Laser Solutions

The Endovenous Laser Treatment is a simple procedure, performed under local anesthetic, minimally invasive, so minimal risk of scarring and postoperative infection.
Initially the vascular surgeon will consult with the patient about the procedure. This consultation will include a physical examination of the leg and a Doppler ultrasound examination to map the vein to be treated. Once the patient is determined to be a candidate for the procedure, the vascular surgeon will make an appointment for the procedure itself.

During the procedure, the area of the leg affected is locally anesthetized and a thin laser fiber is inserted into the abnormal vein, delivering the laser energy in short pulses. This laser energy is closing off the vein to any future blood flow. Your body will naturally use other healthy veins to return blood to the heart. The fiber-optic probe is then withdrawn from the body.

EVLT works by means of thermal destruction of the venous tissues. Laser energy from an 810-nm diode laser is delivered to the desired location inside the vein by using a bare laser fiber. When the laser is fired, it deposits thermal energy in the blood and venous tissues, causing irreversible localized venous tissue damage. The laser is repeatedly fired as the laser fiber is gradually withdrawn along the course of the vein until the entire vessel is treated. Although a hole may be created in the vessel wall where the laser beam makes contact with it, permanent ablation of the vein is caused by thermal injury to the entire circumference of the vessel.

Early results have been extremely favorable with success rates as high as 98%, without the complications of surgery. EVLT will normally treat the cause of most varicose veins but additional or complimentary therapy may be necessary in some cases. Most spider veins will be treated at follow-up for a small additional fee.

Despite the absence of reported complications thus far, no procedure is without risks. Risk is associated with procedural problems such as malpositioning of the laser fiber. Any venous ablation procedure can trigger venous thrombosis in a susceptible patient.

Endovenous laser is a widely accepted procedure with a very good success rate and low complication rate. Several lasers are FDA-approved for endovenous laser treatment of the great saphenous vein. Currently, these include the 810, 940 and 980 wavelength lasers. Currently, there is more published data on the 810 diode laser.

Endovenous Laser Treatment