EVLT (Endovenous laser treatment) can be explained as intravenous obliteration of big, morbidly changed, venous trunks (great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein) and smaller branches.
The technique , under the control of Doppler ultrasound, is based on the introduction of a special casing, through which a probe, so-called a fiber terminated with a laser light is inserted. The best tool for this type of treatment is a generator which produces a wave of 1470 nm and an optical fiber with a radial end.
This intervention can be done instead of a traditional operation (Babock method) which is a regular stripping , the classical removal of great saphenous vein.
The risk of the recurrence is the same , usually 3-5%, after a laser and traditional treatment.
EVLT has been widely examined and the observations have been done for more than 10 years.
The anesthesia which is used for this type of an intervention is called a tumescent anesthesia (from a latin: tumescere: to swell). It is a type of a local anesthesia but with a big amount of a reduced concentration of an anesthetic agent. This is a best type of anesthesia for this type of intervention, because it also helps to contract the vein and also picks up the energy from the around tissue.
In contrast to a classical operation EVLT method is much less invasive. After 1-2 hours of observation , the patient can return home.
After the treatment the special stockings with compression are recommended to be worn for 21 days