Project Description
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous laser treatment, also referred to as EVLT, is the primary method of closing the abnormal, refluxing superficial veins in the treatment of venous insufficiency.
EVLT belongs to a group of venous treatments called Endovenous Thermal Ablation. Basically, this refers to the use of heat to “ablate” (i.e., to close off) the inside of the vein. The heat—used to “cauterize’ or “ablate” the vein to close—is commonly generated by laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) or radiofrequency waves transmitted through a long catheter to its tip placed inside of the vein. Sometimes a mechanical and chemical closure is used. At Advanced Vein Care Center, we primarily use the laser-generated EVLT to treat venous insufficiency.
Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by the underlying abnormal veins that are usually significant in size, usually located from 1 cm to 3 cm under the skin in a non-obese patient. These are called the “saphenous veins,” and they are usually not visible to the eye and require an ultrasound imaging. Visualizing the vein with an ultrasound, the vein specialist performs the EVLT to “ablate” these veins, thereby closing the source of the abnormal veins that give rise to the visible varicose veins on the skin. In sum, EVLT shuts off the source of chronic venous insufficiency symptoms, the saphenous veins, and the varicose veins are removed by hand during phlebectomy (see Phlebectomy section).
EVLT: General Questions & Answers
Benefits and Risks of the Procedure
EVLT: Before, During, and After Questions & Answers
Before the Procedure: Preparation
During the Procedure
After Procedure Care
Contact Us
For more information about endovenous laser treatment feel free to get in touch with our informed office staff. Our Springfield, MA office can be reached by phone at (413) 732-4242 or email us.