WHAT IS ENDOVENOUS LASER ABLATION THERAPY?

Written By Lexington Vein Institute

Published On July 26, 2020

Endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT) is used to treat varicose veins.  It uses lasers, catheters, and ultrasound to help diminish the unsightly veins.  This is usually used on veins that are still fairly straight and not all twisted as some veins can get.  

Veins run throughout our bodies and deliver the much-needed nutrients and oxygen that we need to live. All veins are equipped with valves to ensure that the blood is traveling in the right direction. As we move, stand up and lay down, these valves are in control to ensure that our bodies are balanced. When these valves are malfunctioning you will see the results as varicose veins.  

Varicose veins are quite common among people. These are typically the veins that you see on people’s legs, or in areas furthest from the heart.  Typically they are blue and purple and bulging from the skin. Not only are some patients bothered by the looks of the varicose veins, but they can hurt and itch as well. While most varicose veins are not harmful, if they are bleeding often or you notice that they are hardened and have ulcers, this could be an indication of vascular disease. In this case, the patient should seek medical help immediately.

Get rid of unsightly veins today!

There are a couple of different ways to treat varicose veins. Endovenous laser ablation therapy is one way to treat varicose veins. An interventional radiologist performs this procedure. The radiologist will insert a small catheter into the vein that has a laser on end. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor will guide the catheter to just the right area.

Moreover, when in the right spot, the laser will be used to heat that area and close down that portion of the vein. This will cause the blood to stop flowing or using that particular vein section, and it will eventually be absorbed by the body.

People choose EVLT as it is a very fast and effective procedure. In fact, it only takes about an hour and there is no downtime. Some doctors recommend patients wearing compression socks in order to aid with the healing. You are able to resume activities as normal. This is a simple procedure that requires no long time in the hospital. In fact, it is an outpatient procedure that is very simple but has huge results. If you are struggling with varicose veins, EVLT might be just what the doctor ordered.

There are several ways to deal with varicose veins. Dr. Fadi Bacha can go over these different ways, and together you can come up with a treatment plan. Therefore, don’t live with them, especially if they are causing pain and itchiness.  There are great solutions that are easy to perform and have amazing effects. Take the time to educate yourself on the various treatments offered by Lexington Vein Institute here in Lexington, KY. You can always contact us at (859) 687-0023 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bacha. Moreover, it’s time to get rid of varicose veins and enjoy summertime.

You May Also Like

THE STAGES OF VEIN DISEASE AND WHEN TO ACT

THE STAGES OF VEIN DISEASE AND WHEN TO ACT

One in three Americans over the age of 45 have some form of vein disease. Many are unaware, while others view the symptoms as minor; however, vein disease must be taken seriously due to the veins' integral role in blood supply and flow. What is Vein Disease The body's...

read more
VENOUS ULCERS: WHO IS AT RISK?

VENOUS ULCERS: WHO IS AT RISK?

Venous ulcers affect around 2% of Americans 65 and older and around 1% of the total population. What are venous ulcers? They are open sores that develop when the veins in the legs are not pushing the blood back up to your heart like they normally would....

read more
SWOLLEN ANKLES AND FEET

SWOLLEN ANKLES AND FEET

Do you have swollen ankles? If you do, you'll know how annoying they can be! From struggling to get into your favorite shoes to the discomfort you can experience, it's definitely not a fun experience. But where did they come from? Why is everyone else walking...

read more
WHY DOES ELEVATING YOUR LEGS HELP VARICOSE VEINS?

WHY DOES ELEVATING YOUR LEGS HELP VARICOSE VEINS?

There are many discussions around treatments for varicose veins, and most of them don't work. The average American adult sits for 6 and a half hours every day. Causing blood circulation to slow down and increasing your chances of developing varicose...

read more
HOW DIET AFFECTS YOUR VARICOSE VEINS

HOW DIET AFFECTS YOUR VARICOSE VEINS

Did you know that your diet can impact your varicose veins? It's true. What you eat could either make your varicose veins better or worse. When it comes to vein health, prioritizing a healthy diet is crucial. Let's look at what foods have a negative impact on your...

read more
THE STAGES OF CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

THE STAGES OF CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

How many times have you noticed spider or varicose veins and simply ignored them? Many people deal with those web-like or swollen veins in their legs (around 20 to 45 percent, to be exact) and consider them merely an inconvenience. But what if...

read more
4 CAUSES OF ANKLE SWELLING & AMP; HOW TO TREAT THEM

4 CAUSES OF ANKLE SWELLING & AMP; HOW TO TREAT THEM

Did you know that arthritis and other conditions involving joint pain are the number one cause of disability claims in the United States? With millions of adults suffering from this type of pain, it is important to identify causes, as well as solutions for...

read more
HOW YOUR DIET CAN IMPACT YOUR VEIN HEALTH

HOW YOUR DIET CAN IMPACT YOUR VEIN HEALTH

Were you recently diagnosed with varicose veins? Are you wondering what you can do to improve your situation? For better or worse, what we eat affects our overall health. Good nutrition is a vital component for any plan to improve vein health.  In this article,...

read more
HOW TO NATURALLY PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS

HOW TO NATURALLY PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS

You may know that blood clots are a dangerous condition that can cause heart attacks. While this is true, the clotting of blood is also a necessary function of the human body. But there is a difference between clotted blood that aids healing and blood...

read more