Minimally invasive surgery
(Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)):
Endovenous laser ablation ( EVLA or EVLT™ ) is a method of closing off the refluxing vein and is an alternative to the more traditional surgical procedure for treating varicose veins.
This type of laser treatment of varicose vein is now accepted by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) as a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins.
The procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic which means you will be awake throughout.
A small amount of local anaesthetic is used to allow the surgeon to access your vein using a special needle. Once the surgeon has placed the access needle into the vein, the laser fibre is positioned accurately at the required point near the top of the vein.
Once the laser fibre has been positioned, more local anaesthetic will be used along the length of the vessel to be treated. The laser will now be activated and the vein will be closed.
After the procedure, your leg will be bandaged and a compression stocking will be placed over the bandages. Most patients are able to return to work within a day or two with the discomfort and bruising from the procedure lasting about 2 weeks.
The results of laser ablation have now been established over approximately 10 years and it appears that less than 10% of patients will suffer from recurrent varicose veins.
Links to other treatments:
Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery - Radiofrequency ablation
Injection sclerotherapy
Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy
Compression therapy
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