EVLA/EVLT Procedure

EndoVenous Laser Ablation Treatment (EVLA/EVLT) – The Gold Standard Treatment for Varicose Veins

It is prudent to assume that you are aware about varicose veins and various treatment options available (If not, read here).

Hence, we shall directly come to the point and provide information on Endovenous Laser Ablation treatment (EVLT).

EVLT – The Procedure

We know that in varicose vein, the problem vein stops functioning properly which results in obstruction of blood flow further leading to blood pooling, clotting, development of ulcers.

While performing EVLT, an interventional radiologist uses real time image guidance to insert a thin catheter with a laser fiber into the problematic vein. Once the fiber is in position, the doctor numbs the vein to minimize uneasiness during the procedure with liquid anesthetic solution.

The laser is activated alongwith slow withdrawal of the catheter and fiber which releases heat causing the vein to collapse and close.
As the delinquent vein is closed, blood flows via the remaining healthy veins.

While the above procedure sounds complex, the EVLT technique has been perfected over decades of its application and is now considered among the safest medical procedures.

Why Endo Venous Laser-ablation Treatment (EVLT)
A continuous search for better medical treatment option is always on in the medical world, currently EVLT is among the most favored and quickly becoming golden standard treatment among the varicose vein specialists. Major attributes which make EVLT as a choice treatment plan are

• It is minimally invasive procedure hence it has minimum effect on body compared to traditional option of surgery.
• It is among the safest procedure for varicose veins with very high success rates.
• It is considered safe for mostly all category of patients including the patients who are not fit for surgery like aged patients.
• Does not leave scar marks on the patient’s body.
• In most patient’s the procedure does not require general anesthesia administration and hence it is better for the human body.
• It’s a procedure which is mostly done on outpatient basis hence patient’s revert to routine activities in no time.

However, there are various treatment protocols with respect to EVLT treatment issued by recognized institutions like NICE Guidelines, UK, which needs to be adhered to by interventional radiologists.

Care after EVLT

EVLT as described is mostly an outpatient procedure and hence patients return to their home the same day. While no specific care is required post

EVLT as it is minimally invasive procedure, below mentioned steps may be recommended to patients for faster recovery.

Use compression stockings as prescribed by the doctor. The stockings help improve blood flow in legs.

Strenuous exercise is not preferred for some time (two to three weeks). However light exercise like walking is recommended and encouraged.

Till surgical dressings (a day) are removed a patient may be advised to avoid use of public swimming pools.

Pregnant Woman – While symptoms can develop during the pregnancy, treatment should not be undertaken during pregnancy. Only non-interventional methods should be adopted, provided they are specifically approved by a trained specialist such as an Interventional Radiologist.