Endovenous Laser Ablation

Australian Vein Clinics

Vein Treatments

Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that utilises laser heat energy to effectively remove extensive and large Varicose Veins.

What is Endovenous Laser Ablation?

Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that uses laser heat to close off the affected veins. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves inserting a small laser fibre into the vein. The laser energy is then used and applies direct heat to the vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut.

EVLA is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins and venous leg ulcers, and it has a high success rate. Following the procedure, patients are advised to wear compression stockings and to avoid strenuous activity for a few days. In most cases, patients can return to their normal activities within a few days to a week.

What Endovenous Laser Ablation Treats

Varicose Veins

Say goodbye to pesky varicose veins

Venous Leg Ulcers

Are painful ulcers holding you back?

Vein Treatment Melbourne

How It Works

Endovenous Laser Ablation utilises laser light energy to effectively treat extensive and large varicose veins. Under ultrasound guidance, a fibre-optic laser is introduced to the targeted vein through a catheter. Heat is applied as the laser fibre is pulled out of the vein, resulting in the vein walls collapsing and the vein sealing off. Any blood flow through these superficial veins is automatically rerouted into healthier veins, and the closed-off vein naturally dissolves into the surrounding tissue over time. The vein is then effectively removed, and the results are permanent for the treated vein. New varicose veins can form over time.

Locating the vein

The first step is inserting a small catheter into the vein which is connected to a laser fibre. We then use ultrasound imaging to guide the laser fibre to the correct location within the vein.

Delivering energy to the vein walls

We activate the laser fibre, which emits wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the blood in the vein. The heat causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut.

Removing the catheter and laser fibre

The third and final step is to remove the catheter and laser fibre from the vein. Once these are removed, a dressing will be applied over the treated area.

The Cost of Endovenous Laser Ablation

The cost of EVLA varies depending on the severity of the condition and the number of veins requiring treatment, this is indicated by the ultrasound we perform on the day. EVLA is generally more affordable than traditional surgery. Endovenous laser ablation is an effective treatment for varicose veins and can help improve your overall quality of life.

Endovenous Laser Ablation Cost Factors

The severity of your veins
The number of veins needing treatment
The size of your varicose vein

Starting From: $$

What To Expect

On the day, you will be taken in with your vein surgeon and sonographer. You will begin with a duplex ultrasound to clearly map the locations of your veins. The treatment will then begin under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy and closely monitor how well the veins react while being treated. Local anaesthetic will be injected to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment.

The Endovenous laser ablation treatment will generally take 30-60 minutes and does not require any general anaesthetic. You may feel a small amount of discomfort as the catheter enters the targeted vein, but this will subside as the laser treatment begins. All our treatments are performed within the clinic and are minimally invasive walk-in and walk-out procedures. No need for full-day hospital visits or large scars.

Recovery

Recovery from Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is usually fairly straightforward. In most cases, patients will experience bruising and soreness around the treatment site. These symptoms typically resolve within a week or two. To help with discomfort, patients can take over-the-counter pain medication, go for daily walks and wear compression stockings as directed by their doctor.

Aftercare Tips

Wearing compression stockings: Stockings should be worn for two weeks after the procedure.
Taking over-the-counter pain medication: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can help to alleviate these symptoms.
Avoiding strenuous activity: Strenuous activity, such as running or lifting weights, should be avoided to help to reduce swelling and prevent complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser treatment for varicose veins safe?

Laser treatment for varicose veins delivers bursts of heat to the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and eventually disappear. The procedure is generally safe and effective, and minimal recovery time is involved.

Do varicose veins come back after laser treatment?

Laser treatment performed for varicose veins is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses heat to damage and seals the affected veins, which helps to improve blood flow and reduce the appearance of the veins. In most cases, laser treatment successfully improves the appearance of varicose veins. However, there is a risk that the veins may return after treatment. Veins returning is more likely to happen if the underlying cause of the varicose veins, such as venous insufficiency, is not treated.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a common condition that occurs when the valves in the veins stop working properly. Several factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins, including age, obesity, pregnancy, and a sedentary lifestyle. In many cases, varicose veins do not cause any symptoms. However, they can occasionally lead to pain, swelling, and skin ulcers. If you are concerned about varicose veins or if you experience any pain or other symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No, a doctor’s referral is not required for appointments.

Are varicose vein treatment sessions covered by Medicare?

Treatments are privately charged; however, most carry a Medicare rebate. In a calendar year, you can claim a rebate on up to 6 vein treatments.

Are there any side effects to vein laser treatments?

Vein laser treatments are generally safe and effective, with most patients experiencing only minor side effects such as bruising, swelling, and redness at the treatment site. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as skin burns or changes in skin colour may occur. Overall, vein laser treatments are a safe and effective option for treating varicose veins.

Are there any side effects to vein laser treatments?

EVLA is a painless procedure as a local anaesthetic is injected into the vein site so the patient doesn’t feel anything during laser treatment.

How long does it take?

Endovenous Laser treatment will take 60 minutes to complete. You will be able to walk out and continue your day as planned.

Is Endovenous laser ablation a better option than varicose vein surgery?

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and varicose vein surgery are two treatment options for treating varicose veins.

EVLA is a minimally invasive procedure in which a laser fibre is inserted into the vein to heat and destroy the vein walls. Varicose vein surgery, on the other hand, is a more invasive procedure in which the surgeon makes an incision in the skin along the length of the affected vein and removes the affected veins.

Both procedures effectively treat venous insufficiency, but EVLA has several advantages over varicose vein surgery. EVLA is less invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and is associated with fewer complications. No scarring, no general anesthetics, no hospital fees, no bed rest, no extensive time off work.

In addition, EVLA can be performed under local anesthesia applied directly to the area, while varicose vein surgery requires general anesthesia, and like any surgical or invasive procedure, it carries significant risks. As a result, EVLA is often the preferred treatment option for venous insufficiency.