At present, Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins is “the gold standard” in phlebology. Laser is used to obliterate the main varicose vein, either in the thigh (Great Saphenous Vein) or in the calf (Small Saphenous Vein). The procedure is called Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) or Endovenous laser Thermoablation (EVLT).
Under local anaesthetic and ultrasound guidance, a laser catheter is placed into the vein and guided up to the origin. Fluid containing local anaesthetic is then placed around the vein to absorb heat and protect surrounding tissue, as the laser is slowly withdrawn down the vein. This does involve multiple injections. Unfortunately the laser fibre is too stiff to treat convoluted veins, and so is usually accompanied by sclerotherapy.
For many years we performed the procedure using Venacure® 1470nm laser with Never Touch fibres. In 20218 we have noticed that newly developed radial fibres are associated with lower pain after the procedure, so we started using new NeoV 1470nm laser generator with radial micro fibres for a better comfort of our patients. Very recently, as the first in New Zealand, we introduced the most modern, 1940nm laser to our practice. The advantage of the new machine is even better result of the treatment associated with lower risk of surrounding tissue damage.
All treatments include the usual follow-up visits.
For more information please visit our FAQs page here or read our article for Doctor Magazine available here
Possible Complications
- Bruising (Common).
- DVT and pulmonary embolus (very uncommon).
- Infection at site of fibre insertion (very rare)
- Inflammation of the treated vein or communication vein.
- Damage to adjacent nerve (very rare).
- Allergy to Local anaesthetic (very uncommon)
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- New NeoV laser currently used in our CLinic
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- New Corona fibre with radial beam.
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- Previously used fibre with straight beam.
