EVLT is a less invasive alternative to saphenous vein stripping, used to eliminate the incompetent or varicosed saphenous vein.

EVLT is a percutaneous endovascular procedure performed under local anesthesia in our Libbie Avenue office.  Heat from the laser fiber collapses and closes the saphenous vein without the need for hospitalization or general anesthesia.  You will be on your feet and on your way in about one hour.  

Ambulatory phlebectomy (also known as varicose vein excision) is sometimes combined with EVLT and done at the same time.

What to expect:

Ultrasound is used to "map" or identify the vein

Local anesthesia is applied to the targeted area

A laser fiber smaller than a pencil lead is inserted near the knee

When the laser fiber is turned on, the vein is sealed close

Your leg is wrapped from your toes to your upper thigh with a layer of soft cast padding and a disposable elastic wrap.  There will be soreness and bruising but in most cases you can resume your normal activities after the first 48 hours.

You will be given a prescription pain medication that you may or may not need to fill.  Usually over-the-counter pain meds will take care of the discomfort.

Pre & Post-OP Instructions

Pre Op instructions:

*Sign surgical consent and waiver of payment forms prior to surgery date

*Eat regular meals prior to procedure

*Take Valium 10 mg one hour prior to procedure (prescription will be given to you)

*Wear loose fitting jogging pants, shorts or skirt to the office because a bulky  dressing will be  placed on your leg after the procedure

*You will need someone to drive you to the office and drive you home following the procedure.

Post Op instructions:

*Pain – The local anesthetic will slowly wear off after the procedure.  You can place an ice pack directly over the inner thigh to reduce the soft tissue swelling, bruising and pain in that area.  This will probably be effective for a day or two.  Use either the OTC pain reliever of your choice or the prescription written for you for a pain med.

DO NOT DRIVE, WORK WITH MACHINERY, USE STOVE or OVEN WHILE TAKING NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATION!

*Infection – If you develop a fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or the treated area becomes red and swollen or develops drainage and increasing pain, please call the office Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or our answering service at 804-288-1953.

*Activity – Limit your activity to whatever does not cause significantly increased pain.  This is different for everyone and will change over time.  Following the procedure, routine activity and walking are recommended.  However, it is very important that you do not stand still or sit with your legs dependent.  Make every effort possible to keep your legs elevated whenever you sit down.  If you are too active too soon, you may have increased discomfort.  Slow down; you may increase your activity as tolerated after taking it easy for a day or two.

*Diet – You can return to your normal diet immediately.

*Leg wrap and stocking – Leave the leg wrap in place for two days and then remove it.  You must keep the leg dry while it is wrapped.  After the wrap is removed, you may shower.  It will be more comfortable if you wear an Ace wrap or stocking for an additional 2 weeks or so.

For more indepth information related to venous disorders please refer to the following links:

http://www.myvanishingveins.com

      http://www.venousdiseasecoalition.org/

      http://www.phlebology.org/patientinfo/index.html

      http://www.evlt.com/content/patients/about-evlt/info.jsp