Am I at risk from the laser?

You will be given a pair of special glasses to wear to protect your eyes, however this is just a precaution against accidental firing of laser energy outside the body.

What are the side effects and complications of varicose vein treatment with VenaCure EVLT?

VenaCure EVLT, like all minimally invasive procedures, can potentially have some slight bruising, which commonly disappears within the first few weeks. With VenaCure EVLT, you will feel a delayed tightness (or “pulling” sensation) 4-7 days after laser treatment, which is normal and expected following a successful treatment. All surgical procedures involve some element of risk and have the potential for complications. This should be balanced against the risk of complications if your varicose veins remain untreated. Consult your physician for further information.

Is loss of this vein a problem?

No. There are many veins in the leg and, after treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to normal veins with functional valves. The resulting increase in circulation will significantly relieve symptoms and improve appearance.

How does VenaCure EVLT actually work to treat varicose veins?

A laser fiber is fired inside and along the length of your faulty, varicose vein. The laser energy heats the blood, which then damages the vein wall, shrinking them closed so that blood can no longer flow through.

Link Library
This panel includes outbound links to trusted sources of medical information such as the National Health Library, Medline and American Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Links will direct you to a new browser window. Please note that all information contained at these web sites is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for an actual physician visit.

National Health Library | American Heart Lung and Blood Institute - Overview, FAQs and more
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vv/vv_all.html

National Health Library | Medline Plus
Varicose Vein Introduction and Associated Links

National Health Library | Medline Plus
Interactive Patient Education Module