What is Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)?

EVLT utilizes laser energy to shrink and scar, and ultimately obliterate, varicose veins from the inside of the vein.  The procedure is usually completed in less than one hour, and can be performed with only local anesthesia (numbing medicine).  No hospital stay is required. After the procedure, patients can begin walking immediately. Time away from work is generally one day.

How do I know if I am a candidate for EVLT?

To be a candidate, a person must have a dedicated venous ultrasound and Doppler exam which demonstrates appropriate venous disease (i.e. venous insufficiency or reflux).  To be a candidate for insurance coverage, a patient must also have some of the following symptoms: visible varicosities, leg pain, heaviness, swelling, inability to walk or stand for long periods of time because of pain, sores on the legs (venous ulcers), or skin changes such as darkening and thickening.

To find out if you are a candidate, and to schedule your venous exam and consultation, call X-Ray Associates at Santa Fe at 505-216-3233.

How is the Procedure Performed?

EVLT is generally performed through a small nick in the skin, usually around the knee, through which the laser is inserted into the problem vein. Once the surrounding tissues are properly numbed and injected with a salt water solution to protect them from the laser energy, the laser is turned on and withdrawn over the length of vein being treated. The laser heats up the vein and causes the vein to scar and close, preventing the backward flow of blood which created the varicose vein.

What can I expect after the EVLT procedure?

After the procedure, patients wear special compression stockings to keep the vein collapsed during the period of internal vein scarring. For optimal results, stockings are worn for two weeks. During this time, bruising and soreness in the treated area is normal. Soreness can be treated with over the counter pain medicine. Patients are expected to walk a minimum of one to two hours each day, beginning the day of treatment. Ideally, patients should wait 1 week before resuming vigorous exercise such as running. Most patients return to work within one to two days, depending on their occupation.

What are the risks?

All medical procedures have risks. EVLT risks include:

1. Numbness or tingling around the treated area.
2. Minor infection at the catheter site or along the vein.
3. Blood clots will rarely develop in veins that weren’t treated.

What are the benefits of EVLT?

1. Shorter recovery time than surgery.
2. Virtually no scarring.
3. Less costly than surgery.
4. Less time away from work or normal activities.
5. Noticeable decrease in the size of varicose veins.