What You Need to Know About Treating Varicose Veins and Spider Veins and Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
Vein Center of Indiana offers Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) – a state-of-the-art, no hospital stay, non-surgical, minimal-to-no scarring vein procedure that takes less than an hour to complete.
What should I expect at my first visit at the Vein Center of Indiana?
Interventional Physicians of Indiana interventional radiologists always start with a detailed ultrasound examination. Both the deep and superficial veins are carefully evaluated. The greater and lesser saphenous veins are also carefully examined. If the saphenous veins have abnormal reflux then the patient is a candidate for endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). If the saphenous veins are normal, we will then offer ambulatory (micro) phlebectomy or sclerotherapy as the treatment. Ultrasound findings and treatment options are always discussed with the patient during a pre-procedure consultation.
How does the EVLT procedure work?
The laser shrinks the vein walls closing the faulty vein so that blood can no longer flow through it. This eliminates the bulging vein at its source. This laser therapy procedure is highly effective and FDA approved.
How long does the EVLT procedure take?
EVLT is an outpatient treatment that takes less than an hour.
Will I be awake during the EVLT laser procedure?
General anesthesia is not necessary. Patients are given the option of having oral or intravenous conscious sedation for relaxation.
Will eliminating my varicose vein or spider vein cause other circulation problems?
No. Once treated, the blood will merely be re-routed into other functioning veins in the leg.
Is there any risk from the EVLT laser?
No. As a precaution, everyone will be given laser goggles to wear to protect her/his eyes from harmful scattered, reflected, or direct laser radiation from the laser itself.
Does it hurt?
The EVLT procedure may cause minor bruising or soreness. Any discomfort is easily treated with over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers as recommended or necessary.
Will I need to take time off of work or activities?
After the EVLT procedure, there is usually no need to take time off of work. Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged. Normal daily activities can be resumed right away, but consult your doctor about rigorous activity (such as gym workouts).
Will I have to have any lab tests done before an EVLT treatment?
There is no lab work or pre-op necessary for Endovenous Laser Therapy.
Is EVLT a successful procedure?
Some patients feel an immediate relief of symptoms. Reports confirm our experience that demonstrate a greater than 98% success rate.
What is an Interventional Radiologist?
An interventional radiologist specializes in treating disorders of the body using minimally invasive techniques and the blood vessels to gain access into the body. An interventional radiologist is a medical doctor with additional education and training (fellowship) above and beyond the required four years of a basic diagnostic radiology residency. All of our interventional radiologists are board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Learn more about us here.
Don’t suffer from Varicose Veins and Spider Veins any longer.
EVLT is covered by the vast majority of insurance companies. Our Indianapolis metro area interventional radiologists are considered national experts in the treatment of varicose veins and offer the full-range of vein treatment including ambulatory (micro) phlebectomy and spider vein sclerotherapy.
