Thermal laser ablation of insufficient veins - EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment)
After the laser fibre has been inserted into the lumen of the insufficient vein and its tip appropriately placed in the initial section of the vein (in the groin in the case of the saphenous vein or in the popliteal fossa in the case of the popliteal vein), the area of the vein to be closed will be anaesthetised - along its course - punctures will be made (usually every ten centimetres or so) and anaesthetic fluid administered. In the next stage, the actual thermal ablation procedure will begin, involving the slow withdrawal of the laser catheter (fibre-optic cable) from the vessel.
Although the energy delivered by the laser light waves must be high enough to cause the vein to shrink and subsequently scar and overgrow the vessel lumen, the vein closure procedure is painless. As a result of the heat acting on the inner wall of the vessel - blood stops flowing through the closed inefficient vein - reflux - the reversed, abnormal blood flow that is the cause of varicose veins - is thus eliminated.
The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance and local anaesthesia. The average procedure time is approximately 30-60 minutes. After thermal ablation, a compression stocking is placed on the limb.
Benefits:
- Highly effective 97-98% treatment.
- It enables an immediate return to activity.
- It causes almost no pain.
- It does not require hospitalisation.
