Many people picture vein treatment the way it was done a generation ago: a hospital, a general anesthetic, incisions, and a recovery measured in weeks. That procedure, ligation and stripping, physically removes the vein.

Endovenous laser treatment works differently, and the practical differences matter.

How EVLT actually works

A laser fibre is placed inside the target vein. Energy from the laser heats the blood and the vein wall, causing the blood to coagulate and the vein to shrink and eventually fibrose. The vein is closed from the inside rather than pulled out.

What that changes for you

  • It is done in our office, not in a hospital operating room.
  • Local anesthetic only: no general anesthesia, no sedation.
  • No stitches.
  • Minimal recovery. Most patients walk out of the office and in most cases immediately resume normal daily activities.

Studies show EVLT is more effective than ligation and stripping, with significantly less pain and a shorter recovery.

“But am I not losing a vein?”

You are, and it is not a problem. The vein being treated is diseased and no longer functioning properly. It is already failing to move blood in the right direction. Once it is closed, blood diverts to healthy veins, which improves circulation and reduces symptoms.

How long it takes, and how it feels

The laser itself takes minutes. The full appointment runs about one to two hours, because preparing and draping, the ultrasound, getting into the vein at exactly the right spot, and injecting fluid around the vein all take time and care.

Usually there is only minimal discomfort. The main complaint is the local anesthetic injection itself, and a topical anesthetic applied 30 to 45 minutes beforehand takes the edge off the needle.

Common side effects are minor bruising and sometimes a sore, lumpy cord in the treated area, both of which usually disappear within one to two weeks. Some people notice a pulling sensation in the days afterward.

One planning note

Arrange a driver. You will be walking for 30 minutes after the procedure before getting into a car, and if you are travelling from out of town you should plan to elevate your legs on the way home.

Who it is not for

EVLT is not suitable if you are pregnant, have had recent blood clots, are in poor health or are on bed rest. Patients without refluxing saphenous veins need a different approach, which is another reason the ultrasound comes first.

Booking a consultation at Valley Medical takes one phone call: 902-678-2121, or email hello@vmedical.ca. We see patients in Kentville, NS and by appointment in Summerside, PE.

Compare EVLT, adhesive closure, surgery and sclerotherapy side by side