- Varicose Veins
- Spider Veins
- Reticular Veins
- European Microphlebectomy
- Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
- Visual Sclerotherapy
- Surface Laser Treatment of Spider Veins
- Endovenous Laser Therapy
- Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
Endovenous Laser Therapy, simply known as EVLT, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat venous insufficiency as an alternative to painful stripping procedures. EVLT is fast, safe and effective.
The procedure allows patients to resume normal activities almost immediately. The benefits include:
- Takes less than an hour to perform
- Performed as an outpatient
- Offers immediate relief from symptoms
- No downtime
- No need for general anesthesia
- Up to a 98% success rate
- No scarring
Procedure Description
During the EVLT procedure, Dr. Bailey will identify the refluxing veins with an ultrasound device after your leg is prepared in a sterile fashion. A local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort. A laser fiber is inserted through a small needle into the abnormal vein. Once the laser fiber is in perfect position, the laser is turned on. The heat from the laser seals the vein closed as the fiber is withdrawn and the patient is left with only a small 1 millimeter puncture site. Blood is then automatically rerouted into the healthy veins where the valves work properly.
Recovery And Results
After the EVLT procedure, most patients experience mild tenderness and slight bruising. This is treated with Ibuprofen or other over the counter anti – inflammatory medicine. Patients return to work and normal activities the next day. Over the next several weeks patients can sometimes have a mild tingling sensation along the course of the vein.
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive alternative to stripping in patients with venous insufficiency. Instead of using laser energy to seal the veins shut, radiofrequency energy is used. Radiofrequency ablation is also performed in the office under local anesthesia.
There is minimal downtime and the procedures are performed in less than an hour. Radiofrequency Ablation is just as effective as laser in treating venous insufficiency. The manufacturer of the radiofrequency technology used for venous ablation is the VNUS corporation. Dr. Bailey has worked with VNUS to instruct other physicians in advanced techniques in modern vein care.
