I had EVLT 3 weeks ago. When I went for the 2-week follow-up, it showed that the vein was still open. My doctor said he needed to redo the procedure. I thought this was a one-time procedure, and am confused as to what my options are.
An EVLT is usually, 98% to 99% of [...]
Q: Can a laser effectively occlude an incompetent Sapheno-Femoral Junction? If it does, which modality is better: Diode or NdYag?
A: Technically, you do not want someone to occlude your saphenofemoral junction. The occlusion should extend to a short distance below the saphenofemoral junction. All of the LASERs in routine use for saphenous vein ablation work [...]
Q: Is it possible, ablating perforators by endovenous lasers?
A: Yes, Endovenous Lasers can be used to treat refluxing perforator veins. Insurance companies often times will not cover this treatment as they consider it too “experimental.” However, in some cases doing an appeal with your insurance company can result in coverage for this. At any rate, [...]
Q: Most youtube videos I have watched show only thigh veins being tackled by EVLT. No videos show leg veins or tortuous veins. Does this mean it is difficult to use lasers in these situations?
A: The ELVeS and EVLT are use primarily used to treat the saphenous veins from the mid-calf up to the thigh. Refluxing [...]
Q: Is EVLT recommended for lipodermatosclerosis (LDS)?
A: Lipodermatosclerosis is a form of scarring due to venous insufficiency. It will not go away with the laser procedure but may improve if treamtent gets rid of the cause of your venous insufficiency.
- Dr. Wright
Q: It is the tool used to pull veins through microincisions. What are these called?
A: Phlebectomy hooks would be the general name for the tool. There are many types including Varaday, Ramelet, and Mueller to name a few.
- Dr. Wright
Q: Can you please detail some of the restrictions after an Endovenous Laser Ablation?
A: Normal activity should be ok, including walking, standing, and house chores. Activity can essentially be resumed right away. Rigorous exercise and heavy lifting (<20lbs) will need to be delayed by 1 week. Typically showering is ok immediately as well. I advise [...]
Q: Does it matter if I fly after a varicose vein surgery?
A: While there is no specific answer to this important question, the following guidelines should help: First, the question comes up because air travel is a known risk factor for the development of vein thrombosis and phlebitis. The concept is to minimize multiple risks [...]
Q: I just had Endovenous Laser Ablation and some of my bandages are blood soaked. Is this normal or is something wrong?
A: Some blood in the bandages is seen sometimes. It is not a serious or concerning complication for the great majority of patients. Compression for 5-10 min should take care of the problem. If [...]
Q: It’s been a year since my surgery and I still have brusing. Does that mean it is permanent?
A: Probably not. Most likely what you are seeing is not really bruising, but what we refer to as staining. This is a light brownish discoloration, which looks like a light bruise. This is caused from trapped [...]
Q: I heard that ELVeS has recently updated or added a new type of procedure. What is it, and how is it different from ELVeS?
A: ELVeS is certainly the endovenous laser associated with the least discomfort by patient rating, on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst), the average rating was 3. Which is [...]
I have spider veins and more visible thicker veins that are not bumpy but painful nonetheless…my doctor suggested laser therapy and said it would treat both.From what I have read, laser treats spider veins only…is this true?
There are two types laser therapy when it comes to leg veins problems. The first is [...]
I had 3 laser surgeries done on left leg in 2006. It helped tremendously. I had much pain swelling etc. off and on for years until I did this. Well now I have some new vein problem in same leg. Right now I have superficial phlebitis in the left leg. How many times can you [...]
My wife is 73 and is suffering from varicose veins for the last 5 years. We have tried all possible medication. Is there a treatment for a permanent cure?
There is a procedure called an Endovenous Laser Ablation. That is a small fiber that is inserted through a needle stick in the skin. Pulses of laser [...]
I have varicose veins that get worse when I’m pregnant. I want to have endovenous laser ablation, but should I wait until I’m finished having children (my husband and i want at least one more)?
There is no good reason to wait. Actually, taking care of the problem prior to any future pregnancies is actually the [...]
