EVLT Varicose Veins Treatment!

Varicose veins are large veins that appear on the legs of some patients. Usually, blood travels to the legs from the heart through the arteries, and the veins take it back to the heart. The valves in the veins allow the blood to travel from the legs to the heart against gravity. During this process, the valves may leak and blood may collect in the veins, making them appear enlarged.

EVLT (Endovenous laser therapy) is the latest method for curing varicose veins without surgery. It heats the affected veins them through a laser instead of removing them.

Process

In this process, at first, an ultrasound scan is carried out to locate the veins that have to be treated. After marking them, the doctor applies local anaesthetic on the skin and a needle is inserted into it. A wire is then passed through the needle up to the target vein. Over this wire, a catheter is passed after removing the needle. After that, the wire is removed.

Through the catheter, a laser fibre is placed whose tip usually reaches up to the groin crease. Using tiny needles, a large amount of local anaesthetic solution is applied in the region surrounding the vein. The laser is then applied for 5 minutes on the veins. You might hear a buzz or feel a burning sensation but won’t feel any pain. The catheter and the laser are then removed and the incision is covered.

The process takes about 30 minutes to complete. After the treatment, you will be advised to wear compressions stockings and can go back to your normal routine immediately.

Benefits

The different benefits of the surgery are:

• The skin does not have to be stitched

• There is no pain in the process and patients can go back to work right after the treatment

• The process is free from complications

• No scars are left after the treatment

Common uses of the process

EVLT is also used for treating the following:

• Swelling of the veins

• Discolouration of the skin

• The heaviness of the leg

• Skin ulcers and irritation

Precautions

These are the precautions that you must take:

• A week before the process, avoid taking arthritis medications, aspirin, and Ibuprofen as they can increase the chances of bruising

• Avoid alcohol and tobacco 2 days before the procedure

• After the treatment, ask someone to drive you back home and do not use public transport

• Avoid activities like swimming, running, jogging and weightlifting for at least 2 weeks after the procedure

The varicosities fade away after the process but rarely disappear completely. You might require further treatment for improving the appearance of the veins.