Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

A new technique in the horizon, for treatment of varicose veins. The word LASER sells in the market. Majority of patients are not even aware of what laser is and what it does to the vein. Short term results are not very encouraging. The selection of patients for treatment by EVLT is the deciding factor in the outcome of the result. Not all patients are suitable for this treatment.

The recurrence rates are variable from center to center from 10 to 30 %.

The main use of EVLT is it avoids surgical stripping of Long Saphenous vein (LSV). The results for branch varicosities is pathetic and needs either surgical removal or injection Sclerotherapy.

Which patients should undergo EVLT?

If the Long /short Saphenous veins has a very straight course where by allowing the laser fiber to pass upto the incompetent junction. A combination procedure is always required for complete treatment of varicose veins.

Advantages

	Day care procedure.
	No surgical scars.
	Can be done under local anaesthesia.

Disadvantages

	Recurrence rates are high.
	Mostly combination procedures are required.
	May need general or regional anaesthesia as, Local anaesthesia procedure can be painful.
	Difficult in obese patients.