|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

EVLT Procedure

EVLT stands for endovenous laser treatment. It is an effective method for getting rid of varicose veins, a condition caused when vein valves do not close correctly, thereby allowing blood to pool in the affected area. Veins begin to bulge as blood pushes against the vein walls. The result is painful, causing legs to ache and swell. In worse case scenarios, varicose veins can lead to unnecessary bleeding and eczema or ulceration.

  1. Choosing EVLT

    • EVLT deals with the source of varicose veins without an invasive surgical procedure like ambulatory phlebectomy, ligation and stripping or sclerotherapy. It uses a fiber laser energy probe, guided by ultrasound, to deliver impulses to the affected area. It is highly effective, working 98 percent of the time.

    Non-Eligibility for EVLT

    • Patients with heart disease or blood disorders may not be eligible for this procedure. Pregnant women are not immediate candidates either since, in many cases, temporary varicose veins disappear after pregnancy.

    Before EVLT Begins

    • A physician evaluation, including a medical history, physical exam and ultrasound are required before EVLT. Additionally, most physicians want to approve post surgical compression hosiery at that time. Just before the procedure, patients are asked to shower with antibacterial soap.

    What to Expect

    • EVLT is done out patient and takes less than an hour. The patient will be told to arrange for someone to drive him home after the procedure because of sedatives used during EVLT. A local anesthetic is given before EVLT begins. Patients are also offered a pair of protective glasses to wear. Then, a small catheter is threaded into the vein entering from the groin area. The fiber laser is worked through the catheter and, once in place, uses its energy to seal off the vein. Then the laser is removed, the wound dressed, and compression hosiery applied.

    After EVLT

    • After the procedure, the patient must walk a treadmill for roughly 20 minutes. The activity must be repeated at least twice during the following week. Patients cannot remove compression hosiery for 24 hours and then only for bathing. Compression hosiery must be worn for at least two weeks. Restrictions may be imposed, such as refraining from strenuous activities, staying out of sunlight, and flying until healing is complete. That will take four to six weeks. Painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be taken as needed, but stiffness and soreness should disappear within two weeks.

      A second ultrasound may be performed a few weeks after EVLT and additional physician follow-up appointments will be made. After six months, other treatments may be prescribed for cosmetic purposes.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles