Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most commonly appear in the legs and feet. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), also known as Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that uses laser energy to close the affected vein from within. Dr. Pravin Goykar offers this advanced treatment for eligible patients as an alternative to conventional vein stripping surgery.
Varicose veins develop when the valves inside the veins become weak or damaged, causing blood to pool rather than flow efficiently back towards the heart. This pooling causes the veins to enlarge and become visible beneath the skin. Varicose veins can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, skin changes, and in some cases, ulceration if left untreated.
EVLA is a day-care procedure performed under local anaesthesia with ultrasound guidance. A thin laser fibre is inserted into the affected vein through a small puncture in the skin. The laser energy is then delivered along the length of the vein, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut. Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body, and blood is naturally rerouted through healthy veins.
No Large Incision
The procedure requires only a small skin puncture, avoiding the need for surgical cuts associated with vein stripping.
Day-Care Procedure
Patients can return home on the same day of treatment.
Local Anaesthesia
The procedure is typically performed under tumescent local anaesthesia, avoiding the risks associated with general anaesthesia.
Faster Return to Activity
Most patients can resume light activities within a day or two following the procedure.
High Success Rate
EVLA has a well-established record of effective vein closure with low recurrence rates in suitable patients.
A clinical assessment including duplex ultrasound mapping of the leg veins is performed before treatment to assess the pattern and extent of venous reflux. Not all varicose veins require intervention; treatment is recommended based on symptoms, severity, and the patient's overall vascular health.