What are the various steps in having a Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)?

• Your vein will be scanned in the operation theatre.
• The vein will have a laser wire passed into it under ultrasound imaging.
• A mixture of saline (water) mixed with local anaesthetic will be injected around the vein. This helps in keeping the skin and nerves away from the heat of the laser wire as well as helping with pain relief.
• The vein will be then be sealed off with the laser machine.
• The whole process typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
• Any visible veins may be treated at the same time either by pulling it or injecting foam into it.
• You will then have dressings put on followed by stockings. This will need to be worn for two weeks in total.

WILL I NEED ANY FOLLOW UP?

You will be seen after about 4 to 6 weeks. At this point the leg will be scanned to make sure that the laser treatment has worked. Any further treatment such as treatment of thread veins will also be discussed at this point.

WHAT ARE THE RISK OF THE  PROCEDURE?

• There will some bruising of the leg especially where the water has been injected around the vein.
• There will be some pain around the treated vein. This settles down with pain killers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen. You will be discharged with these pain killers.
• Veins can come back even if the procedure is successful. The risk of this happening is between 10-25% over your life time.
• There is a small risk of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• There is a risk of numbness around the ankle. This usually resolves with time though in a small number of patient this may be permanent.

For further information please click Endovenous laser treatment leaflet