ENDOVENOUS LASER ABLATION (EVLA) SPECIALIST

What is endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)?

Endovenous laser ablation or EVLA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to heat and destroy varicose veins.

Varicose veins are large, knotted, or ropey veins that are red, blue, or purple. They can appear anywhere on your body, but they’re especially common on the thighs and lower legs. 

Varicose veins form when your vein valves stop working properly. If your vein valves malfunction, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, making them varicose.

Who benefits from endovenous laser ablation?

If your varicose veins are sore, red, or swollen, causing your legs to itch, ache, or feel heavy, you likely benefit from EVLA. You might also benefit if you have a series of varicose veins that negatively affect your confidence or self-esteem.

What happens during EVLA?

EVLA treatment usually takes 20-30 minutes. When you arrive at REDI Diagnostics Corp, you change into a gown and lie down on an exam table. Next, your provider gives you a pair of special eyeglasses to wear during treatment.

Once you’re in position, your provider applies a topical numbing ointment to the areas of skin near the varicose veins. They also administer a shot of local anesthetic. After the anesthesia sets in, your provider uses a doppler ultrasound to check the vein (or veins) in need of treatment.

Next, your provider makes a small incision in your skin near the vein. They carefully insert a catheter through the incision and guide it into a varicose vein. They run a laser fiber through the catheter. Once placed, your provider heats the laser fiber, which causes the vein to shrink and collapse.

Your provider repeats this process several times until each varicose vein receives treatment. Once the veins collapse, your blood reroutes to healthier veins, improving circulation throughout your body.

What is recovery like after endovenous laser ablation?

The treated leg is either wrapped with an elastic bandage, or a compression stocking is applied. Most patients resume normal activity immediately.

Radiofrequency ablation has a 99% success rate in closing the greater saphenous vein.

For endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), schedule an appointment at REDI Diagnostics Corp; call the office to speak with a friendly staff member or book online today.