Say Goodbye to Varicose Veins with EVLA: Here's What to Expect

You might have had varicose veins for a long time. At first, they may have been more of a cosmetic issue — lines of purple, raised skin with jagged edges running up and down your legs. 

But over time, varicose veins can result in legs that ache, throb, and/or swell. If you stand for long periods for your job, it may be hard to get through the day if you have persistent discomfort from your varicose veins. 

You can say goodbye to those varicose veins with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) treatment. Our board-certified radiologists with REDI Diagnostics Corp in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, are the experts to consult for this state-of-the-art treatment for varicose veins. Here’s what you need to know about EVLA. 

What is endovenous laser ablation? 

EVLA uses heat from laser energy to eliminate varicose veins. It’s a minimally invasive procedure with several benefits, especially when compared to varicose vein procedures in years past. Because it’s minimally invasive and doesn’t require general anesthesia, it’s a low-risk procedure. There’s no real downtime. Plus, EVLA leaves no visible scarring. 

Preparing for EVLA

At your initial appointment, it’s important to include a list of all medications you take, including supplements and herbs, on your medical history form. You’ll also need to tell us if you’re allergic to any type of anesthesia or contrast materials. 

We let you know if you need to stop taking blood thinners prior to EVLA. You may need to stop taking aspirin or NSAIDs.

 Ohe day of your appointment, wear comfortable clothing and leave all your jewelry at home. 

What happens during EVLA

You change into a hospital gown for the procedure. We clean the skin covering your varicose vein and protect the site with a surgical drape. Our caring staff spreads a numbing cream over the treatment area so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. 

Your provider uses ultrasound guidance to see the vein and show its trajectory. Then a local anesthetic is injected into the target treatment area. 

Using ultrasound, your radiologist inserts a catheter through a small incision and places it in your target vein. A small laser fiber is placed through the catheter. Once placed, your provider heats the laser fiber. The laser’s heat energy starts destroying your vein as your provider removes the catheter slowly and gently. When the procedure is complete, a bandage is placed over the site of your incision. 

The procedure causes blood in your vein to move to other healthier veins. After the procedure, the vein shrinks and eventually disappears. 

The procedure only takes about 20-30 minutes, but your appointment will take about an hour. 

After the EVLA procedure 

Have a family member or friend drive you home. You need to wear compression stockings and avoid strenuous gym workouts or heavy activity for two weeks, but walking is encouraged after your procedure. Some bruising is normal; it will dissipate.

Call REDI Diagnostics Corp or book an appointment online today for expert treatment of your troublesome varicose veins.