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EVLT, which stands for endovenous laser treatment or endovenous laser therapy, is an effective treatment for varicose veins that uses laser energy to destroy the problem veins from the inside. A laser fibre is passed into the problem vein via your groin and ablation is used to destroy it. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically uses local anaesthetic, meaning it can be done as a day-case operation and you can go home the same day.
EVLT is just one of many effective treatments our experts use to remove unsightly and painful varicose veins. Call or book online to arrange your initial consultation and one of our specialists will help you find the right treatment for you.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged and swollen veins that usually appear on your legs. They tend to be blue or dark purple and might be bumpy or twisted. They happen because of faulty valves in your veins, which disrupt the normal blood flow.
These problem veins can be unsightly, and many people find them uncomfortable, too, especially larger bulging veins. Some people develop complications, which can include bleeding or skin changes. There are many treatments available for varicose veins, including surgery, laser therapy and foam sclerotherapy.
Compared to surgery for varicose veins (in particular open surgery) the benefits can include:
- Reduced postoperative pain and bruising results in an earlier return to normal activities
- Usually done under a local anaesthetic
- The patient walks out of the treatment room and may go home ten minutes later
- 98 % have total obliteration of the incompetent saphenous vein when reassessed at five years
- No general anaesthetic, groin incision, wound infection or need for overnight stay
What results can I expect?
EVLT is more effective than surgical high tie and stripping in achieving effective obliteration of the incompetent saphenous vein, which is the underlying cause of varicose veins. Following EVLT most patients will notice that there has been a massive improvement in the state of their treated veins. In a small proportion of subjects, however, some veins may persist despite treatment of the root cause. Residual veins can be tidied up either by simple removal under local anaesthetic or injection of a chemical foam (sclerotherapy).
Another approach is to perform EVLT under a general anaesthetic , which allows the surgeon to remove the individual varicose veins through minute skin incisions. Scarring is minimal.
Almost all varicose veins can be treated using endovenous laser ablation.
Still, not everyone will be a candidate for EVLT, for example if you have a saphenous vein which is kinked or tortuous or of small calibre it probably won’t be the right choice for you.
Our vascular surgeons offer a wide variety of procedures for treating varicose veins. When you meet with one of our consultant vascular surgeons, they will talk you through all the options available to you, which might include:
- Surgical removal of varicose veins
- The ClariVein procedure
- VNUS closure procedure (Venefit)
- Laser treatment for varicose veins
- Venaseal closure system
- Sclerotherapy treatment
Whichever options are appropriate in your case, your consultant will talk you through each one in turn, explaining the procedures as well as the pros and cons based on your personal circumstances. Together, you’ll decide on the best course of treatment for you.
Before the procedure, you will have an ultrasound scan to identify where the vein or veins are that need to be treated. Your surgeon will use the ultrasound throughout the procedure to see what they are doing inside your veins.
Next, a small amount of local anaesthetic is injected around the vein to numb the area, and a needle is inserted into it. We then insert the laser fibre and pass up the vein to the affected area.
Once your surgeon has guided the laser to the correct position within your vein, more anaesthetic is injected so that the vein and surrounding tissues are numbed. The laser fibre is then activated and slowly withdrawn, destroying the vein but leaving the surrounding tissues intact.
The EVLT procedure takes about 50 minutes overall.
Recovering from EVLT for varicose veins
EVLT is a very safe procedure and complications are uncommon. You can go home the same day, and most people can happily return to work the day after the procedure.
You should be able to return to normal activities immediately, though we advise against heavy exercise for a while. Your consultant will give you personalised advice on this.
EVLT is considered safe and effective and carries a very low risk of complications.
After EVLT some induration and discolouration of the thigh is to be expected. Temporary bruising may also occur. These events are rarely troublesome and will settle quickly.
It is usual for a sensation of tightness to develop in the treated area after about 48 hours. This responds well to anti-inflammatory drugs, which are routinely prescribed.
At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to see a consultant to learn more about EVLT or any other of our vascular treatments for problem veins, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in May 2023. Next review due May 2026.
- Endovenous laser ablation, The Whiteley Clinic
- Endovenous laser therapy, Circulation Foundation
- The endovenous laser treatment for patients with varicose veins, NCBI
