The majority of patients are suitable for Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT). You may be unsuitable if you: have acute deep vein thrombosis are pregnant or breastfeeding have an obstructed deep venous system inadequate to support circulation have an allergy to lidocaine have severe uncorrectable coagulopathy or hypercoagulability have the inability to move around after the procedure have sciatic vein reflux

Prior to the EVLT procedure, we undertake coloured ultrasound duplex vein mapping to identify the faulty veins. We then insert a laser fiber directly into the faulty vein under local anaesthesia. The laser delivers a precise dose of energy into the vein wall, collapsing it. The blood then diverts blood flow to nearby functional veins. The resulting increased circulation significantly reduces the symptoms of varicose veins and improves their surface appearance. We inject local anaesthetic fluid around the vein using ultrasound guidance to ensure that it is in the right place. The local anaesthetic fluid numbs the vein and the surrounding tissue so that the whole procedure is pain-free. The volume of anaesthetic fluid disperses the laser energy and absorbs the excess heat, making sure the tissues around the vein are protected when the vein is destroyed by the heat of the laser. The EVLT treatment generally takes less than one hour and offers immediate relief with minimal-to-no scarring. Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately with minimal or no pain. Unlike crossectomy and stripping surgery, the veins do not grow back. EVLT closes the veins permanently. Further, there is no need for you to undergo a general anesthetic.

Advantages According to NICE Guidelines 2019, EVLT is the gold standard treatment for varicose veins. The EVLT procedure is a painless, clinically proven and minimally-invasive alternative to traditional and painful vein crossectomy and stripping surgery. The key difference between EVLT and traditional surgery is that with it we treat veins from inside the vein itself and not from the outside as is with the case with traditional surgery. The benefits of this treatment include: A short postoperative period It can be done in the day clinic There is no hospital stay required You can quickly return to daily activities We can offer you a specific and tailor-made treatment We have the ability to treat many veins at once We can perform the treatment under local anesthetic, with or without oral sedation The procedure is minimally-invasive, resulting in a very small risk of infection, blood loss, noticeable scars, or other significant problems We can perform the treatment in less than 1 hour You will likely enjoy a rapid recovery It has a success rate of 93%

Only very minimal complications can occur with this procedure. However, there are potential risks with any medical procedure, which I will discuss thoroughly with you at the medical consultation.

Ultrasound catheter based foam sclerotherapy is an alternative treatment to EVLT. However, the disadvantage of this treatment is that it can only treat one main vein at a time, compared to EVLT which can treat multiple veins in one treatment session.

EVLT achieves very high success rates. In 93 % to 100 % of patients, the treatment closes the diseased veins entirely after 1-2 Years follow up. After treatment, you are likely to experience lighter and smoother legs, with less discomfort and no more Venous reflux pain. Your circulation and general health will also have significantly improved.