Varicose Viens - EVLA Technique - Flint, Michigan

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat varicose veins. During endovenous laser ablation, a laser fiber is inserted into the vein. The laser energy heats the vein, causing the lining of the vein to collapse, shrink, and disappear. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes to perform. It is effective in eliminating large varicose veins in the legs. It cannot be used to treat spider veins or veins in the lower legs.

How EVLA works

Ultrasound technology is used to identify the diseased vein, and a tiny incision is made above the vein. Then, a small catheter is inserted into the vein and advanced within it. A tiny laser fiber is inserted into the catheter and positioned with ultrasound guidance.

Local anesthesia is injected around the vein to numb surrounding tissue. The anesthetic fluid protects the surrounding tissue from the heat that the laser emits. After the anesthesia has been injected, the laser is activated. The heat from the laser directly affects the collagen in the vein wall, causing the vein to shrink and collapse.

After the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed and a small bandage is applied to the site of the incision. The blood is rerouted to healthy veins in the leg.

After the Procedure

A compression bandage is worn for a week or two after the procedure. Most patients are able to return home and resume normal activities immediately afterward. Endovenous laser ablation does not cause scarring, and there is minimal postoperative pain. There may be some minor soreness and bruising at the treatment site, but it can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication.

Daily walking is encouraged after the procedure. Patients who exercise after the treatment tend to heal faster and experience fewer complications. A follow up appointment will be scheduled a week after the procedure to evaluate the treatment’s success. Follow up treatments may be scheduled in order to eliminate residual branch veins.

Benefits

Endovenous laser ablation is a quick and simple treatment that alleviates symptoms associated with varicose veins, such as aching, heaviness, and pain. Large, surgical incisions are not required, so stitches are not used. Endovenous laser ablation improves the circulation in your legs and reduces your chances of developing stasis ulcers. The procedure is safe and virtually complication-free. The risk of scarring is minimal.

Complications

Complications from endovenous laser ablation are rare but can include mild numbness, a pulling sensation, redness and tenderness of the skin, and infection. Most of these symptoms will resolve within a few days. You can generally avoid complications by choosing a reputable, experienced physician to perform the procedure.

Success Rate

The success rate of endovenous laser ablation is 98%. Most of the veins treated are invisible twelve months after the procedure, even when examined by ultrasound. There is a recurrence rate of 7% after two years. Endovenous laser ablation is an FDA-approved procedure, and all data indicate that it is highly effective and safe.