EVLT Method

EVLT Method

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)

For the treatment of large varicose veins (trunk veins), we now mostly use endovenous techniques. This means that varicose veins no longer need to be operated on (“stripping”), but can be treated from the inside. This can be done under local anaesthesia. Patients treated EVLT are able to leave the clinic on foot after treatment, and have fewer complications and less post-operative pain compared to surgical stripping. In endovenous ablation, the inner lining of the leaking vein is damaged so that the vessel is closed off and the leakage is eliminated. There are two techniques to apply heat: the laser technique and the VNUS technique. We use laser technology to apply heat to the vessel wall.

The Wetering Medical Centre uses the EVLT method to treat varicose veins. A special laser catheter is inserted into the vein to be treated, and a local anaesthetic is administered by means of a few injections. The laser is then fired so that the tip of the catheter gets hot. This causes the vessel wall to shrink, and after a few days the vein will close up.
Depending on what needs to be done, the procedure takes approximately 15 minutes and is practically painless. The doctor will apply a pressure dressing or stocking, which may be removed after 24-48 hours.

Any questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us during consultation hours at 020 8203465.

Prices

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) €1200.00 (per leg)

Reimbursements

EVLT treatment is fully covered by health insurance.

Any questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us during consultation hours at 020 8203465.

Varicose veins EVLT method

EVLT (Endovenous laser therapy)

Endovenous laser therapy is a treatment suitable for the larger, so-called stem veins, and is performed under local anaesthesia. The varicose vein is punctured after which a special laser catheter is inserted. The varicose vein is cauterised with laser beams from the inside after the local anaesthetic is applied. The treatment takes about 30-45 minutes depending on the extent. After treatment, you will receive a pressure bandage with stocking for 48 hours, then only the stocking for 5 days during the day.

Before treatment

• We ask you not to use creams, lotions or bath oils on the day of treatment. Shaving is not necessary.
• Report anticoagulant use, and allergies to the doctor in advance.
• You may eat and drink anything before the procedure.
• Driving a car and cycling may be difficult due to the pressure bandage. Preferably take someone with you to accompany you.
• If you have therapeutic elastic stockings, please bring them with you.
• Wear loose clothing and shoes, as space is needed for the pressure bandage.

The treatment

Prior to treatment, another Duplex examination of the vessel to be treated is performed. You then take your place on the treatment table. Preparations for laser treatment take the most time. Disinfection of the leg, covering with sterile cloths, sterile preparation of the equipment. After a skin anaesthetic puncture, the vessel is punctured, after which the laser catheter is inserted. The duplex is used to check that it is in the right place. Then the area to be treated is numbed with a few punctures. The final laser treatment takes a few minutes. For safety reasons, everyone in the room will wear safety glasses.

After treatment

• Stocking and pressure bandage: a stocking and pressure bandage will be applied immediately after treatment. You may remove these yourself after 48 hours. You can then shower again. You will then wear the stocking for another 5 days, only during the day. The stockings can be washed at 30 degrees so that you can reuse them for any subsequent treatment.
• During the first two weeks, you are advised to exercise regularly (every hour) during the day, for example by walking, cycling or hiking. Prolonged standing is best avoided.
• Intensive sports (running, cycling, weightlifting, aerobics) are not recommended in the first two weeks after treatment, as are long car or plane trips or taking hot baths/showers/saunas.
• Sun exposure can stimulate pigmentation, use good sun protection

Possible complications and/or side effects

• Severe pain after the procedure is not common. In case of pain, you can take paracetamol (maximum 1000mg 4x daily).
• Bruising/bleeding may occur after treatment. Sometimes there is a pulling or sore feeling, or a strand can be felt. It may help to wear the support stocking longer if this feels comfortable.
• A rare but possible complication after treatment is the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. This involves a clot forming in a deep, larger vein, blocking blood flow. Symptoms that may indicate this are: a severely swollen and/or painful leg.

In case of persistent severe pain, redness or swelling, contact us.

Check-up

A check-up appointment will be made after the treatment. Always bring the stockings with you so that any follow-up treatment can take place immediately.

Contact

If you have any questions or problems, please contact Medical Centre Wetering on telephone number: 020-8203465. Office hours: 08.30-16.30.

In case of emergency, the doctor can also be reached outside these hours on the same number, choice 0 from the menu.