How does a Laser Treat my Varicose Veins?
Endovenous Laser AblationTreatment or EVLA is the latest non-surgical technique for treating varicose veins and has been available at Palm Clinic since 2004.
EVLA was first devised by Dr Min in the USA in 2001 and studies demonstrate very high closure rates in excess of 95% at 5 years.
This is a considerable improvement over surgery or sclerotherapy injections alone. EVLA is especially useful for large varicose veins but there is a requirement that the vein is straight. We can confirm this during your Ultrasound or duplex map.
The laser fibre is inserted inside the varicose vein through a small incision and is then passed up to the groin or behind the knee. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the vein. Once placement of the fibre has been confirmed by Ultrasound, the laser is turned on and slowly withdrawn by a mechanical device. The Cooltouch laser used at Palm Clinic is a 1320nm Nd:Yag laser which targets water in the vein wall and heats it so that the lining of the vein is damaged. The vein is then sealed closed over time by the body as it naturally heals itself. The varicose vein shrinks away and the venous circulation is restored to normal.
