ENDOVENOUS LASER ABLATION (EVLA)
What is Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)?
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLA) is mainly used to treat the large Great and Small Saphenous Veins, which act like the main branches of a tree. In the past, these veins were treated with surgery that involved tying and removing them under general anaesthesia in a hospital. Now, this is done by sealing off faulty veins with laser energy.
EVLA can also be used to treat other large veins, like the Anterior Accessory Vein and bigger connecting veins (perforators). This modern approach is less invasive and offers a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.
What to expect when having Endovenous Laser Ablation
Photos of your legs will be taken prior to treatment.
You will be measured for medical grade compression stockings which must be worn post treatment for up to seven days.
With ultrasound guidance and through a series of small injections, local anaesthesia will be used to numb the area around your vein.
Your Doctor will make a small incision in your leg, usually below your knee or near your ankle. Through this incision and with ultrasound guidance, the laser fibre is then fed into your abnormal vein. The Doctor will activate the laser to generate heat. This produces a reaction in the vein wall along the treated section, resulting in collapse of the vein wall, permanently sealing off the vein.