The technique does not treat spider veins nor does it treat veins in the lower leg. Today, with an increased emphasis of preserving the veins for future use for either coronary artery bypass or some vascular procedure, EVLT completely destroys the vein and makes it unusable for future use. See similar questions...

EVLT is a minimally invasive way of treating varicose veins. Instead of making a cut in the groin and stripping the vein from the thigh, the surgeon uses a fine laser fibre to zap the vein from the inside. See similar questions...

EVLT is less painful than open surgery and people return to work faster than after open surgery. There is less bruising and there are no incisions in the top of the leg. EVLT can also be done under local anaesthetic without the patient being put to sleep. See similar questions...

Remarkably painless. Most patients find they need to take painkillers for a few days only. Sometimes patients can feel the treated vein as a tender cord in the thigh after the operation, but this feeling goes away within a couple of weeks. See similar questions...

Remarkably few. The commonest complication is a vein irritation that lasts a couple of weeks, but very few patients get this. See similar questions...

Most insurance companies do cover it, but for those that don’t we offer financing and credit card options. There may be other treatments which we offer that would be more effective for you which your insurance company would cover. See similar questions...

Most normal activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure such as walking, running, and returning to work. We do ask that you wear tight compression stockings for 5 days after the procedure. See similar questions...

Not much. Lasers that can close the saphenous vein are diode lasers that fall in the narrow ranges 810 to 980nM of the infrared electromagnetic spectrum. Each company that has developed a laser for this purpose has tacked its own acronym on the procedure. From what I can tell, they all work about the same. The only difference comes when you take the same laser and aim it at spiders and other tiny veins. See similar questions...

The vein is identified just above the knee and the entire leg area is cleaned with an anti septic ointment. The entire procedure is performed with ultrasound visualization of the vein. A small amount of local anesthetic is applied and a needle is place in the vein. Through this vein is inserted a small laser probe. The probe is then identified with Ultrasound to verify its position and then the laser is slowly heated with low energy. See similar questions...

The procedure leaves no scars, is associated with minimal postoperative pain, a rapid recovery period and provides almost immediate relief from symptoms. Minor soreness and bruising can be treated with over-the-counter, pain medication. After the procedure, all patients are encouraged to walk and resume their normal activities. A follow up appointment is made with the doctor in 1-2 weeks. See similar questions...

All data indicate that EVLT is a safe and effective procedure. The procedure does not involve any incisions and is relatively painless and has minimal complications. See similar questions...

Rarely. The vast majority of patients go home on the same day as the treatment with bandages on the legs and painkillers See similar questions...

Theoretically anyone can get a DVT after any surgical procedure. However, the risk of DVT after EVLT is very low (less than 1 in 400). See similar questions...

Not widely at this time. Mr Chaloner and Mr Sweeney do offer EVLT on the NHS at Lewisham Hospital where they treat approximately 25 patients per month See similar questions...

Latest studies suggest the average time off work is 3 days after EVLT – compared with 12 days after open varicose vein surgery. See similar questions...

This varies a bit between patients – generally speaking it is advisable to avoid heavy exercise for a week or two while the healing process takes place. You are unlikely to harm yourself if you exercise sooner, but it might hurt a bit! Yes. In fact the latest studies suggest it works better as far as recurrence of the veins is concerned. See similar questions...

Yes they can, but as mentioned the latest work suggests that this is less common than after open surgery. The figures suggest that about 7% of patients will get some recurrence at 3 yrs post op. See similar questions...

No. About 70 % of people with varicose veins are suitable for EVLT. You will need a consultation with Mr Chaloner or Mr Sweeney to decide if you are suitable. See similar questions...