The standard operation for varicose veins involves making a cut in the leg over the point of the main valve which is failing and stripping out the damaged segment of vein.
This operation is called a ‘high tie and strip’. The vast majority of vein specialists don’t do this type of operation any more, but use one of the newer minimally invasive techniques such as EVLT or the latest ClariVein® technique, which are both less painful.
EVLT - Endovenous Laser Treatment
Instead of the old ‘high tie and strip’ method involving a lot of cuts in the leg, EVLT can be done entirely under local anaesthetic with no surgical incisions. The post-operative discomfort and bruising is less than with traditional surgery and patients return to work faster than after traditional surgery.
For that reason it has now become the treatment of choice for many leading specialist varicose vein surgeons. Also, statistics show that there is less chance of the varicose veins recurring if EVLT is used, rather than the old style ‘high tie and strip’ surgery.
How is EVLT performed?
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The thigh vein is accessed though a tiny incision (2mm) just above the knee. The laser fibre is passed into the vein and positioned in the correct place with guidance from an ultrasound probe.
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Local anaesthetic is injected around the vein before the laser is used. When the laser is turned on, the fibre is slowly withdrawn down the leg.
As the fibre is withdrawn, the laser energy burns the inside of the vein, sealing it from the inside.
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A compression bandage is then applied to the leg before the patient goes home.
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The operation can be carried out as a day case. Patients can walk around immediately after the operation. The whole procedure takes from about 45 minutes to one hour to complete.
What are the advantages of EVLT as opposed to conventional surgery?
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No scarring
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No cut in the groin
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Less bruising
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Faster recovery
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Can be done under local anaesthetic
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No overnight hospital stay needed
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Less recurrence of varicose veins