Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
Endovenour Laser Therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment performed by Laurel Highlands Interventional Radiology Specialists at Memorial Medical Center. This is a safer approach to treatment of varicose veins compared to surgical stripping.
A small catheter is inserted under ultrasound guidance usually through a small needle puncture in the skin. The laser fiber is inserted into the vein and goes up to the thigh. The area around the laser fiber is anesthetized and protected with lidocaine and normal saline.
In addition to the local anesthesia, we provide the patient with IV sedation and analgesia for further comfort. The laser’s targeted energy heats and seals the vein shut.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed as an outpatient under local and IV sedation and analgesia to treat and remove larger varicose veins. The varicose veins for treatment are marked with a pen for identification.
Small needle puncture sites are made to access the varicose veins and a small vein hook is used to tease the vein out. A cotton wrap with an ace bandage is applied. The puncture sites heal well with minimal, if any scarring, and without the need for suturing. After the wrap and bandage is applied, a compression stocking is worn daily for two weeks.
Sclerotherapy
Venous angioplasty is a procedure done to treat blockages. In some cases, a metal mesh tube called a stent may then be placed into the vein to hold it open.
Sclerotherapy is a treatment which injects a solution, called a sclerosing agent into the affected spider veins. This causes an irritation to the inner lining of the vein, resulting in its closure. The procedure can last up to 30 minutes per session, and each vein may require more than one injection. Some results may be seen immediately, while others may take several weeks.