Varicose veins are much more than just unsightly. They hurt and could make your daily life extremely uncomfortable. Endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLT) is an advanced procedure to close varicose veins, restore proper blood circulation, and cause the twisted and bulged veins to diminish over time.
Varicose Veins – Know More About It
Veins are also called the body’s highways. They are responsible for carrying blood along the roads, in the form of a network of arteries and veins, and bring oxygen to the body.
The natural movement of the body helps the body pump blood to the heart that sends it again in a cycle.
Veins have valves acting as traffic signals; they open and close to make sure blood flows in the right direction. When veins are damaged, the valves are broken. In varicose veins, blood flows back and stays inside the vein. As a result, the vein expands, stretches, and twists, which prevents proper and effective blood circulation.
According to the American Society for Vascular Surgery, an estimated 20-25 million Americans suffer from varicose veins. Boise EVLT center has the most advanced treatment for varicose veins.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The most striking feature of varicose veins is the purple or blue colored, bulging and twisting, cord-like appearance.
People are generally more bothered about the look of varicose veins, while others are concerned about the pain, itch, and fatigue of legs.
In extreme cases, patients also suffer bleeding, hardening of veins, and ulcers on the skin. These are the symptoms of a serious vascular disease.
What is Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy (EVLT)?
Endovenous laser ablation therapy is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure. The method uses catheters, ultrasound, and lasers to treat serious varicose veins. When done on moderately twisted veins, it can give good results.
The procedure begins with the insertion of a catheter into the damaged varicose vein. An interventional radiologist carries out the procedure. With the help of ultrasound, the doctor can see the inside of a patient, and guide the catheter through the varicose vein. The catheter has a laser at the end that heats the walls of the vein and closes it. As a result, blood stops flowing through the veins.
As the body starts recovering from the procedure, it starts circulating blood more efficiently and the vein shrinks.
Is EVLT The Right Choice?
EVLT is the most advanced procedure that takes approximately 60 minutes. Most patients can get back to work almost immediately without a hospital admission and stay.
After the procedure, doctors generally recommend compression stockings to patients during the recovery period to aid blood circulation. This reduces bruising and swelling that often happens after the procedure.
The doctor also performs an ultrasound following the procedure after a week to ensure there are no clots inside the treated veins.
Make sure you consider EVLT if you are considering varicose veins treatments. Consult your doctor to know more about the procedure and treatment options available for the condition.
Contact Boise EVLT Center and discuss the procedure with the interventional radiologist.
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