EVLT, or endovenous laser ablation, is a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided technique used to treat varicose veins. During the procedure, laser energy is guided through a tiny fiber to the inside of a diseased vein wall. The laser energy causes the vein to closeand restores proper circulation. Twisted, bulging varicose veins disappear within a few weeks of treatment.

How long does it take to recover from EVLT?

Recovery time for EVLT is shorter than other treatments and is relatively pain free. While walking is encouraged soon after the procedure, any strenuous exercise involving the legs should be avoided for 2-3 weeks to allow adequate time for healing. 

You may experience bruising and mild discomfort in the treated leg for 2-4 weeks after treatment.

What are alternative treatment options?

While EVLT is a clinically proven alternative to the more traditional and painful techniques of vein stripping, there are alternative options available that can reduce your risk of nerve injury. Here are a few EVLT alternatives:

• VenaSeal™
  VenaSeal uses medical-grade adhesive to carefully (through a catheter) close varicose veins. Unlike laser and RF treatments, VenaSeal does not require large amounts of tumescent anesthetic, pre-procedure medications or regional nerve blocks, thus eliminating the risk of skin burns or nerve damage. Like ClariVein, this is a quick, outpatient procedure that allows you to walk immediately and return to most activities with few limitations. VenaSeal is accepted by most insurance and has a very high success rate that’s on par with ablation techniques (but without their risks).
• ClariVein^®
  ClariVein uses a blunt, rotating fiber that gently spins inside the vein to agitate the lining. Next, a chemical (specifically designed to treat veins) is injected to close the vein. Unlike laser and RF treatments, ClariVein® works strictly inside the vein, so there’s no risk of nerve injury, no need for anesthesia and no stitches or staples. This is a quick, outpatient procedure that allows you to walk immediately and return to most activities with few limitations.  

What does your insurance cover?

Before starting this or any treatment, seek a consultation from an accredited vein specialist near you. Most medically necessary vein procedures are covered (at least in part) by insurance. If your insurer doesn’t cover your medical needs, ask the front office about alternative payment options. Additionally, some insurers may ask you to meet a set of requirements before you’re treated (like wearing compression hose for up to three months), which can delay treatment. Don’t wait to see a vein specialist, get help as soon as you’re able. Some offices even offer free consultations to qualifying patients.

At Carolina Vein Specialists, you’ll find experienced and credentialed vein care specialists ready to help restore your legs. Here, painful vein stripping is a thing of the past as we focus on minimally invasive techniques performed in-office without sedation. These innovative techniques require little to no downtime, which means you’ll return to daily activities in no time.

Call Carolina Vein Care Specialists at 336-218-8346 if you’re interested in EVLT in Winston-Salem, NC.