What is Endovenous Laser Treatment?

The endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive way of treating chronic venous insufficiency that uses laser light to shrink and mold affected veins. EVLA uses optical fiber and laser technologies. Under ultrasound guidance, the vein expert pours a small fiber into the diseased vein before the valve and vein is heated until the vein is closed. This technology is minimal invasive and will help your leg veins promptly encourage healthy blood flow.

What Conditions Does EVLA Treat?

• Chronic Venous Insufficiency(CVI)
• Varicose Veins, Swollen Legs

EVLA targets large and deeper veins of the patient’s leg. A vein specialist will examine your vein condition and provide a treatment plan to suit your specific needs.

Differences between EVLA and EVLT?

EVLA is a brief form of Endovenous laser ablation. It uses contemporary laser technology to identify and remove patients’ problematic veins. It works by delivering laser heat energy in unusual veins walls, which the body naturally emit as waste. It has several advantages compared to normal vein stripping processes. EVLA is a minimally invasive procedure that removes problematic veins without the need for surgery.

EVLT means Endovenous laser therapy or Endovenous laser treatment. EVLT was one of the first devices to use laser technology to treat patients of varicose veins.

EVLT was started in 2000 and after more than 10 years, EVLT has developed in a variety of varicose vein laser treatments. Today, the term EVLA refers to all laser ablation therapy, including EVLT. EVLA refers to any treatment that uses various laser wavelengths ranging from 940 nm to 1320 nm. The method of treatment and recovery period is similar to EVLT.

How does EVLA work?

While some varicose veins are as apparent and discolored blood vessels, most of the individuals with this problem have no symptoms on the skin surface. As a result, vascular doctors advise patients undergo an ultrasound exam to determine the presence and severity of varicose vein problems.

Ultrasound allows the professional to detect and specify proper treatment conditions in troubled veins. Then the doctor injects a local anesthetic around the troubled vein to calm the veins and reduce discomfort during the treatment process. After this the doctor should put a small incision and a small needle should be taken in it to reach the affected vein. Then puts a thin laser fiber through the expert needle, after that puts a thin plastic tube (catheter) which passes over the wire.

After this the vascular expert uses the laser in the suffered vein to send a brief and constant explosion of laser heating energy, which ensures that it no longer, allows the blood to flow. Then the doctor removes the laser fiber and closes the inches from the surgical tape. Based on the number of veins and organs included, surgery may take from 30 minutes to several hours. Most patients become able to stand and walk immediately after receiving laser therapy.

Recovery time for EVLA and EVLT procedures

EVLA and EVLT are usually walk-in/walk-out treatment, meaning patients can leave the treatment center as their treatment ends. A day after treatment, most patients become able to resume their usual activities.

Most doctors recommend wearing compression stockings to reduce inflammation and injury after surgery. These stockings will be in use for two to three weeks. However, you need to return to the clinic a few weeks after your treatment for follow-up assessment. Another ultrasound scan will be needed to determine the efficacy of therapy and any negative impact.

Post-EVLA/EVLT treatment aftercare

During your EVLA recovery, your vascular expert will advise you about optimal practices and things you should avoid. Best Practices for post-EVLA patients:

• Make sure you take painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications told by your doctor. The common over-the-counter drugs used include ibuprofen and paracetamol.
• Wear compression stockings according to your doctor’s advice.
• However it is acceptable to return to work immediately after treatment, if you need serious activities for your job you should take a few days off.
• Stay away from alcohol and smoking for 48 hours after therapy.
• Avoid swimming or other activities when wearing compression stockings that can wet your legs.
• Avoid sitting still for extended periods.
• Following the medical method, keep engaged in light activity like a regular walk. Light physical exercise will increase blood flow to the injured organ, which will increase your health benefits.

Advantages  of EVLA treatment

EVLA offers a variety of benefits:

• Relief of symptoms
• Less invasive; not a surgical procedure
• Little downtime
• Same day, outpatient procedure
• There is no scars or very little. After treatment you may see some injuries, which should not last for more than 6 weeks. There will be no visible scar as surgery is performed through a very small incision in your skin.

What to Expect After Endovenous Laser Ablation?

• After EVLA, a compression stocking will be used. After walking for 10-20 minutes, you’ll be able to go home by driving yourself.
• Compression stockings are needed for two weeks.
• You can resume most activities immediately after the operation.
• Air travel should be avoided for 2 weeks post-EVLA.
• Do not shower for at least two weeks after EVLA or sit in Whirlpool or Sauna.
• Avoid swimming in any water for at least two weeks after going through the EVLA.
• You may take lukewarm showers after EVLA.
• We recommend walking 30-60 minutes a day and avoiding standing.

Is EVLA Covered By Insurance?

EVLA is covered by insurance as it treats medical symptoms associated with the underlying cause of venous disease, chronic venous inadequacy. EVLA and other varicose veins treatments reduce symptoms such as leg cramps, itching and tingling, and edema. EVLA is safe. It’s a minimum aggressive process that leaves small marks. The endovenous laser ablation is more effective on small veins. It is also cheaper. The cost of radiofrequency increases by $400-500, which is later given to the insurance company/patient.

Local Anesthesia

EVLA is done using local anesthesia to numb the leg before inserting the laser catheter. It removes all the dangers and adverse effects of normal anesthesia, such as dissolving, infection, nausea and significant exhaustion. The use of local anesthesia also enables the operation to be held in the doctor’s office instead of the operating room. Patients who get EVLA therapy are often able to resume their usual activities within a day after surgery. Some patients may have mild pain and discomfort immediately after surgery, but it should have no long-term effect. Due to the small incidents used for minimum aggressive technology, the stain from EVLA is not equal to. Wide problems of venous insufficiency can be treated with EVLA because this operation is effective on all skin types and to veins damaged in depth of legs.

While EVLA seldom causes serious complications, the following may occur:

DVT: Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This is the formation of clots in major deep veins within the legs or lower abdomen. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, causing chest discomfort, trouble breathing, and possibly death. We recommend that all of our patients walk at least 45 to 60 minutes (4 to 5 kilometers) every day for the first week after treatment, which appears to provide great protection based on our experience.

Skin burns: Initial examples of employing laser technology were documented in the scientific literature 15 years ago.

Nerve damage: It’s not unusual that the veins located near the veins being treated may be injured, which can result in goldenness or tingling spots on the skin, although it is usually medium and fleeting. It usually lasts no more than three months. Leg swelling and infection at the injection sites sometime.

Get Veins Solutions from Our Board Certified Vein Specialist

Want to get rid of vein problems, ask our top vein specialist Nirman Tylsyan. Book an appointment or simply call us at +1-973-975-4447.