Endovenous Laser Therapy (ELT) is a method that can help treat venous diseases such as the varicose veins. This is a globally known and preferred method to treat such diseases because it has a higher success rate (93% to 98%) compared to other treatment options.
You should find more information on Endovenous Laser Therapy if you or someone close to you suffer from any type of vein disease as this treatment is the #1 method to treat vein diseases and is famous all around the world.
You can click here to find locations to treat vein disease if you are looking for a reliable treatment center. Without much ado, let’s get to know more about this therapy.
What is Endovenous Laser Therapy And How Does It Work?
EVT is a process that is performed to close a vein that is damaged and don’t allow the blood to flow properly or completely.
The doctor will first perform an ultrasound of the legs to determine the condition. It is done first in a standing position and then in a lying position so that both the deep and superficial vein systems can be seen via images.
This helps to pinpoint the damaged vein. Once done, the leg is anesthetized and a small cut is made on the thigh region and a small catheter is passed inside the vein that is damaged. The doctor then fires laser energy with the help of the catheter to close the entire length of the damaged vein. This seals off the entire vein and turns it into scar tissue.
Can It Treat Varicose Veins?
We know that varicose veins occur below the knee but the cut made in endovenous laser therapy is done slightly above the knee, on the the thigh.
This is because the damaged valves that cause varicose veins are present in the thighs. This laser treatment is therefore carried out in the upper region of the leg so that the source is treated.
Once the valves are treated, varicose veins in the lower regions get treated too.
Is It Risky To Close A Vein Permanently?
Many people fear such a treatment because they think that getting rid of a vein can cause more problems, but that’s not true.
Once a damaged vein is sealed, the blood that was supposed to be carried by the vein is carried by other healthy veins. Thus, the overall blood circulation isn’t affected if you go through EVT.
Of course, doctors will first run a few tests on you to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
How Much Time Does It Take To Recover?
The patient can start walking immediately but should refrain from exerting any extra pressure on the leg. Doctors will advise you to avoid exercising, running and performing other such physical tasks for at least 2 to 3 weeks. The vein requires a few weeks to seal properly and putting extra pressure during this time can cause issues.
Side Effects Associated With The Treatment
The patient may see light bruising around the leg where the cut was made. However, it is minor and typically goes away within a few weeks. After the laser treatment, some patients complain about pulling sensation in the leg. This pulling may be because of the tightness in the legs which usually goes away within a week’s time.
When Do You Get To See The Results?
Varicose veins begin to decrease after only a week following the laser treatment. However, it can take several weeks and even months to heal completely.
Is The Treatment Painful?
Since the leg is first anesthetized, there is no pain associated with this type of treatment. The patient may however feel a sensation, an itchy or burning feeling but it is not severe and typically goes away in a month.
The Verdict
If you are suffering from varicose veins or venous insufficiency then get in touch with a doctor to find out if you can get endovenous laser treatment.