Endovenous Laser Therapy
A one-stop centre for diagnosis and treatment of:
Varicose veins
Spider veins
Understanding the Condition
Spider veins and Varicose veins are abnormally swollen or enlarged blood vessels in the leg caused by the weakening in the vein's wall. Apart from being cosmetically unpleasant, varicose veins in their advance stages can be harmful to a patient's health, because they may be associated with the development of one or more of the following conditions: inflamed tender vein, blood clot in the vein, and skin ulcers.
Treatment: A simple outpatient procedure
The Vein Clinic is a one-stop medical service centre that managemes all stages of vein disorder; from diagnosis to laser elimination of spider veins to non-surgical treatment of the more serious varicose veins. Our services include:
Ultrasound conducted by surgeon
Endovenous Laser (EVLT) Technique
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
ENDOVENOUS LASER (EVLT)
The use of lasers has become an accepted alternative to surgical stripping to remove varicose veins. The procedure, termed the Endovenous Laser Technique (EVLT), is performed under local anaesthesia. A tiny laser fibre is first inserted into the diseased vein through a tiny opening in the skin. Laser energy is then delivered through the fibre, which causes the vein to close as the fibre is gradually removed. Lasers have been used for numerous medical applications throughout the body. Recently, a novel technique utilizing laser energy delivered endovenously (directly inside the vein) has been developed to treat varicose veins. An 980 nm diode laser will be used to deliver the laser energy via a small laser fibre.
Endovenous laser treatment is performed under local anaesthesia in the doctor’s office. There is little to no scarring and a relative short recovery period after the procedure. The procedure is called Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT); it is an outpatient procedure, which means you can resume your normal activities almost immediately. This is a relatively new FDA approved treatment offered by only a few super specialized specialty centres.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
Your doctor will perform a duplex ultrasound examination using a machine that allows the doctor to visualize the blood vessels and record their size and shape. He will “map” out the venous system so he can know where all the leaky points are. Photographs of the treatment areas will be taken.
During the procedure, you will be given special eye goggles to protect your eyes against accidental exposure to laser light. Next, the treatment area will be anesthetized with a common skin anaesthetic, Lidocaine. A sterile fibre will be inserted into the vein and positioned under ultrasound guidance. Laser energy will be delivered to selectively treat the target vein. A compression stocking will be applied and must be worn for at least two weeks following treatment.
You will return to the office in 3 to 7 days and the doctor will examine the treated area. Doppler and duplex ultrasound evaluation will be done and additional photos may be taken. Rarely, repeat endovascular laser treatment (EVLT) using modified parameters may need to be done at the discretion of the doctor. Sometimes further touch up treatment with compression sclerotherapy (injections) may also be needed.
ENDOVENOUS TREATMENTS OF BRANCH VARICOSITIES AND RETICULAR VEINS
Endovenous treatment of reticular veins
Branch varicosities and reticular veins can also be treated under direct visualisation by a similar endovascular technique.
This method is faster and more efficient than conventional treatments. The procedure is well tolerated with rapid patient recovery.
Experiences in more than 1000 patients have proved a high success rate in vessel closure. Positive patient feedback has been reported2 additionally attributed to the fact that side effects as skin blanching or pigmental disorders are a non issue.
The endovenous treatment can also be performed on patients taking anti-coagulants or with impaired circulation.
How this procedure works
Following topical anaesthesia, a tiny needle is inserted into the
vein. With laser fibres down to 220 µm even very small vessels can be
easily treated. For larger branch varices a tumescent local
anaesthesia is advised.
Laser pulses are applied, using power of 6-10 W depending on the vein diameter. The needle is then withdrawn; this procedure is performed along the length of the varicose vein.
For larger side branches a compression should be applied for the following days. After 8 days the varicose vein should have disappeared with no recurrences detected after one year in the treated areas.
TRANSCUTANEOUS TREATMENTS OF SPIDER VEINS AND TELANGIECTASIA
Transcutaneus treatment of spider veins
Un-aesthetic telangiectasia and Spider Veins are frequently observed in patients presenting varicose veins. These tiny veins can be treated transcutaneously with the same laser system combined with the ELVeS focusing hand-piece.
The near infrared laser energy is well absorbed by haemoglobin and easily penetrates to underlying tissue with low absorption in the dermis.
The surface tissue is unaffected by the laser energy as it is defocused at this level and anaesthesia is not necessary. Vessels up to 1.5 mm in diameter can be successfully treated by this technique.
RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS
There are several uncommon local side effects that could occur with EVLT. These include:
Bruising
Discoloration
Inflammation
They are temporary and will usually resolve in a few weeks to a few months. There are a few potential serious side effects that have never been proven, but theoretically, may occur, such as:
Blood clots
Perforation of the vein
Breaking of the fibre inside the vein
Lastly, this is a relatively new treatment offered by only a few super specialized specialty centres like ours
POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF NOT HAVING TREATMENT
The potential complications of not undergoing treatment are most often limited to merely a worsening of the condition with an increase in the number of veins or enlargement in the existing veins. In cases of large varicose veins, spontaneous superficial phlebitis or bleeding may occur. Patients with varicose veins associated with underlying venous insufficiency may develop:
Ankle swelling
Skin changes
Eczema
Hyperpigmentation
Ulceration
There is an increased risk of getting blood clots if you
have varicose veins
Many patients opt for treatment to have healthier better looking legs.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Since varicose veins and spider veins are not necessarily life threatening, treatment is not mandatory. Some patients may get adequate relief of symptoms by wearing graduated compression stockings. Alternative treatments for varicose veins include surgery, ambulatory phlebectomy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (Injections), bipolar radiofrequency (Closure®), or a combination of these treatments.
POTENTIAL BENEFIT
The potential benefits from the procedure are reduction in the size or complete closure of the treated varicose veins. This should give you improvement in your symptoms associated with the varicose veins. Your circulation may improve and you will have healthier better looking legs.
If you need more information on endovenous laser therapy please call us:
Laser & Cosmetic Clinic
591 Fulham Road
Fulham Broadway
London SW6 5UA
Tel: 020 7385 3922
www.psoriasislaser.com
www.londonlaser.com
email: info@londonlaser.com