Endovenous laser ablation therapy has become a gold standard for treating signs of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins, and our physicians at Vein Center of North Texas can perform this procedure to eliminate signs of varicose veins and restore normal blood flow. Through this treatment, our physicians can use laser heat to treat the affected veins and close off blood flow from the affected areas and can be used to reduce the risk of complex disorders, such as skin ulcers, vein hardening, and blood clots.

How is Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy Performed?

As a minimally invasive procedure, endovenous laser ablation therapy uses catheters, lasers, and ultrasound to locate and treat symptomatic varicose veins. This procedure is mainly performed on veins that are relatively straight and untwisted. During the procedure, the treatment area is numbered with local anesthesia, and the procedure begins with our interventional radiologist inserting a catheter into the varicose vein. Through ultrasound, our radiologist guides the catheter through the vein. Once guided through, the catheter’s laser heats up the walls of the vein, which completely closes the vein off and stops blood from flowing through it.

After the vein is completely sealed, any other varicose veins will be treated under the same guidelines. The procedure is completed after sutures are made into the skin and bandages, and compression socks are applied. Because of this procedure, your body will reroute the blood throughout the remaining healthy veins. Compression socks are recommended during recovery to encourage healing and promote healthy blood circulation for the next five to seven days.

Is EVLT Treatment Right For You?

It’s important to consider all your options with your vein specialist and primary care physician before choosing your treatment. At Vein Center of North Texas, we take the time to carefully evaluate your condition so we can provide a safe, effective treatment plan. For some patients, we may start with conservative therapy, recommending lifestyle changes such as weight management, compression socks, and smoking cessation. For other patients, we may recommend similar procedures such as radiofrequency ablation to reduce the risk of complications. We work to take in all of your needs, symptoms, and conditions at hand to give you the best treatments possible.

However, patients considering EVLT treatment will find that it can be a great way to treat varicose veins, as this treatment comes with advantages such as:

• Less Invasive Than Vein Stripping: Vein stripping can be an effective way of managing varicose veins, but for patients looking for ways to avoid multiple incisions, the laser fiber used in EVLT can promote an easier time healing with fewer side effects.
• Faster, Rapid Recovery: As the same-day procedure, EVLT produces a very short recovery time. Patients receiving EVLT can return to work within a day on average.
• Long-Lasting Effects: EVLT procedures have been reported to produce long-lasting effects, reducing the growth of varicose veins and providing effective pain relief from chronic venous insufficiency.
• Can Be Used For Deep Veins: While most procedures are done on superficial veins, EVLT can be performed on larger veins located within the subdermal layer of the skin.

For more information about EVLT treatment, contact our practice today to schedule your first consultation.