Laser vein treatment, also commonly known as endovenous vein ablation or EVLT, is a minimally invasive form of vein treatment. Along with treating varicose veins, EVLT is used to treat other conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency and swollen legs. This treatment does not involve any hospitalization and no complicated surgery. It is one of the most commonly used procedures to treat spider and varicose veins. The process uses laser energy which is a highly concentrated light beam to eliminate varicose veins, reduce the symptoms, and minimize the risk of developing complicated vein diseases.
With Endovenous Vein Ablation, there is a small optic fiber that is inserted using a needle into the vein by ultrasound guidance. The laser is then activated and the optic fiber is then removed from the vein. During the procedure, the laser begins to heat and close the vein. After the vein is closed, the blood that was trapped inside that vein is then rerouted to another healthy vein naturally. The closed vein is later absorbed by the body. The entire procedure takes about one hour to complete. There is very little, if any, pain involved.
Not everyone may be a candidate for laser treatment. Here are a few reasons why those who are may choose this route over surgery for their varicose veins.
There is a lower recurrence of varicose veins after the treatment.
During your initial appointment at BASS Vein Center, you will have a consultation with one of our experienced doctors or vein specialists. They will examine the area where the veins are a problem and discuss your diagnosis with you. Then they will go over the treatment plans we have available to find the one that works best for you. If you have any questions about your diagnosis or treatment options at this time, our doctor will be more than happy to address your concerns.
If your diagnosis shows that you have a large vein disease, we will conduct venous mapping during your next appointment. We will use an ultrasound to help prepare a venous flow map that shows us the path of the blood flowing through the weak or damaged veins. This will show our team where the problem begins and provide us with a detailed look at your varicose vein system. The venous map shows the team details that are not visible on the surface of the skin, and using this information our doctors can make your treatment much safer and allow it to be more beneficial to you.
Following laser treatment, you can go back to most of your normal daily activities. However, you will need to wear compression socks or stockings. It is also a good idea to avoid any high-impact activities for at least two weeks after the treatment.
Some people experience tenderness, swelling, and bruising following laser treatment. You can help to reduce these side effects by wearing compression stockings and following the advice as directed by your doctor.
Although it is unlikely that the treated veins will return, other veins may become weak or damaged over time. You can always follow up with the doctors here at BASS Vein Center if you have any need for vein treatment in the future.
"I highly recommend the BASS Vein Center, even if you must travel to see them. The staff at BASS show great concern, and spend ample time getting to know their patients as a person as well as their medical history. They provided an excellent treatment plan to help guarantee that I’d receive the best possible care!"
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