Endovenous Laser Ablation for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency affect millions of Americans, causing issues ranging from mild leg discomfort to severe discomfort and skin ulcers. When conservative measures fail to treat the underlying cause of these symptoms, endovenous laser ablation offers a proven solution that eliminates problematic veins without traditional surgery or lengthy recovery time.
With over three decades of cardiovascular experience, Dr. Prevosti of Prevosti Vein Center focuses exclusively on vein disorders, combining advanced diagnostic techniques with fully tailored treatment plans to effectively identify and treat these disorders from his Canton office.
What Is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
When the one-way valves in your leg veins fail to prevent backward blood flow, venous insufficiency develops, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities. This pooling creates increased pressure that leads to varicose veins, leg swelling, aching and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), also referred to as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), is a minimally invasive treatment that uses targeted laser energy to seal malfunctioning veins from within. By closing the diseased vein, laser ablation redirects blood through nearby healthy vessels while your body naturally absorbs the treated vein over the following months. This approach eliminates the source of venous insufficiency, which is fundamental in improving symptoms and improving visual appearance.
How Does Endovenous Laser Ablation Work?
The laser ablation technique delivers precise laser energy through a thin laser fiber inserted into the affected vein. As Dr. Prevosti slowly withdraws the fiber, controlled laser energy heats the vein wall. This causes the vein walls to shrink and close the vein permanently.
Once the vein is sealed, blood immediately reroutes through healthy veins in the area, improving overall circulation and relieving symptoms. The treated vein becomes fibrous tissue that your body gradually absorbs over several months.
Tumescent anesthesia, a specialized form of local anesthesia, is used to surround the vein, which numbs the region and protects surrounding tissues from heat. This approach maintains your comfort throughout the procedure.
When Is Laser Ablation Used?
Dr. Prevosti recommends endovenous laser ablation as a treatment for various forms of venous insufficiency. The technique proves particularly effective for certain vein configurations and anatomical situations.
The laser's accuracy allows for highly targeted treatment of short vein sections, including perforator veins that connect superficial and deep venous systems. Anterior accessory saphenous veins, which present unique anatomical challenges, also respond well to the focused energy delivery that laser ablation provides. EVLA is also useful to close small sections of saphenous veins, especially in patients who have had prior treatment.
Patients experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency may benefit from this treatment, including those with:
- Leg pain, aching or throbbing
- Leg heaviness
- Leg tiredness
- Leg and ankle swelling
- Night cramps
- Restless legs
- Skin changes, such as redness, darkening, dryness or ulceration
- Bulging varicose veins
- Increase in spider veins
- Tingling sensation in the legs
Through a comprehensive diagnostic ultrasound performed in his Canton office, Dr. Prevosti maps your venous system to determine whether laser ablation is the most appropriate approach for your specific pattern of venous disease. Prevosti Vein Center offers all treatment options available in the US.
What to Expect From the EVLA Treatment Process
Comprehensive Evaluation
Your experience begins with a thorough consultation, during which Dr. Prevosti reviews your medical history and symptoms. Detailed ultrasound imaging maps your venous system, identifying which veins function properly and which show signs of valve failure. This diagnostic precision allows Dr. Prevosti to develop a targeted treatment plan addressing your specific venous insufficiency pattern.
During your consultation, Dr. Prevosti takes time to explain your condition, answer questions and discuss how treatment can improve your symptoms and quality of life.
Treatment Day
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment and bring shorts to change into before the procedure. We also ask you to bring in your compression stockings. If you do not have any, you can purchase some at the office. While the actual laser ablation typically takes 30 minutes or less, plan for approximately 90 minutes total time in the office.
You can drive yourself to and from the appointment. No driver or companion is required, though you are welcome to bring someone if you prefer.
After preparing the treatment area, Dr. Prevosti administers local anesthesia (lidocaine) to numb the skin. He then makes a tiny access site to insert the laser fiber. Using ultrasound guidance, he carefully positions the fiber within the target vein. After additional tumescent anesthesia, the vein ablation process begins.
You remain awake throughout the procedure. Dr. Prevosti ensures you are comfortable throughout the treatment. Once the area is numb, most patients experience little to no discomfort. For patients with high anxiety or low pain tolerance, pre-procedure medication can be prescribed.
Immediate Post-Treatment
Following laser ablation, a compression wrap is applied to your leg. You can walk immediately, which promotes healthy blood flow and reduces complication risks. Dr. Prevosti provides detailed post-treatment instructions to support the recovery process.
You can drive immediately after the procedure and continue normal light daily activities. Dr. Prevosti asks his patient to take three 5-10 minute walks on the day of the procedure. Most patients do not need post-procedure pain medication, but over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen can be taken if required.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
The endovenous laser ablation recovery process is considerably shorter and simpler than that of traditional vein surgery. Most patients return to their regular routines the same day or the next day, and can resume their full schedule, with no restrictions and including travel, within a week.
Compression Therapy
The compression wrap is removed the next morning, and then compression stockings are worn for three days, or as otherwise directed. This compression therapy supports healing as normal circulation patterns establish themselves through healthy veins. Dr. Prevosti can recommend appropriate compression strength for your needs.
Activity Guidelines
Light daily activities are encouraged after treatment. Working at a desk or computer, especially from home, can typically be resumed the same day. More physically demanding jobs may require longer periods of rest before returning to work.
Short walks (5-10 minutes) on the day of your procedure can help improve circulation and minimize complications.. Unless otherwise directed, you can resume light exercise such as yoga and long walks two days after treatment. Strenuous exercise can be resumed one week after treatment. Airplane flights and long car rides can be taken once the postoperative check-up is completed, which is scheduled 3-7 days after the procedure.
Follow-Up Care
A post-operative follow-up is scheduled for 3-7 days after completion of treatment, and a 6-week follow-up is also scheduled. These visits provide opportunities to ask questions and address any concerns. An ultrasound is also done to verify successful closure of the vein(s) and to check for any unwanted blood clots.
Why Choose Dr. Prevosti for Endovenous Laser Ablation
As a pure vein practice, Prevosti Vein Center dedicates 100% of its resources to treating venous disorders. Dr. Prevosti personally performs all evaluations, treatments and follow-up care, applying his extensive cardiovascular surgical experience to achieve exceptional results.
His credentials include:
- Board certification in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
- Diplomat status with the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM)
- RPVI (registered physician vascular interpreter) certification
- RPhS (registered phlebology sonographer) status
- Former Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Piedmont Hospital
- Former Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit and Telemetry Unit at Piedmont Hospital.
- Former Chairman of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Continuous Quality Improvement Committee at Piedmont Hospital
Having performed thousands of vein procedures throughout his career, Dr. Prevosti brings irreplaceable experience to every case. His gentle technique and compassionate approach help patients feel comfortable throughout their treatment experience.
All diagnostics, treatments and follow-ups occur at the single Canton location, with no need to visit separate imaging or surgery centers.
Experience Specialized Vein Care
At Prevosti Vein Center, we believe in doing one thing exceptionally well: treating venous disorders. Dr. Prevosti's singular focus on vein care, combined with his extensive surgical background and personalized approach, provides patients throughout the region with access to advanced laser ablation techniques.
If you experience symptoms related to varicose veins or venous insufficiency, contact Prevosti Vein Center to schedule your consultation with Dr. Prevosti and discover how endovenous laser ablation can restore your comfort and quality of life.