What is EVLT? How is It Performed?

Endo-venous laser treatment, which is also referred to as EVLT, is a procedure that was developed by phlebotomists. This treatment involves inserting a catheter into the vein. After the catheter has been inserted, the phlebotomist will place a laser fiber inside of the catheter. This laser fiber emits a type of radial energy that causes the veins to shrink. The phlebotomist will insert a local anesthetic in the area that is to be treated prior to performing the EVLT.

Why choose EVLT over other procedures?

The phlebotomist will only need to make small incisions, so the risk of complications is much lower than other procedures. The vast majority of patients also notice the results of this procedure immediately.

How long will I need to recover after this procedure?

Because EVLT is minimally invasive, the patient will be able to leave the clinic as soon as this procedure has been completed. Patients can also resume to their normal activities after leaving the clinic.
However, phlebotomists recommend avoiding strenuous activities for a few days after this treatment. Additionally, patients will also be required to wear a compression bandage during the day and walk for at least 10 minutes every day for two weeks after surgery.

Who is considered a good candidate for EVLT?

The ideal candidate for EVLT is someone who is good health. People who are interested in getting this procedure done should make sure that they consult with their physician. Patients who are experiencing discomfort due to their varicose veins may also be considered good candidates for this procedure.

Unsightly varicose veins in hands and other parts of the body can occur for several reasons.

1) Age – Hand veins may become more noticeable as one ages, and appear more pronounced in warm to hot climates. When the body ages, the layer of fat surrounding the vein begins to thin out, making the veins more visible. Since heat causes the veins to dilate, the veins appear larger in warmer environments and may bulge out through the skin.
2) Valve failure – Veins transport blood from the periphery back to the heart. In order to do this effectively, veins contain one-way valves that prevent blood from travelling back toward the periphery. When the valves fail, blood begins to pool. This causes the vein to swell and become more visible. Since our hands, among other parts of our bodies, naturally hang down lower than the heart, the hands are a very common location for blood pooling to occur.
3) Other causes – While still not entirely understood, varicose veins are commonly found in pregnant women and those who stand for long periods of time.

Treatments for unsightly hand veins

Surgical removal of the hand veins, or phlebectomy, is the most effective treatment. This procedure involves making several small incisions (about 1/8th of an inch in length) and physically removing the vein at various points along the marked area. The incision is small enough that a single suture can be used to completely heal the wound within a few weeks.

Sclerotherapy is another option for removing hand veins. It involves a series of injections into the vein that cause the vein to collapse. The vein is then absorbed by the body within weeks. Sclerotherapy is a simple, painless process that can effectively restore a hand’s beauty.

Adverse effects are rare for both procedures, and most patients experience little to no postoperative pain other than mild swelling at the sites during the first few days.

At Varicose to Perfect a thorough ultrasound is performed on every patient to properly diagnose our patients and prove medical necessity. As a result, we can provide our patients with best comprehensive, non-surgical treatments including state-of-the art Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), Hook Phlebectomy, and Sclerotherapy Injections for varicose veins.  With today’s favorable insurance coverage, treatment has never been more accessible!

Call our office today to schedule your free evaluation with Dr. Sukir Sinnathamby, 937.748.8905.

Some people are at a higher risk for varicose veins than others. Increased risk factors of varicose veins include:
–Genetics. A family history of varicose veins increases the risk.
–Obesity. Individuals who are overweight are at greater risk for varicose veins because of the increased pressure caused by the extra weight.
–Occupations that involve lengthy periods of standing. Standing for extended periods of time increases the risk for two reasons. First, it increases the pressure on the lower extremities. Secondly, it increases the amount of time that the valves have to work to overcome the gravity that causes the pooling of blood in the vens.
–Pregnancy. Pregnancy causes greater risk factors because the volume of blood in the body increases and because it decreases the flow of blood from the legs to the pelvis.

Symptoms of varicose veins include: bulging and twisted veins visible below the skin, dark purple or blue veins, achy legs, and muscle cramping. Complications include blood clots and ulcers caused by long term build up of fluid around the problem area. Patients may seek treatment simply for cosmetic reasons in an effort to remove the unsightly blemishes. They may also seek treatment when they are unable to self-manage the condition through exercise, elevation of the legs, or treatment with compression stockings. Varicose veins can often be treated through minimally invasive surgical and laser procedures.