Endovenous Laser Ablation for Vein Treatment

What is Endovenous Laser Treatment?

Endovenous Laser Ablation is a minimally invasive method for treating chronic venous insufficiency using laser energy to shrink and collapse the treated veins. 

What Conditions Does EVLA Treat?

• Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Varicose Veins

• Swollen Legs

EVLA focuses on larger and deeper veins in the patient’s leg. A vein specialist will examine your vein condition and come up with a treatment plan customized to your specific need.

How Does Endovenous Laser Ablation Work?

• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) uses laser energy to treat a vein with extreme precisions and skills to avoid affecting the surrounding area. Lasers procedures have proved to be safe and effective through years of medical procedures and their application. Compared to other conventional surgery, a laser is much safer.

• In EVLA, a thin fiber guided by ultrasound technology will be inserted gently to treat vein diseases. The fiber produces laser heat to close the veins and eliminate venous reflux. Once the unhealthy vein is treated by EVLA, the remaining blood flow is re-routed to normal veins within the legs where it returns to the heart and lungs.

• A popular fiber that is now being used is a jacketed fiber to prevent any contact between the fiber and the vein wall. The procedure minimizes and prevents pain and bruises that usually happen as side effects of more conventional methods of ligation and stripping. Some possible complications of endovenous laser treatment include thermal skin burns and transient numbness.

• Wearing compression stockings following treatment will optimize the overall outcome of your vein treatment. 

EVLA Advantages

EVLA offers a variety of benefits:

• Relief of symptoms

• Less invasive; not a surgical procedure

• Little downtime

• Same day, outpatient procedure

• Little to no scarring. You might notice a bit of bruising post-treatment which should last no more than 6 weeks. As the procedure is performed via a very tiny cut in your skin, there will be no visible scar.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Bring comfortable shoes for walking

• Avoid using lotions on your legs 2 days before and 2 days after your EVLA session.

• Avoid taking Aspirin and NSAIDs (such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen) for one week before your EVLA sessions, as these medications increase the tendency to bruise and bleed. Contact your medical provider to make necessary adjustments if the medications listed are used for medical purposes. 

• Report any medication allergies or changes in your medical condition before your session. 

What to Expect After Endovenous Laser Ablation?

• After EVLA, a compression stocking will be applied. After walking for 10-20 minutes, you will be able to drive yourself home. 

• You will be instructed to wear compression stockings for two weeks.

• You may resume most activities immediately following the procedure.

• Air travel should be avoided for 2 weeks post-EVLA.

• Do not take baths or sit in a whirlpool or sauna for at least two weeks following EVLA.

• Do not swim in any body of water for at least two weeks following EVLA.

• You may take lukewarm showers after EVLA.

• You are encouraged to walk 30-60 minutes a day and to avoid excessive standing. 

Is EVLA Covered By Insurance?

Most treatments at our vein health clinics are covered by major insurance companies, including Medicare. During the screening, our vein experts will discuss more specific about your coverage and vein illness eligibility.

When Should I See a Vein Doctor Near Me?

If you experience signs or symptoms which are worrisome to you, Physicians Vein Clinics offers a 24-hour answering service for all patients. Please call one of our vein clinics to speak with your vein specialists or to the nursing staff at 888-782-8346.

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