What are the advantages of using endovenous laser therapy in the treatment of varicose veins of lower limbs?
Which clinical conditions are contraindicated in laser treatment?
Can each varicose vein be closed with the use of a intravascular laser?
Is the laser-based occlusion of the large saphenous vein more efficient than echosclerotherapy?
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the lower limb varicose veins is based on minimally invasive insertion of a laser fiber into a varicose vein and closing it by means of controlled thermal ablation. In case of the new generation lasers using wave of 1470 nm length thermal activity is exceptionally safe to the surrounding tissues. Damage in vein is only restricted to its internal membrane. The process of limited injury of the vascular endothelium caused by the laser energy triggers fibrosing reaction, which leads to shutting down circulation of the failing vein.
Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins with the newest ELVeS system.
Copyright – NASMED
The significant advantage of EVLA over the classic procedure is the fact that this controlled and precise process (performed with the use of ultrasound) allows for closing exclusively the failing venal segments, leaving the normally functioning valves intact (eg. ostial valve of great saphenous vein). The endovenous laser in a minimally invasive manner eliminates the cause of the vein failure and venous hypertension in the affected limb. Consequently we are replacing the classic approach, which is based on ligation of venous trunk and its removing (stripping).
In the Clinic of Phlebology – NASMED, the endovenous laser ablation is performed with the use of the newest generation doublerange laser produced by Biolitec, emitting the waves of 980 and 1470 nm length and using the PainLess technology. The state of the art technology of the endovenous laser called ELVeS Radial™ 2ring is the safest and the most efficient laser treatment available on the market. It provides high comfort not only while undergoing the procedure, but also during the post procedure period.
Advantages of the laser using the ELVeS technology:
-high comfort during the treatment
– perfect cosmetic results (very low risk of extravasation and pain)
– short period of resuming the normal activity
– short time of conducting the procedure
– high efficacy
Depending on the clinical condition in closing the failing veins we are using fiber with a special integument protecting the vessel. The laser fibers used emit a single or a double ring-shaped beam of laser light. These are the so called radial fibers (high level of safety and efficiency in closing varicose veins, also those of diameter above 10-12 mm). This means that the laser light works peripherally (360º) and not directly, as in the case of the previously used laser fibers.
A wide range of optical fibers using the radial technology allows the laser to be used in closing even significantly widened venous trunks (great and small saphenous veins), in eliminating narrow vessels (main trunks and branches), recurring varicose veins, as well as in removing perforators in case of their failure.
Advantages of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in treating varicose veins of the lower limbs:
– treatment is performed transdermally (the site of inserting a thin laser fiber is slightly above 1 mm of diameter)
– short operating time (usually 30-45 minutes)
– single procedure (as compared to echosclerotherapy which needs to be repeated 2-3 times in case of large varicose veins to achieve the desired effect of full closure of the failing vessel)
– very high efficacy (in longterm observation it is more effective than EVRF or echosclerotherapy where the percentage of occluded venous trunks amounts to even 30%)
– slight discomfort during and after the treatment
– greater safety as compared to surgical removal of varicose veins (no postoperative wound, low risk of diversely affecting the lymphatic system and nerve branches)
– short convalescence period (2-3 days, incomparably shorter than the recovery after a surgery)
It is worth remembering that there are at least a few factors that may preclude or significantly limit the success of the treatment of the lover limbs varicose veins with the endovenous laser. Crucial to deciding on the method of treatment is the Doppler ultrasound examination of the lower limb veins in a standing position combined with a pre-procedure consultation with a phlebologist.
Who should not undergo the laser ablation treatment (EVLA) of the varicose veins?
– patients in bad general condition (e.g. patient with multiple internal conditions, cancer or neurological problems)
– patients with thromboembolism in an active phase
– pregnant women
– patients with diagnosed allergy to anaesthetic agentspatients with confirmed hypercoagulation
– patients with unfavourable vessel appearance, i.e those of large dimension or unfavourable vein morphology (the pre-procedure consultation accompanied by Doppler ultrasound is required)
– patients with postthrombotic changes in the veins of superficial venous system
– some patients with postthrombotic changes in deep venous system (each case should be evaluated separately)
– patients with severe arteriosclerosis of lower limbs precluding from effective and safe post-procedure compression therapy (‘superglue’ treatment of varicose veins using Venaseal method is a method of choice in case of these patients)
In the Clinic of PhlebologyNASMED, laser therapy, if necesary, is always combined with compression sclerotherapy or multiple miniphlebectomy. Price of laser-based occlusion of varicose veins on one limb includes:
– endovenous laser procedure (EVLA with the newest ELVeS system)
– professionally adjusted post-procedure compression stocking
– early post-procedure Doppler ultrasound control of the lower limb venous system
– possible supplementary sclerotherapy of remained varicose veins up to 3 months following ELVeS
Current price of EVLA can be found at our website in PRICELIST section. More information on preparation for procedure as well as endovenous laser is accessible in the FAQ section (Frequently Asked Questions) (topics: What should be done prior to the procedure of varicose vein elimination? Is it necessary to perform additional laboratory testing?)
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hybrid treatment