What happens during an EVLA treatment?

Although most of the time a venous reflux problem is visible through the presence of the distended varicose veins close to the skin’s surface, in some people the problem still exists but with no apparent signs on the surface of the leg. Such people may simply have visible thread veins or in some cases nothing at all.

Most vascular surgeons and vein specialists therefore advocate the use of ultrasound diagnosis as best practice when dealing with a person who presents either with a visible problem or any symptoms associated with vascular problems. Without being able to see the underlying venous system a practitioner cannot properly assess whether there is an issue with venous reflux which is causing the cosmetically unattractive varicose or thread veins which you have asked them to treat.

Sometimes you can pay for just this ultrasound scan separately; expect to pay about £150, in order to correctly diagnose the problem and to help you and the practitioner decide if EVLA is a suitable treatment option for you or if something else would be better suited.

On consultation with a vascular specialist a detailed discussion will take place which should clearly highlight your expectations of the EVLA treatment. The practitioner should then be able to explain the treatment and potential results to you.

A medical history will be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why you are not suited to be treated with EVLA. Then you would normally be asked to sign a consent form, which means that you have understood what the treatment may do, and the potential side effects.

Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner that can be used as a “before and after” comparison to show you how successful your treatment has been from a cosmetic perspective.

The procedure
An ultrasound scan is used to mark the position of the veins and identify the problematic areas.

Local anaesthetic is then injected around the vein to ease any discomfort that might be created through the treatment. A small needle is first inserted into the targeted vein through a very small incision and a fine probe or thin laser fibre is then inserted through the needle up the vein; the incision is usually close to the knee. The laser energy is delivered in short or continuous pulses to seal the faulty vein so that blood can no longer flow through it. The incision point is then sealed with surgical tape and will heal over quickly.

A compression stocking is then applied on the leg to reduce subsequent swelling and bruising. You will normally be asked to stand and walk immediately after the procedure.

The procedure usually takes between half an hour to a couple of hours to perform, depending on how many veins and how many legs are being treated. Afterwards you can go home without the need for a hospital stay. The treatment removes both the appearance of the varicose veins and the discomfort caused by their presence.

donna@gigaalaser.com