Does the laser treatment hurt? It seems like the laser would hurt.
Patients typically require either no analgesic or an over the counter analgesic after the procedure. Properly performed Endovenous Laser Ablation is associated with minimal discomfort.
As with many procedures, there is frequently a mild peak of discomfort at days 3 to5 days after the procedure, [...]
I want to know if the EVLT or RF is technically the same as ligating?
No, they are completely different than Vein Ligation, or Vein Stripping.
EVLT and RF are minimally invasive catheter based procedure which use laser or RF energy to seal the involved vein closed. These proceduree have minimal downtime or discomfort associated with them. [...]
What are the odds the veins will come back after treatment?
The odds of a treated vein returning are about 2 in 100. Although some studies have reported a little more or less recurrence, 2% is probably the best estimate.
- Dr. Wright
I had an EVLT done about three months ago..right after the EVLT procedure I started feeling weird sensations in my ankle and now the pain seems to get worse everyday. Could this pain be associated with the procedure?
EVLT can be the cause of nerve damage, especially of the small sensation serves. If this occurs, healing [...]
After having the endovenous laser ablation on both legs, I have developed large ulcers on one of my legs. What could have caused this? This has been a very long and painful experience.
EVLT is very unlikely to cause leg ulcers, unless the vein treated was very superficial and a skin burn was caused which is [...]
I’ve heard that ELA hurts more than RO. Is this true? They sound like sort of the same thing; why would one hurt more than the other?
As to pain during the procedure, there should be absolutely no difference. No pain should be felt during the ablation if the local anesthesia is administered correctly. Generally there [...]
How common is this complication? Is there any way to prevent it?
Yes, Endovenous Laser Ablation can cause a deep vein thrombosis. Studies show that this is an uncommon occurence happening in less than .5% of cases; or less than 5 in 1000 treatments.
- Dr. Wright
I had EVLT done back in may all of the sudden just recently my leg has a lot of aching and pain where it was done. Its sore to touch and its tender. There is also numbness in that spot of leg, very achy, where the surgery was performed. What could be the issue?
Numbness can [...]
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?
As with any procedure, there can be complications, so it is important to have the procedure performed by a qualified physician. The most serious complication is a clot in the deep system of veins. Another potential issue [...]
Is it possible for EVLT to make your legs look worse after the procedure?
Not usually if you are referring to the bulging veins, as the EVLT is used to cut off the source of these bulging veins. Some people do get darkened skin, which usually fades over time
- Dr. Wright
Does endovenous laser ablation require multiple treatments? Or will just one treatment do the trick? Could the varicose veins come back?
For the most part endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is done on the large veins ie greater saphenous and lesser saphenous. Occasionally some large tributary branches can be treated with EVLT as well. For the most [...]
I have perpetually cold feet and occasional tingling in my feet and ankles. I also have a number of large varicose veins in each leg, so do you think that my circulation in my feet will improve if I have ELA?
Venous circulatory symptoms usually manifest with leg heaviness, pain that increases during the day, and [...]
I am about two months into treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. I have had laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy with very little results. Can anything be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis after the veins are treated? I wear compression hose.
Lipodermatosclerosis is usually not reversible even after treatment for venous insufficiency. It is scarring and damage to [...]
Can ELA or other vein treatments improve overall circulation, perhaps improving PCS symptoms? I have bad varicose veins in the legs and hemorrhoids and was hoping that treating them would improve my PCS symptoms as well.
Treating superficial venous reflux may help lower leg symptoms but does not address PCS. The valve problem in the pelvic [...]
Is Endovenous Laser Ablation or VNUS Closure Fast a more effective way to treat a dilated greater saphenous vein with gross incompetence from the saphenofemoral vein down the lower leg, contributing to superficial venous hypertension?
Endovenous Laser Ablation and VNUS Closure Fast have similar effectiveness. Actually Endovenous Laser Ablation has a slightly better effectiveness. There is [...]
