Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) or Ablation (EVLA)

Previously, the treatment of painful, swollen varicose veins required an invasive and painful surgical procedure called vein stripping (or vein ligation), involving the complete removal of the vein from the leg in an operating room and with the use of general anesthesia. Often after the initial surgery, the patient would need weeks of recovery time, and sometimes the condition returned over time. You can imagine why most people avoided treating their varicose and spider veins.

New treatments for varicose veins have emerged, and Canada Vein Clinics has been a leading force in introducing these procedures to Canada. Dr. Matz, the founder of our clinics, was the first physician to bring Endovenous Laser Therapy to the Maritimes, and remains the leading expert in conducting the treatment. Constantly innovating and combining treatments based on each patient’s condition, Canada Vein Clinics provides you with a quick and painless way to treat your varicose veins, drastically eliminating the need for the now outdated surgical procedures.

New Alternative Venous Treatment

Endovenous Laser Therapy (also referred to as Endovenous Laser Treatment or Endovenous Laser Ablation) was developed to treat chronic venous insufficiency by delivering laser energy through a tiny puncture in the leg, closing the beginning point of the diseased vein.

With Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), no surgery is required, and the entire procedure can be performed in less than one hour, directly in our clinics. Enjoy no pain, no downtime, and no more varicose veins when you choose EVLT with Canada Vein Clinics.

How is Endovenous Laser Treatment performed?

During the procedure, your leg is locally anesthetized to remove any discomfort and ensure a painless procedure. A thin laser fiber is inserted through the skin via a tiny needle, and into the greater saphenous vein in your thigh. Your physician will then deliver laser energy through the fiber and into the diseased vein, causing the vein to close.

Laser energy is usually delivered in the thigh, even when varicose veins are located below the knee. This is because a faulty valve located higher in the leg (not visible at the surface) often causes bulging varicose veins in the lower leg. EVLT treats the source of the problem, which then causes the varicose vein in the lower leg to shrink and disappear. This laser therapy treatment specifically treats the affected vein without damaging any of the surrounding tissue. Once the affected varicose vein is closed, the blood flow will be redirected naturally through the deep venous system.

Benefits of the EVLT:

• Short treatment
  
• Minimally invasive
  
• Only topical anesthetic applied
  
• Virtually painless
  
• 98% effective
  
• No inpatient surgery needed
• Immediate return to normal activities

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

Although individual responses vary, most people report little to no pain associated with endovenous laser therapy treatment. Often the only sensation that is felt during the delivery of anesthetic to the leg is a slight poke from the small needle.

What should I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure you may feel some tenderness, tingling, itching or tightness in the treated leg, which should disappear within one month of the procedure. However, you can return to your usual activities immediately following treatment. Your physician will prescribe compression stockings; we typically use class three to begin, as these are the most effective in supporting your legs before and after treatment. Walking is suggested, but strenuous activity should be avoided for about a week or so.

Clinical results of EVLT have been published and show an overall success rate of over 98%. These results are superior to those of traditional surgery. We guarantee all of our ablation venous treatments, so if any reintroduction of the treated vein is seen, we will fix it for you at no charge.

Long-Term Results

If you are prone to venous insufficiency, we recommend you consider modifying your lifestyle following your EVLT treatment for the most effective, lasting results. Being overweight, spending long periods of time standing or sitting or a lack of exercise may contribute to the appearance of varicose veins. We encourage you to consider modifying your exercise regiment, improving your diet and developing a workplace routine to support the health of your veins and improve your overall quality of life. You are the most important factor in your long-term health and success.

At Canada Vein Clinics, our clients’ satisfaction and health are our top priorities. Your CVC physician will work with you to determine if EVLT is the right procedure for treating your condition. Often, EVLT will be combined with another treatment for the best, most permanent results, determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are concerned about the health of your veins, call us today to schedule a consultation at your nearest Canada Vein Clinics location. We would love to work with you to improve your health, happiness, and quality of life.

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