EVLT: The No-Scar, No-Surgery Way to Treat Varicose Veins
EVLT (EndoVenous Laser Treatment) uses targeted laser energy to seal off the source of your varicose veins. Sclerotherapy injections of varicose veins are often unsuccessful when their source, the Greater Saphenous Vein (GSV) is abnormal. An ultrasound is used to confirm the need for closing this vein. This is usually done at your consultation appointment with Dr. Mittenthal or Dr. Rheudasil.
Traditionally, this vein was removed from the leg in a procedure called “vein stripping”. This involved hospitalization, and a long recovery time, along with subsequent scarring from many incisions. Now there is a safe, fast, and much more comfortable option available.
Laser closure is performed in our office, and takes less than an hour. Often there is quick relief of symptoms. There is no incision involved and only a local anesthetic is needed. Patients may return to normal activity immediately, avoiding strenuous exertion for a brief period. The EVLT procedure involves using ultrasound to map the vein, and then local anesthetic is applied. A thin laser fiber is inserted through a small entry point, usually over the inner part of the calf or thigh. Laser energy is then delivered in order to seal the faulty vein.
Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure. A thigh high compression stocking is also worn for the first 10 days. The patient may feel minor soreness and bruising. Any discomfort can usually be managed a non-aspirin pain reliever.
Once the faulty GSV is sealed, bulging varicose veins are reduced or eliminated. Blood is now diverted to many normal veins in the leg. Sclerotherapy injections, if needed, generally follow in a month with wonderful results.
View a video testimonial of a client who received EVLT treatment from the Vein Center of Georgia.
(Windows Media File Format).
For more information, please visit www.evlt.com.
QUESTIONS OUR PATIENTS ASK US:
How successful is EVLT?
Published clinical studies show a 98% initial success rate with excellent long-term results.
Is there a risk from the laser?
No. Our patients are given laser glasses to protect their eyes as a precaution against accidental firing of laser energy outside the body.
What are the side effects of EVLT?
The side effects our patients have experienced are minimal and may include bruising on the inner thigh area, some soreness, and, in a small number of cases, numbness that passes quickly.
What happens to the blood flow in my leg after EVLT?
After treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.
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