Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins (EVLT)

Laser varicose vein surgery is also known as endovenous thermal ablation. It is a new method that uses a laser or high-frequency radio waves to create a large amount of heat to cauterise (burn) and treat the varicose veins. Then, the surgeon directs the heat through a catheter to close the varicose veins. In this treatment, the veins are closed but are left at their place. So, there might be a minimal amount of bleeding and bruising. Laser varicose vein surgery is a comparatively safer surgery as it is through a less invasive method. In addition, it leaves no physical scars. 

Laser surgery closes and shrinks the varicose vein and causes scar tissue within the vessel. This seals off the vein. Blood then flows through other nearby veins instead.

The benefits of the procedure are that 

1.  It is a minimally invasive procedure
2.  Less Painful
3. One can easily return to work after this procedure

Why is this procedure done? 

The main objective of laser varicose vein surgery is to relieve the symptoms and complications associated with varicose veins. It is performed in patients with varicose veins who are experiencing the following symptoms: 

1. Skin sores (ulcers in the skin)
2. Blood clots due to the varicose vein
3. Incompetent saphenous veins
4. Aching or throbbing pain in the legs
5. Blood from veins
6. Heaviness in legs
7. Discolouration of skin
8. Pain or swelling in the veins

The treatment procedure of Laser varicose vein surgery 

1. A specially trained interventional surgeon performs minimally invasive surgeries like laser varicose vein surgery.
2. Laser varicose vein surgery is often done on an outpatient basis. However, some patients may also require to be admitted to the hospital for a few days.
3. First, the surgeon will apply some numbing cream to the affected veins. It is done to reduce any discomfort.
4. The area on which the procedure is to be done is cleaned and covered with a surgical drape.
5. For inserting the catheter, the doctor will make a very small cut at its entry site.
6. Then the patient is injected with a local anaesthetic. Then the catheter is inserted into the veins. The path of the catheter is tracked and guided by an ultrasound transducer.
7. After inserting the catheter, the fibre or electrode is inserted through it. The tip of fibre or electrode is exposed in the veins by slightly pulling the catheter back.
8. The catheter is slowly removed, and the veins get heated due to the generation of heat by the electrode.
9. The surgeons may apply some pressure on the open veins to restrict the bleeding.
10. There is no need for any sutures after the completion of this procedure.

What to expect before Laser varicose vein surgery? 

1. Your doctor may recommend you stop taking some medicines like blood thinners, aspirin, or other drugs that delay blood clotting.
2. Do not forget to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, have an allergy, or take other medicines.
3. The doctor may advise some tests to be performed before surgery. It is done to ensure that performing this surgery is not risky.
4. You may receive proper instructions from a team of doctors for preparing before the procedure.

What to expect on the day of Laser varicose vein surgery?

1. Reach the venue on time. After completing the registration for surgery, you will meet the team of doctors that will perform your surgery.
2. They might ask you for the medical reports that were ordered before the surgery.
3. They will also ask you for your medical history. It will help the doctors to test your compatibility with the surgery.
4. Then you will be asked to change into a gown. After that, an ID tag will be tied to your wrist.
5. Always wear loose-fitting clothes to the hospital on the day of surgery.
6. Do not wear any wearables, including jewellery and other metal piercings.
7. A team of hospital staff will check your blood pressure and heart rate before going for surgery.
8. What to expect during surgery?
9. The complete laser varicose vein surgery takes around two to three hours to complete.
10. In most cases, varicose veins do not need to be removed. 
11. The patient will receive a sedative and/or regional anaesthesia before the surgery. 
12. Then the surgeon makes a cut on the site of insertion of the catheter.
13. The surgeon will then insert the catheter into the varicose veins. The doctor may use an ultrasound machine for identifying the location of the catheter.
14. You may feel slight pressure when the catheter is inserted into your veins.
15. The surgeon will inject a saltwater solution and anaesthetic agent along the length of the affected veins. 
16. After this, laser ablation (surgery) will be performed.