VenaCure EVLT Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

Overview

This minimally-invasive outpatient procedure, which takes less than 45 minutes to perform, uses laser light to shrink and close varicose veins. The laser is inserted into the target veins through a catheter, leaving surrounding tissues unaffected.

Preparation

In preparation for the treatment, the physician uses a hand-held ultrasound probe to scan the varicose veins through the skin. The ultrasound allows the physician to visualize the anatomy of the veins and identify weak valves or other trouble spots that are causing the problem.

Inserting the Instruments

After cleaning and sterilizing the skin, the physician inserts a tiny guide wire through the skin and into the target vein. Once inside, a sheath is inserted along the wire and fed up through the varicose vein. When the sheath is in place, the laser is placed inside and gently fed into the vein.

Treating the Vein

After local anesthetic is injected through the skin to numb the vein, the laser is activated and slowly pulled back through the vein. The laser heats the vein walls, causing the tissue to contract and the vein to close. The lasing process typically lasts no more than two or three minutes.

End of Procedure

Relief of symptoms may be immediate. The patient will wear a compression stocking for up to two weeks following the procedure. In some cases, EVLT may be combined with other treatments to obtain the desired cosmetic outcome.