What does this new laser method consist of?
EVLA is a revolutionary method for treating varicose veins disease. The treatment is bloodless and eliminate varicose veins without the need for hospitalization, without scarring, pain nor side effects. EVLA stands for endovenous laser ablation. Method of treatment consist of using focused laser energy to destroy the damaged vein. Immediately after the procedure, the patient will already be cured from varicose veins and could move freely!
What does the term EVLA means?
EVLA comes from endovenous laser ablation. In the medical literature it could also be found as EVLT, ELVeS, depending on the manufacturer of the laser. All the various types of laser ablation are essentially the same. Dr. Kyuchukov is a certified specialist and uses laser method EVLA.
What are the advantages of EVLA in the treatment of varicose veins?
Laser ablation is an alternative to the painful classical surgical method with the following advantages:
• The procedure is short, lasts about an hour.
• No need of hospitalization.
• No general anesthesia - done under local anesthesia (tumescent anesthesia). During the procedure the patient is conscious.
• EVLA laser ablation is a method with over 98% success rate!
• Patients can resume normal activity after the treatement.
• No post-treatement scarring.
• To date all patients who have undergone endovenous laser ablation were satisfied.
• Excellent results - both medical and cosmetic.
• Security and efficiency - Doppler ultrasound is used as guide.
Which patients are suitable for EVLA treatement?
The laser ablation can be used to treat various diseases of the vascular system, who are suitable for this bloodless method. EVLA laser method has been successfully applied for the treatment of various forms of varicose veins in chronic venous insufficiency and others. Generally speaking it can be applied on all patients with proven by Doppler insufficiency of the valves of main veins.
Who can perform the EVLA method?
Dr. Kyuchukov performs the method EVLA. It could only be performed by a vascular surgeon or an angiologist who are certificated and experienced in the delivery of the procedure. Across the country there are about 6 clinics, where the ablation is performed by a specialist.In Dr. Kyuchukov's office you can be sure that you are in the hands of a professional. Whereas if performed by a non-specialist it could be very dangerous and risky. The laser methods that offer various cosmetic centers has nothing to do with laser ablation and it's only used for cosmetical purposes, not for treatement
What does the procedure involve EVLA?
EVLA is performed in an operating room or a facility for outpatient surgery. The sterile field for treatement is obligatory. All supplies are for sungle patient use only. For maximum precision a Doppler ulrasound scan is used to mark the position of the vein and identify the problematic areas. The patient's leg is cleaned and covered with drapes. A small needle is then inserted into the targeted vein through a very small incision and a thin laser fibre is inserted through the needle up the vein. Local anaesthetic is injected around the vein. All these steps are guided by Doppler ultrasound scanning. Fiber optic is then connected to a source of laser energy. All staff and the patient put on laser safety specs as a precaution. The laser is then switched on and pulled down the vein at an exact rate, making sure the vein is completely destroyes, but without damaging the surrounding tissues. After treatment the whole damaged area is covered with a small dressing and a compression stocking. The patient is asked to stand and walk. Before leaving the hospital the patient is given post-treatement advice.
How much does EVLA laser ablation cosst?
The cost of the endovenous laser ablation may vary. It depends mostly on the affected area of varicose veins. Consult a vascular surgeon for an accurate diagnosis of your condition and therefor choosing the most adequate treatement method. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ivan Kyuchukov clicking here.
What are the possible side effects after the EVLA treatement?
Worldwide, the chances of an unsuccessfull procedure are under 1%. Serious complications, infections and side effects after EVLA are very rare.
After the effect of local anesthesia has past, some pain could be experienced along the treated vein in the next 10 hours, but it is transitory and is easily manageable using painkillers. Some bruising could form around the treated vein, but they disappear after about a week. Some patients may feel the treated area as tight and painful, but it is very rare and lasts for no more than 10 days.
What are the risks and the possible complications after EVLA?
Risks of the procedure exists only in patients who apart from varicose veins also suffer from other diseases that obstruct the treatment or the recovery after the procedure. However, we must inform you about the possible complications, eventhough they are extremely rare:
• Infection - the prrocedure is performed in a sterile environment, so the chance of infection is less than 1%. However, in the occurrence of such a treatment with antibiotics is required.
• Larger than usual subcutaneous bleedings - they require treatement, including surgery.
• In very rare cases, the appearance of hard growths on the skin (keloids), which are not desirable from a cosmetic point of view.
• Brown pigmentation along the treated vein, wich vanishes by itself.
• Allergic reactions to local anesthetics are also possible, despite negative tests.
• Abnormal skin sensations along the treated vein - most often expressed in numbness. This symptom is transient in nature. They pass for several days to several weeks.
• A very rare complication is the emergence lymphostatic swelling of the treated leg, which requires continuous external elastic compression. Despite the longer treatment, at the end, the varicose veins are permanently cured.
• Deep vein thrombosis - this is a possible complication in all vein treatments, so a mandatory prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin is mandatory after the procedure. Heparin is a blood thinner (anticoagulant) and it must be dosed precisely.
• Having a portion of the catheter or optical fiber stuck into the vein has a minimal chance of occurring, but if so it is treated surgically.
Statistically, the dangerous complications (such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, severe infections) are extremely rare. They are mainly seen in patients with accompanying diseases, such as diabetes, obesity or varicose veins or such that the patient left untreated for a long time. Compared to the classical surgical method (stripping), these complications are significantly less frequent.