Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
A new option for treatment of Varicose Veins
 What are varicose veins?
Veins in the legs carry blood back to the heart,
against gravity. Over time, valves in these veins can start to
malfunction, allowing blood to pool in the legs. This process causes
the bulging, discolored appearance characteristic of varicose veins.
Varicose veins are present in approximately 25 million Americans with up
to one-quarter of patients experiencing significant pain or skin
ulceration. Most often, these enlarged and discolored veins are
cosmetically undesirable.
Do I need surgery to get rid of varicose veins?
For many years, surgical “vein stripping” has been
the most common way to treat varicose veins. This surgery is associated
with significant pain and lengthy recovery, causing many patients to
live with the pain and self-consciousness of varicose veins.
Fortunately, there is a new, less invasive way of
treating varicose veins offered by the Interventional Radiologists at
SDI involving laser therapy.
How is the laser procedure different from
surgery?
Surgery involves general anesthesia with a longer
procedure time, significant pain at the surgical sites, and a lengthy
recovery period. Laser therapy is a much simpler and quicker, “less
invasive” technique. The Radiologist enters the skin at a single point
in each leg to direct the laser fiber to the problem veins. There is no
recovery time, with patients up and walking immediately after the
procedure, able to return to full activity. Only mild discomfort is
expected as the problem vein is permanently closed off by the laser.
Because of the less involved technique, infection rates are extremely
low.
Exactly how does a laser treat varicose veins?
Laser technology fixes the problem at the source by
delivering laser light energy to the problem vein. This causes that
vein to close itself while your body automatically reroutes blood
through other healthy veins.
What is the actual procedure like?
It takes about 45 minutes and requires pain killing
medication in the skin and around the problem vein only. The
Radiologist inserts a thin laser fiber into the vein near the knee.
While you may feel an unfamiliar sensation, the laser treatment of the
vein itself is not painful. No stitches are needed. A compression
stocking is placed on the treated leg at the completion of the
procedure.
What results can I expect?
The procedure has a greater than 95% rate of
success at closing the problematic greater saphenous vein and preventing
its pooling of blood in the legs. Relief from pain can be seen
immediately. Cosmetic results can vary—the problematic vein has been
closed off but smaller varicose veins or "spider veins" can remain.
If you would like to schedule an appointment
with an Interventional Radiologist regarding the laser treatment, please
call (813) 870-4919.
For more information about varicose veins and
treatment options from The American College
of Phlebology, click here.
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