Varicose Vein treatment with endovenous laser therapy

What is EVL or Endovenous Laser Therapy for Varicose Veins?

The EVL therapy is the latest method of treatment for varicose veins. This treatment is non-surgical and uses a laser or high frequency radio waves. The laser creates heat which is directed through a catheter which in turn heats up the problematic varicose veins and eventually closes it. The dead tissues are later naturally absorbed by the body and the abnormal veins get destroyed.

What does the EVL procedure involve?

This treatment is usually done below the knee and can also be done at the ankle level occasionally. First an ultrasound scan is performed. The varicose veins that are to be treated are marked with a pen. The patient is made to lie down on a couch in the surgical suite and their affected leg/legs is cleaned and then covered with drapes. A small amount of local anesthesia is injected into the skin over the varicose veins area. A needle is inserted into it and a wire is passed through it to the vein. The needle is later removed and thin plastic tubing called a catheter is passed over the wire. The wire is removed and a laser fiber is passed up the catheter. The doctors ensure that the tip of the catheter which needs to be heated up lies at the highest point. The patient is given multiple tiny needle pricks and a large amount of local anesthesia and salt water is injected. The laser is fired up and it is then pulled down over the affected vein. This procedure lasts for approximately 5 minutes wherein you will hear the sound of a warning buzzer ringing. You may also taste or smell burning. At the end of the treatment, both the catheter and the laser are removed from the treated area. A small dressing is done over the skin where the needle puncture was done. If both the legs need to be treated, the same process will be repeated.

What is the duration of the procedure?

The procedure normally takes about two to three hours.

Who does the EVL therapy and where is the procedure performed?

It is done by a qualified hospital surgeon and is performed in outpatient setting or the surgical suite of the hospital.

What is the recovery period?

The patient is discharged several hours after the EVL therapy is completed. The patient takes about one to two weeks to recover completely.

Who can take the Endovenous Laser Therapy?

This treatment is ideal for people with large symptomatic varicose veins and also people with incompetent saphenous veins. The main objective of this treatment is to remove the complications associated with venous diseases like blood clots.

Is the EVL Treatment Painful?

As the Endovenous Laser therapy is a non-surgical treatment, it does not require an operation theatre and can be easily performed in a simple treatment room. Compared to stripping and ligation treatment, EVL is less painful and the patients can resume their normal activities faster.

What preparations need to be done before the treatment procedure?

To ensure that it is safe to conduct the treatment, Pre-procedure tests will be conducted a few days prior to the treatment. The doctors may advise discontinuation of certain medications and will give certain instructions that need to be followed by the patient before the therapy.

What are the risks and complications likely to be experienced?

Before the surgery, the doctor will discuss both the benefits as well as the risks of this therapy. The EVL therapy is a very safe procedure. The complications along the ablation site are minimal and include:

  • Tiredness

  • Bruise

  • Pain

  • Development of blood clot

  • Irritation of nerves

  • Numbness or Tingling (Rare occurrence)

What precautions need to be taken after the therapy?

The surgeon will advise the patients to take the following points into account after surgery:

  • Elevate the legs that are treated when not on the move

  • Keep the incisions and the treated area clean and dry

  • Swimming to be avoided

  • Hot tubs should not be taken

  • Compression stockings or hose should be worn

Karishma Vein Clinic is considered to be the best clinic for varicose vein treatment in Pune. The qualified doctors provide complete information to the patients about varicose veins and the various treatment procedures. They recommend the right treatment procedure based on the patient’s condition and help to optimally alleviate their problems with ease.