Endovenous Laser Ablation

What Is EVLA?

EVLA, also called EVLT, stands for Endovenous Laser Ablation. This in-office procedure uses laser-generated thermal energy to treat damaged veins and the disease that often causes them, chronic venous insufficiency. Our California vein treatment experts use local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance to deliver heat to the walls of the problematic vein. We begin by surrounding the vein with tumescent anesthesia, to prevent discomfort and protect the surrounding tissue. The procedure then induces an inflammatory reaction, which ablates (destroys) the vein.

Unlike surgery, endovenous ablation does not require extraction of the vein. Instead, our vein specialists collapse the vein within your body using less invasive techniques. Once the vein is closed, it’s reabsorbed by the body, so it’s no longer visible or involved in your circulation. Blood re-routes into functional veins capable of pumping it to the heart. Circulatory efficiency improves immediately after this 30-45-minute treatment, which has a 90% chance of long-term success. Patients can resume activities right away, and must wear an ace bandage for 2 days, and a compression stocking for a week.

How Effective Is EVLA?

Introduced in 2003, EVLA was the first feasible, minimally invasive alternative to surgery for venous ablation. Vein surgery required several incisions, significant downtime, and surgical risks and side effects. In contrast, EVLA was performed with a single incision and patients did not need time to recover. Patients walked immediately after the procedure, and even went right back to work. Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis became a negligible risk with EVLA, as opposed to the significant risk during vein stripping surgery. In addition to the superior safety and success profiles of EVLA, studies show that it also prevents a recurrence of vein disease better than vein stripping surgery.

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