Endovenous Laser Therapy

Large Varicose Veins in the thigh or calf may the result of valve failure or incompetence in the largest superficial leg veins – the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) or Small Saphenous Vein (SSV).

In some people, the anatomy of these abnormal veins is such that the vein is large in diameter and relatively straight. In these people, EVLT may be the most appropriate non-surgical treatment.

EVLT involves insertion of a laser fibre into the vein itself and the vein is closed by the heat of the laser.

The laser fibre is guided into place by first inserting a guidewire through the skin into the vein via a small introducing needle. You are awake throughout this procedure. There are some needle pricks but the discomfort is generally well tolerated. Some local anaesthetic is used in the area to be lasered.

This is a walk in, walk out procedure that takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. It is done as an outpatient and requires ultrasound imaging to guide the insertion of the laser fibre.

As the EVLT procedure treats only the largest segments of varicose veins, there is also a need to treat other smaller veins with Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS). This is done in combination with the EVLT.

Compression stockings are worn after the procedure for 2 weeks and the result of the treatment is checked by ultrasound 1-2 weeks later. Normal activities can be resumed shortly after the procedure.

Walking daily is recommended after the procedure. Strenuous leg exercises should be limited for a couple of weeks after treatment.

EVLT may offer an alternative treatment for people who may otherwise have required surgery eg vein stripping or stab avulsions for their varicose veins. The EVLT procedure uses only local anaesthetic and there is no surgical wound to heal – only a tiny (approx 2-3mm) cut at the entry site of the laser fibre.

Other Leg vein treatments offered at APSA are

Sclerotherapy
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy