Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
The Vein Institute is dedicated to treating varicose veins.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Endovenous Laser Ablation is a Varicose Veins Laser Treatment performed in our clinic under local anaesthetic. This new procedure is an excellent treatment option for most patients with varicose veins and is considered slightly more effective than surgery but without the need for hospitalization.
Benefits at a Glance:
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Extremely effective.
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Can be performed at a clinic (no hospitalization).
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No general anaesthetic.
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Medicare rebates apply.
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No downtime or time away from work.
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Close to 100% success rate.
Summary:
An excellent walk-in walk-out treatment option for most patients with no time of work. Considered gold standard treatment for long straight veins by vein experts around the world.
The Process
A specialised detailed ultrasound scan will be used to highlight leaking veins.
After local anaesthetic is applied a laser fiber is used to painlessly seal your varicose veins.
A soft bandage is then used until your next visit to help keep sealed your treated vein.
After your scan at our accredited clinic your leg will be cleaned before a tiny amount of anaesthetic is applied (using super fine needles).
Access to your faulty vein will then occur before the laser fiber is inserted.
After this a cool anaesthetic is then applied around your vein to protect surrounding tissues.
You will then be required to wear goggles before the laser machine is switched on.
During the procedure the laser will be pulled back to seal the faulty vein. THERE IS NO PAIN WHEN THE LASER IS BEING USED.
After the procedure you will be required to wear stockings for 5-7 days and walk half an hour a day. Long distance travel is not permitted for 4 weeks.
Your leg may feel numb for six hours after the procedure.
A follow-up appointment is required for all patients. At this appointment, side veins may be treated with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy.
In this procedure the laser energy damages the vein wall and seals of the faulty vein. The damaged vein eventually disappears as the body reabsorbs it over time.
How does blood get back to the heart if the vein is damaged?
Varicose veins do not pump blood effectively to the heart so they are not responsible for your circulation. In any case blood finds its way to the heart using other veins (everyone has billions of veins).
There are many different laser types each with their own specific uses. The Vein Institute uses the latest radial tip laser fibers which are associated with much less pain after the procedure than traditional bare tip laser fibers.
No preparation is required before the procedure. Please make sure you have breakfast if you are having the procedure performed in the morning.
All patients must wear stockings for a minimum of three days after the procedure.
All patients must have a review scan after the procedure between 1-2 weeks from the date of laser treatment.
Uncommon: Soreness or phlebitis which usually settles with Nurofen and tight compression stockings.
Very Rare: Deep Vein Thrombosis or PE is extremely rare but possible
Very Rare: Nerve damage which affects sensation in calf can extremely rarely occur.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) Casestudy — Calvin
Calvin worked long hours during the day as a tradesman and was developing pain and swelling from his varicose veins which were present for many years. He did not want to take time off work owing to his busy schedule and did not want to have any surgery performed. It was suggested that a combination of endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy was his best option. Endovenous laser ablation and 3 foam sclerotherapy sessions were performed for these very large long-standing veins. No time was taken off work and Calvin is happy with his outcome.
