Endovenous laser therapy is an outstanding treatment for varicose veins and is among the services available from Hara Misra, MD, of Scottsdale Vascular Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. When you’re ready to learn more about this innovative approach, schedule a one-on-one consultation at your earliest convenience. Online booking is available, or you’re always welcome to call the office to check appointment availability.
request an appointmentWhat is endovenous laser therapy?
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive treatment option for varicose veins. This approach treats the saphenous veins, which are the large veins running along the inside of the thigh and calf and the back of the calf.
When blood can’t flow properly through these veins, it begins to build up. This places pressure on the walls of the affected blood vessels, weakening the walls and causing the twisting and bulging associated with varicose veins.
Endovenous laser therapy uses carefully controlled beams of light to produce heat within the targeted veins. The heat causes the vein walls to collapse inward. The damaged vein is then processed and eliminated from the body through your lymphatic system.
What happens during endovenous laser therapy?
On the day of your procedure, you’ll receive an injection of numbing medication to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the visit. Dr. Misra inserts a catheter (a thin piece of medical tubing) into the targeted vein, usually close to your knee.
Ultrasound technology allows Dr. Misra to guide the catheter to the groin area. Once in place, the endovenous laser therapy treatment platform begins delivering small bursts of energy. That energy creates heat in the walls of the targeted blood vessel, causing it to collapse.
When a vein is no longer functional, your body reroutes blood flow through other vessels. Treating varicose veins does not cause problems with your circulatory system. The entire treatment process takes only 30-45 minutes.
How can I ease the recovery process after endovenous laser therapy?
Your provider performs endovenous laser therapy on an outpatient basis. You’ll be able to return home immediately after your procedure. It’s good to wear a flexible wrap bandage and compression stockings until you come back to Scottsdale Vascular Clinic for your follow-up visit.
Staying active in the days after your procedure is essential. While there’s no need for rigorous exercise, keeping your blood flowing will reduce your risk of developing blood clots as your body adjusts after your procedure.
If you experience swelling or tenderness in the treatment area, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are usually all that’s needed to resolve those side effects.
If you’d like to learn more about how endovenous laser therapy can help treat varicose veins, call the office today to schedule a consultation. Online booking is also a convenient option.