How Does Endovenous Laser Ablation Work?

Varicose veins aren’t just ugly. They can also cause symptoms like pain, persistent aching, heaviness, and fatigue. What’s more, because varicose veins are damaged and malfunctioning, they can also interfere with normal circulation. That means even if your veins aren’t causing noticeable symptoms like pain or fatigue, they should still be treated. As a top provider of Cincinnati vein treatment, we offer state-of-the-art procedures to help eliminate diseased varicose veins, along with the symptoms and problems they can cause. One of the most popular and effective treatment options is endovenous laser ablation, sometimes called EVLA or EVLT.

How Laser Vein Treatment Works

As its name implies, endovenous laser ablation uses the power of laser energy to “shut down” diseased veins, eliminating symptoms and improving local circulation by enabling blood to reroute to neighboring vessels. The laser energy is transmitted through a tiny probe that’s inserted into the damaged vein. The doctor advances the probe through the damaged vein, “firing off” laser energy intermittently in brief bursts to cause controlled damage that causes the vein to close.

EVLA is one of the most effective treatments for larger varicose veins in the legs. In the past, these veins were often treated with an invasive procedure called vein stripping. Stripping requires longer incisions to access the vein and remove it surgically. By contrast, EVLA is minimally-invasive, which means patients heal much faster and experience far less discomfort as they heal.

What to Expect During and After EVLA

Before & after photos of patients treated with EVLA clearly show the remarkable results the technique can offer. But most patients also want to know what their vein treatment will be like, and how they’ll feel afterward. First, EVLA is an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll go home shortly after your procedure is performed. Plus, EVLA uses no anesthesia – just local numbing to keep you comfortable.

The EVLA procedure begins with careful vein mapping using ultrasound to ensure optimal accuracy during the treatment itself. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, then a tiny incision is made into the damaged vein. The doctor uses this tiny incision to insert a very small fiber, which emits highly-focused laser energy. Once the fiber is in place, the laser energy is “triggered,” scarring the vein’s lining. This controlled scarring causes the vein to “seal off” from blood flow. Over time, the damaged vein is absorbed by your body and blood is routed to nearby healthy veins. The entire procedure takes under an hour to perform, and the actual laser application takes just a few minutes.

After your procedure, the doctor will apply a special dressing to promote healing in the area, and you’ll be able to return to most of your regular activities that same day. Most patients experience some vein bruising that disappears within a week or so. Wearing compression stockings may aid in reducing bruising and minor swelling which may also occur.

Laser Vein Treatment in Crestview Hills, KY

If you have varicose veins, scheduling an evaluation is an important part of maintaining healthy circulation. To learn more about the varicose vein treatment options we offer or to schedule your own evaluation appointment, call Vascular and Interventional Associations at 859-286-7333 today.