Q1. What is EVLT?
EVLT stands for Endovenous Laser Therapy: An ultrasound-guided technique used for treating varicose veins using laser energy. During an EVLT procedure a tiny (less than 1mm) laser fiber goes into the diseased vein, followed by an application of laser energy to heat and close the malfunctioning veins. An EVLT procedure usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. At USA Vein Clinics EVLT is performed as an outpatient procedure and a majority of patients resume normal activities immediately after the treatment.
Q2. How do I know if I am a good candidate for EVLT?
If you are suffering from painful varicose veins, leg pain or cramps, leg heaviness or swelling, restless legs, skin discoloration or non-healing wounds you are a good candidate for an EVLT procedure.
Q3. How do I prepare for an EVLT Procedure?
Make sure to wear loose-fitted and comfortable clothes on the day of your treatment. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in and prepare for the procedure. Our vein specialists will perform the EVLT procedure under local anesthesia.
Q4. What is the recovery time after the procedure?
EVLT is a virtually painless procedure and there is no recovery time required after the treatment. A majority of our patients resume normal activities immediately after the treatment.
Q5. Do I need to take time off work after an EVLT procedure?
No, you don’t need to take time off after an EVLT procedure.
Q6. What can I expect after an EVLT procedure?
After an EVLT procedure the symptoms of painful varicose veins, swollen or bulging veins, leg pain, cramps, leg heaviness or swelling will gradually disappear and you will have a better quality of life and mobility. Treating symptoms of venous insufficiency also saves you from the risk of blood clots or other serious complications that can occur if varicose veins are left untreated.
Q7. What is the success rate of an EVLT procedure?
Clinical studies have shown a success rate of 98%.
Q8. Will the laser damage my skin?
No. Vascular lasers target the pigment in blood, so the blood vessels die without affecting surrounding skin.
Q9. How does the procedure work?
One of our vein specialists will use ultrasound to visually see the vein. They will then move a small fiber to the affected area through a tiny incision. They will administer local anesthesia to ensure the area is numbed properly. Finally, the specialist uses a medical device to utilize energy to heat and close the vessel.
Q10. Is the cost of my treatment eligible for insurance coverage?
Treatments at USA Vein Clinics are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. We have a dedicated insurance department to help our patients with insurance related questions.
Whether it’s varicose veins, spider veins, or venous ulcers, our clinics treat a variety of vein disease conditions. Varicose treatments take between 15-30 minutes depending on the number of veins affected. If you believe you are suffering from vein disease, contact us at 888.768.3467 to learn more about which treatment would work best for you.
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