How much recovery time do I need after EVLT?
- No recovery time after
- No scarring
- Minimally invasive treatment
- Significant cosmetic appearance improvement
- Outpatient procedure
- Immediate return to normal activity
- 98% effective
- Improved circulation
- Procedure under one hour
How does an EVLT procedure work, and does it hurt?
What are the pros and cons of EVLT?
- Like other vein treatments, EVLT won’t prevent future varicose veins. ...
- If you have multiple varicose veins, you may need several treatment sessions.
- Spider veins (the smaller, surface-level veins) may not be reduced. ...
What to expect with endovenous laser treatment?
These symptoms may include:
- Bruising – Mild bruising or discoloration may occur around the leg area. The bruising and skin discoloration only last about three months. ...
- Pain – Patients may feel mild pain after the procedure. After treatment, the leg may feel tender where the local anesthesia was placed. ...
- Swelling – The leg or ankle may begin to swell following the procedure. ...
Is an EVLT procedure painful?
Very little pain: Endovenous laser treatment (evlt) is a minor, outpatient procedure that is performed with local anesthetic. It causes little pain, essentially no down... Read More EVLT painful?: This treatment for varicose veins can be done without sedation, ivs, etc but typically a numbing solution is injected to "float" the vein in numbing m...
Is EVLT considered surgery?
Endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive procedure that makes use of catheters, lasers, and ultrasound to treat varicose veins.
How painful is EVLT?
EVLT is minimally-invasive and virtually painless. Performed by a VIA Vein Center specialist, the procedure begins with a local anesthetic applied to the skin. A small, thin catheter is then inserted into the skin and an even thinner fiberoptic laser probe is inserted into the varicose vein.
How long does EVLT procedure take?
The EVLT treatment generally takes about 2 hours. This includes time discussing your treatment with the doctor, preparing you and your leg before the procedure, as well as time following the procedure to wrap your leg, discuss post care instructions, and answer any questions you may have.
How long is the recovery after EVLT?
You may resume your normal activities after 24 hours except for strenuous activity that can be resumed after two weeks. A compression stocking is worn for two weeks and most patients experience minimal discomfort.
What is the success rate of EVLT?
The EVLT procedure is the most effective nonsurgical procedure for the removal of varicose veins to date (it's success rate is 98%).
How long after EVLT will I see results?
EVLT(™) Can Help You Leave Varicose Vein Problems Behind for Good. You will see and feel results quickly. While some patients will notice improvements on the day of their treatment, most will experience dramatic improvements in the two to three weeks following their procedure.
Can a vein reopen after EVLT?
By ultrasound study, more patients who had EVLT had their varicose veins return or reopen at the location of the procedure compared to those who had vein stripping surgery, however.
Will spider veins go away after EVLT?
During the procedure, laser energy is guided through a tiny fiber to the inside of a diseased vein wall. The laser energy causes the vein to closeand restores proper circulation. Twisted, bulging varicose veins disappear within a few weeks of treatment.
What can I expect after EVLA?
You should resume normal activity as soon as possible, normally within two to three days. Hot baths and vigorous activity such as gym workouts should be avoided in the first two weeks. Pain and discomfort for most patients are minimal and usually improve within a few days but can last for longer in others.
What is the best procedure to remove varicose veins?
Laser treatment sends strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. No cuts or needles are used. Catheter-based procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy. This procedure is the preferred treatment for larger varicose veins.
Can I drive after EVLA treatment?
Soon after your treatment you will be allowed home. It is advisable not to drive but to take public transport, walk or have a friend drive you. You will have to wear the stockings for up to two weeks and you will be given instructions about how to bathe.
Does Endovenous laser ablation hurt?
Endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive, pain-free procedure that's done in the office with a local anesthetic. The procedure only requires a tiny opening so we can insert a slender catheter into the vein.
How long wear compression stockings after EVLT?
You must wear the compression stocking on the treated leg day and night for 14 days after your procedure, taking it off briefly only to shower. Consider wearing compression stockings during the day long term. Remember, the more you wear your stockings, the better your results will be and with fewer complications. 10.
How long will I need off work after varicose vein surgery?
Keep your legs elevated to promote healing and give your vasculature time to reestablish blood flow. Most people need just two weeks off after vein surgery. If your job requires a lot of sitting or standing (e.g. driving trucks), then you may need 4-6 weeks off to ensure full recovery.
Can I drive after vein ablation?
Driving After Vein Ablation One of the most common questions is whether a patient can drive immediately after vein ablation.. It's advised that you have someone drive you home from your appointment. The next day, you should be able to resume driving as long as you're in the car for only short distances.
What is an EVLT procedure?
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT or ELT), also known as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), is a minimally invasive procedure that treats varicose ve...
What are the pros and cons of EVLT?
ProsEVLT both improves the appearance of noticeable veins and relieves symptoms of discomfort, heaviness, and fatigue.The procedure is minimally in...
How much does EVLT cost?
What you’ll pay for EVLT depends on how many veins are treated and your insurance coverage. Many insurance providers offer full or partial coverage...
What happens during an endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) treatment?
The EVLT procedure is quick (less than an hour) and has no downtime. It’s an outpatient procedure performed in office, with local anesthesia, typic...
What happens after EVLT?
You can return to normal activities immediately afterward, with minimal or no discomfort. You’ll be asked to wear the compression socks regularly f...
Is an EVLT procedure painful?
A local anesthetic (rather than general anesthesia) usually makes the procedure relatively comfortable for most people, particularly compared to ot...
How soon will you see EVLT results?
You'll start to see results within a week, but it can take up to a few months for visible varicose veins to fully diminish. New varicose veins can...
How does EVLT work?
An EVLT procedure uses laser energy to close off the diseased veins, which shrink over the next few weeks until they're no longer noticeable. Blood flow is redirected from the affected veins to healthy veins, improving blood circulation.
What is an elt procedure?
What is an EVLT procedure? Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT or ELT), also known as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), is a minimally invasive procedure that treats varicose veins.
Can varicose veins cause pain?
Though varicose veins are usually benign, they can cause pain and discomfort or lead to complications like ulcers and blood clots. Symptoms like swelling, heaviness, fatigue, and cramping in the legs can be signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
Vein Health Overview
Vein problems such as varicose vessels, spider veins, and reticular veins occur primarily in the legs. The job of these veins is transporting blood from the extremities back to the heart. When a one-way valve in a vein malfunctions, blood leaks backward into the vessel. As it pools, it causes the walls of the vein to stretch and bulge.
What Patients Can Expect
At an initial consultation, a vein specialist outlines varicose vein treatment alternatives and recommends the best option for each patient. The discussion also includes any risks associated with laser treatment of varicose vessels.
What Is EVLT?
EVLT stands for Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy, and it is a procedure that involves catheters, lasers, and ultrasounds in order to heal the varicose condition in a patient. This method is best for veins that are a bit straight and not twisted.
What Happens During An EVLT Procedure?
First, the surgeon marks the important areas on the skin with the help of ultrasound visualization; these serve as a guide during the process. Next, the doctor applies a topical numbing cream to the patient’s skin for an hour. The patient then receives local anesthesia under color duplex ultrasound guidance.
Is The Procedure Painful And Are There Any Side Effects?
Though the procedure is not painful at all, you might feel a slight pinch or pain during the process of inserting the catheter into the vein. During this process, the patient will not feel any discomfort. However, when the anesthesia comes into play, it can be a bit uncomfortable as this process requires numerous injections surrounding the vein.
What Benefits Does Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy Have?
There are a few benefits to choosing this treatment. The procedure only takes roughly an hour to complete, and once it is over, patients can go about their days as normal without being admitted into a hospital. The procedure involves one small incision, which means stitches won’t be needed, and the risk of infections due to the incision is less.
Is This Treatment Good For Everyone?
As we mentioned above, there are many treatments for varicose veins. Therefore, it would not be fair to say which one is the best to treat this condition. For every patient, the symptoms of varicose veins might be the same. However, there still might be other factors that differ in each patient.
EVLT Treatment For Veins: Conclusion
You may not feel pain, but if your enlarged veins are visible, you must visit a doctor. In worse cases, such as bulging leg veins, the surgeon may recommend a minimally invasive procedure like EVLT.
Preparing for your EVLT procedure (EndoVenous Laser Treatment)
You will be given a prescription (or one will be called in for you) for Xanax. It is an anti-anxiety medication that can help you relax, but more importantly, it is to help your veins relax. This will help avoid complications during your procedure. Bring the medication to the appointment but do not take until instructed by office staff.
Post-EVLT Instructions
Keep the stocking on for 72 hours, remove it yourself at the end of that time. Bring stocking to all future treatment appts. After removing stocking, wear your below the knee stockings as much as possible until your follow up appointment. To shower, cover leg with a bag.
What is EVLT laser treatment?
If so, you might be interested in learning more about Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). Varicose veins are caused by underlying vein disease, or chronic venous insufficiency. Endovenous Laser Treatment addresses symptoms of vein disease like pain, cramping, swelling, aching, skin discoloration, and even serious venous ulcers.
What is the best vein treatment?
In both laser vein treatments, a small optic laser fiber is inserted directly into the target vein, and laser energy is delivered to heat and collapse the veins with unhealthy valves. Depending on your venous condition, either EVLA or EVLT may be the optimal treatment.
How long does it take to get an EVLT laser?
The EVLT vein treatment is done in our outpatient facilities, and procedures usually take around 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of veins affected.
What are the benefits of endovenous laser therapy?
Other benefits of endovenous laser therapy include: Effective at eliminating painful symptoms. Return to daily activities immediately after treatment. Performed in an outpatient clinic. No scarring or stitches. Improves overall quality of life.
What causes veins to enlarge?
The resulting insufficiency leads to blood pooling and veins enlarging, most often in your lower extremities. Risk factors for vein disease include family history, getting older, being female, pregnancy, and having high blood pressure or diabetes.
Is EVLT dangerous?
However, there are risks associated with any medical procedure. While serious complications for EVLT are rare and the majority of patients experience no side effects, potential risks include skin burns, discoloration, nerve damage, and blood clotting.
Does EVLT work for varicose veins?
EVLT delivers excellent long-term results, so the likelihood of varicose veins returning after treatment is exceptionally low. However, you can continue to monitor your progress and assess new flow patterns in your legs with follow-up appointments.
What is EVLT treatment?
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) for Varicose Veins. Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a procedure that uses laser heat to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins. They occur most often in the legs.
What is the procedure for a vein in the leg?
An imaging method, such as ultrasound, is used to guide the procedure. The leg to be treated is injected with numbing medicine. Once your leg is numb, a needle makes a small hole (puncture) in the vein to be treated. The catheter containing the laser heat source is inserted into your vein.
How does a laser vein catheter work?
More numbing medicine may be injected around the vein. Once the catheter is in the right position , it is then slowly drawn backward. As the catheter sends out heat, the vein is closed off.
How does a catheter work for varicose veins?
As the catheter sends out heat, the vein is closed off. In some cases, other side branch varicose veins may be removed or tied off through several small cuts (incisions). When the treatment is done, the catheter is removed. Pressure is applied to the insertion site to stop any bleeding.
Why do my veins turn out?
Varicose veins can develop when valves in your veins become damaged. This causes problems with blood flow. Over time, too much blood collects in the veins. The veins may bulge, twist, and stand out under your skin. They can also cause symptoms such as aching, cramping, or swelling in your legs.
Risks of procedures
Most procedures carry a risk, for these venous treatments the risks are minimal. Complications may include allergic reaction, bleeding, blood clots, ulceration, infection, or non-closure of the vein.
Post-procedure
You will be required to wear a compression stocking for a week after the procedure. An ultrasound will be done 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
For more information
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our IR physicians, please call the UCLA Varicose Vein Clinic.
