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EVLT Type Procedures Worth It for Varicose Veins?

asked 2 years ago by jennifer1964 in Temecula,CA
Latest answer by Louise Ferland, MD
Question viewed 759 times
Tags: legs, varicose veins

I am a 45 yr old female and have had varicose veins since age 28. I have been unable to wear shorts or skirts or a bathing suit in public for the last 10 years due to how thick and visible my varicose veins are. I've always worn compression hose. Due to aching, my primary dr. referred me to a vascular surgeon. Ultrasound was "normal" he said. He said continue the stockings nothing else. He said EVLT or like procedures are a waste of money. How can that be??

4 answers to EVLT Type Procedures Worth It for Varicose Veins?

+1

Endovenous treatment for reflux associated with varicose veins

Since you have pain, varicose veins and have worn compression hose without improvement I would recommend a repeat duplex exam done elsewhere. The odds are you have venous reflux of the superficial saphenous system. I personally recommend and perform VNUS endovenous (RF) radiofrequency ablation of the affected saphenous veins since I feel it is safer and less traumatic than EVLT (laser). RF uses temperatures of 85 or 120 degrees celcius and EVLT (laser) uses... more
Louise Ferland, MD

Richmond Plastic Surgeon
+1

Symptomatic varicose veins can be treated in many ways

If some time has passed since your last evaluation, I would consider getting another duplex ultrasound evaluating the deep and superficial venous systems for venous reflux. Occasionally, reflux is not apparent or difficult to see on certain days. It sounds like you have symptomatic venous disease. If reflux is NOT found again then  superficial foam sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy can also be good options for localized disease and pain relief.
Kevin M. Johnson, MD

Coeur d'Alene General Surgeon
+1

Varicose veins treatment

EVLT and simmilar procedures work very well, I have seen very good results. Those veins that EVLT cannot reach or get, can be treated by surgical excision through very small incisions along the course of the vein.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Venous obstruction can give aching painful legs that may need more than just EVLT

You probably have problems that are deeper than just varicose veins.   There are different types of deep venous obstruction and deep venous obstruction is not treated by EVLT.  LONG ANSWER:  EVLT works for veins that are bad in certain superficial Saphenous Veins.  An ultrasound ordered by a board certified vascular surgeon would be able to determine this.   As your vascular surgeon's ultrasound examination was "normal" your... more
John W. Hovorka, MD

Austin General Surgeon

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