Endovenous Laser Treatment
What is EVLT?
EndoVenous Laser Treatment (Ablation) is an exciting new
technique that is replacing traditional vein stripping surgery. It requires
only local anesthetic and enables patients to return to normal activity
immediately—with no or minimal pain. EVLT involves first using duplex
ultrasound to map out the saphenous vein and then threading a laser fiber into
the diseased vein. The laser then emits highly targeted energy to seal the
vein shut, preventing blood flow and the increased pressure associated with varicosities.
Is the procedure painful?
Many patients experience little or no pain. As mentioned
before, the procedure is performed under local anesthetic. A dilute solution
called “tumescent” is used. You will feel the prick of the needle used to inject
the anesthetic, but you will be completely numb for the remainder of the
procedure. You may feel pressure as the anesthetic is injected, but this only
lasts a few seconds until the medication takes its effect. Since the area
around the vein is numb, you will not feel the laser when it is fired.
Call us at 203-426-5554 to meet with a physician.
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