Endovenous Laser Treatment (Evlt)
Endovenous laser treatment, also referred to as endovenous ablation, is a minimally-invasive medical procedure that uses laser energy to treat varicose veins. It’s considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments like varicose vein surgery.
At Mark Medical Care, we have board-certified physicians who have advanced skills and decades of combined experience in performing endovenous laser ablation treatments. Over the years, we have earned a reputation for excellence in varicose vein treatments and have consistently managed to exceed the expectations of our clients.
How Does Endovenous Laser Ablation Work?
Endovenous ablation involves several steps. These include:
- The varicose vein to be treated is visualized using a duplex ultrasound device.
- The area in and around the damaged vein is numbed using a local anesthetic.
- An incision is made in the vein using a fine needle.
- A catheter is inserted into the vein through the incision. A laser fiber – also referred to as an electrode tip or probe – is inserted into the vein through the catheter.
- Laser energy is applied along the entire length of the vein in short, intermittent bursts. The heat produced by the laser damages the lining of the vein’s wall and causes it to expand and close off. Eventually, the vein turns into scar tissue and fades away.
The idea behind laser ablation (as is the case with any other varicose vein procedure) is to improve circulation and redirect blood flow to other, healthier leg veins. It should be noted that laser ablation is extremely effective at sealing off the target vein. Based on this, to treat smaller varicose veins that might be around the target vein, additional treatments like sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy might be required.
How to Prepare for Endovenous Laser Treatment?
During the initial consultation, you should tell the physician whether you have a history of bleeding disorders or any underlying health problems. Similarly, you should also tell the physician whether you are sensitive or allergic to any over-the-counter or prescription medications, local or general anesthesia, contrast materials, latex, and other things that might be used in the treatment.
You have to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and blood thinners for at least a week before and after the treatment, as these medications can interfere with the healing process.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The procedure can take up to an hour in most cases, but the actual treatment time may vary depending on a patient’s unique condition.
What Happens After the Endovenous Laser Procedure?
After the treatment, you can go home right away. You need to wear compression stockings for a period of 7 to 10 days or as recommended by the physician. It can prevent your legs from swelling, reduce bruising, promote healing, and prevent the formation of blood clots as well.
While you can stay physically active after the treatment, you should avoid lifting weights or anything heavy or engaging in strenuous physical activities. Similarly, you should avoid long car trips, air travel, and other activities that might require you to remain seated for a long time.
You should also avoid taking hot baths and avoid exposing the treated area directly to sunlight for a week or two following the treatment.
Key Advantages of Endovenous Laser Treatment
Simple and Painless
It’s an outpatient procedure and does not require you to stay at the hospital. Since local anesthetic is used, you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. With skilled treatment providers, the risk of post-op complications is negligible.
Less Invasive
It’s a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure. Only a small incision is made during the procedure to insert the catheter. There is no need for stitches and there is no risk of scarring as long as the procedure is performed by a qualified laser vein specialist.
Minimal Recovery Time
There is almost no downtime associated with endovenous laser treatment. Many patients may start walking or driving right after the treatment. Except for sitting or standing for too long or engaging in strenuous activities, you can freely perform almost all your daily activities.
Highly Effective
It’s just as effective as traditional treatments like endoscopic vein surgery and the risk of side effects and other complications are very low. The veins that are cauterized using laser treatment tend to fade away completely after a few months. The procedure also has a low rate of recurrence, which means the possibility of new varicose veins developing in the treated area is extremely low.
Treating and Preventing Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Whether you want to prevent varicose veins or want to prevent existing varicose veins from becoming worse, the following lifestyle modifications can help you:
- Eat healthily, avoid snacking to the extent possible, and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can significantly increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
- Sitting or standing in the same position without moving your legs for too long can affect blood circulation and make your varicose veins worse. If you need to sit or stand for long periods of time, take frequent breaks to stretch your legs to improve circulation. If it’s not possible, wear compression stockings to reduce the pressure on your veins.
- Regular exercise can improve circulation in your blood vessels, lower the risk of varicose veins, and prevent existing varicose veins from becoming worse. Exercise, as you know, is good for many things, as well, besides this.
- Look out for varicose vein symptoms – particularly if you have a family history of varicose veins – and make sure you seek treatment at the earliest. The sooner you seek treatment, the lower the chances of the problem recurring again.
Choose Mark Medical Care The Leading Varicose Vein Treatment Center in New York
At Mark Medical Care, we combine the expertise of our board-certified physicians with the latest medical technologies and equipment to provide you the highest quality treatment and care. We specialize in laser ablation treatments and can treat varicose veins, spider veins, varicose ulcers, and other venous insufficiency-related conditions. We are also proud to have doctors that are all fluent in Spanish so we can serve more of the community.
To find out more about our varicose veins treatments, call us today at 877-673-4818 or contact us online and schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.