What is LASER treatment for Varicose Veins?
EVLA stands for Endovenous Laser Ablation. It may also be referred to as EVLT or endovenous laser treatment. This procedure uses laser energy to treat varicose veins under local anesthesia.
This method has many advantages over the traditional vein stripping method. EVLA is usually a day-care procedure, which means you get discharged on the same day.
The patient also does not have any visible cuts, stitches, or scars after the procedure.
How does LASER treatment for Varicose Veins work?
EVLA is performed under local anesthetic. If you opt for this procedure, you will get admitted and discharged on the same day.
The surgeon first maps your varicose veins and highlights them using ultrasound. A local anesthetic is injected around the veins and the surgeon ensures the fluid is in the right place using ultrasound.
The anaesthetic not only numbs the area around the veins but also causes the vein to contract to increase the precision of the procedure. The anaesthetic liquid also disperses the laser energy ensuring that there is no harm to tissues around the area.
Under ultrasound guidance, a needle is put into the vein near the knee or ankle. A wire is passed into the vein and a long ‘sheath’ is passed up the vein to the top. This ‘sheath’ is a thin tube about the width of a pen refill. The ultrasound helps position the end of the sheath exactly.
The laser fiber is passed up inside the sheath until it comes out of the top. The laser is then switched on and both the laser and sheath are pulled back at the exact rate making sure that the vein is completely destroyed.
What are the risks of LASER treatment for Varicose Veins?
All surgeries have some risks. Some possible risks of laser varicose vein laser surgery include:
- Infection
- Pain over the vein
- Bruising
- Nerve damage
- Redness or swelling (inflammation) of the vein
- Blood clots
- Changes in skin color over the treated vein
- Burns
You may have other risks, depending on your general health. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have before your surgery.
