Endovenous laser therapy: The Procedure
Endovenous laser therapy is a quick, minimally invasive laser procedure that leaves no scar, has a short and relatively pain-free post-operative recovery period, and may be performed under local anaesthesia. The treatment itself will take less than one hour and initially involves both a physical and an ultrasound examination to map the vein to be treated. The area of the affected leg is anaesthetised locally and a thin laser fibre is inserted into the abnormal vein, delivering the laser energy in short pulses. The laser energy heats the vein causing it to shrink and collapse, preventing blood from pooling. The fibre is slowly pulled back from the vein in small stages.
During the procedure, you will be given a pair of special glasses to wear to protect your eyes. This is just a precaution against accidental firing of laser energy outside the body. Walking immediately following the procedure is encouraged and normal daily activity can be resumed immediately. However, strenuous physical exercise such as aerobics should be avoided for three to four weeks. Patients may experience bruising and soreness for 3-5 days after the treatment. Pain is usually improved by walking or oral pain relief medications.
