Advantages of Endovenous Laser Treatment For Varicose Veins
Varicose veins aren’t just visually unappealing. Untreated varicose veins can be painful and make everyday tasks uncomfortable. Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy is an effective treatment that closes stubborn varicose veins. Doing so restores proper circulation, which leads the twisted, bulging veins to disappear in just a week or two.About Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
Quick and minimally invasive, endovenous laser therapy is an effective alternative to traditional vein stripping. Endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses catheters, lasers, and ultrasound to treat varicose veins. This procedure is performed most often on veins that are still relatively straight and untwisted.
Treatment Advantages and Benefits
Treatment benefits of EVLT include:
The Procedure Only Takes 1 Hour
EVLT only takes about an hour, and most patients can resume normal activities immediately without being admitted to a hospital. The treatment is performed under local anesthetic, with or without oral sedation, right in our office.
Only 1 Small Incision Is Required
The procedure is minimally invasive, resulting in a minimal risk of infection, blood loss, noticeable scarring, or other significant side effects. This treatment leaves only a single small scar at the insertion site, roughly one-quarter inch or less.
Patients Can Resume Normal Activities Immediately
After an EVLT procedure, providers typically recommend patients wear compression socks during the recovery process to aid circulation. This decreases the amount of bruising or swelling that may happen after the treatment. An ultrasound is usually performed the following week to ensure no clots have formed in the treated veins.
What To Expect During EVLT Treatment
The EVLT process begins with an experienced provider inserting a catheter into the varicose vein. Using ultrasound to see inside the patient, the provider guides the catheter through the vein. A laser at the end of the catheter heats the walls of the vein. This causes the vein to close and for the blood to stop flowing through the vein. As the body recovers after the treatment, circulation becomes more efficient since blood is not flowing through a faulty vein, and the problem vein shrinks and fades.
Potential Risks and Complications
Only minimal complications have been experienced with endovenous laser treatments. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks.
Uncommon yet possible risks include:
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Vessel perforation
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Deep vein thrombosis
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Pulmonary embolism
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Phlebitis, hematoma
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Infection
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Scarring
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Nerve injury
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Paraesthesia
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Skin burns
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Post-phlebitic syndrome resulting in a permanent swelling of the leg
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Severe allergic reaction
EVLT Success Rates
EVLT treatments have been highly successful, and are comparable to the conventional surgical approach. EVLT generally treats most varicose veins successfully, but additional therapy may be necessary in some cases.
Insurance Coverage For Endovenous Laser Therapy
Insurance coverage for EVLT treatments is determined on a case-by-case basis. In most instances, insurance companies decide whether or not to cover treatment based on medical necessity. If you have concerns regarding coverage for varicose vein treatments and procedures, we recommend discussing coverage criteria with your insurance company as every company is slightly different.
We also suggest that you inquire about insurance coverage for the compression hose required after the procedure. After EVLT, providers usually recommend patients wear compression socks during the recovery process to aid in circulation. This helps to decrease the amount of bruising or swelling that can happen after the procedure.
If you’re thinking of pursuing treatment for varicose veins, consider EVLT. Our expert providers at Vein & Laser Institute offer several treatment options, and we’re here to assist you in determining which one is right for you. Call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our vein specialists.
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