Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT FOR VARICOSE VEINS (EVLT)

What is varicose vein?

The veins in our body allow blood to return to the heart. For this, there are valves in the vein that allow the blood to pass tele-directionally and prevent the blood from leaking back due to gravity. If these valves cannot close completely and properly, excess blood accumulates in the lower parts of the legs and puts pressure on the vein wall here.

Over time, this pressure forces the vein wall outward, causing the vein to expand and the known lump-shaped vein appearance.

The large vein that goes from the groin to the ankle is the trigger for varicose veins. The pressure here can also affect other small superficial veins and cause varicose veins to form anywhere in the lower and upper parts of the leg.

In addition to the appearance of varicose veins; pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are also among the symptoms. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to much more serious problems such as eczema, pigmentation and ulcers.

Who gets varicose veins?

If you are suffering from varicose veins, you are not alone!

Millions of people around the world suffer from this disease, which is seen at different levels and in which hereditary factors play a significant role. Varicose veins are seen in 40% of women and 25% of men.

Other factors that cause this problem:

Pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy

Professionals who have to spend long periods of time standing or sitting

Obesity or lack of exercise

Advancing age

LASER TREATMENT

What is Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)?

EVLT is a treatment method that closes the problematic vein in a short time and does not leave a scar. It has a short and relatively painless recovery process. It can be applied under local anesthesia in a small treatment room.

The treatment is usually applied in less than 60 minutes and the patient can walk out of the treatment room and return home immediately after the procedure. The patient can continue their normal activities and return to work within 1-2 days.

How is EVLT applied?

There are 3 main stages of this treatment:

Preliminary examination

Application

Post-procedure dressing and monitoring

Preliminary examination:

These examinations can be performed immediately before or before the main procedure. The examinations include a venous doppler scan and other physical examinations in the leg to determine the source and degree of the problem.

During this time, the main procedure is explained to the patient and their questions are answered.

Application:

It can be performed under local anesthesia in a small treatment room. The main stages are as follows:

The patient's leg is disinfected and covered on the treatment table.

The selected entry point is anesthetized.

It is entered with a needle and a flexible guide wire under ultrasound control.

It is advanced into the vein with a catheter.

The wire is removed and replaced with a flexible glass fiber through which the laser light will pass.

Using ultrasound, the tip of the fiber is positioned so that it is at the correct starting point for the treatment (usually a point above the groin).

Local anesthesia is injected along the vein line to numb the area to be treated.

Special glasses are given to protect from the laser beam.

After treatment: Immediately after EVLT, the leg is wrapped to apply pressure to the vein and compression stockings are put on. After the treatment, the patient can return to normal activities after a short walk. Discomfort during the procedure is minimal.

Frequently asked questions:

How exactly does the procedure work?
The laser energy damages and breaks down the vein wall in the area of ​​the problematic vein where it passes, causing the vein to contract and close. This prevents the problematic blood from passing through the vein.

Wouldn’t the loss of this vein cause a problem?
There are many veins in the leg, and after treatment, the blood in the problematic vein is distributed to healthy veins so that it can return to the heart.

What are the possible complications of EVLT?
Every medical procedure has possible complications. However, there are very few complications reported for EVLT. Post-treatment complications include tenderness and bruising. In a small number of cases, temporary numbness has been observed.

Am I at risk from laser beams?
Laser beams can be harmful when they hit the eye directly. However, your eyes will be protected by special glasses that will be given during the procedure.

What is the alternative to this treatment?
Traditionally, problematic leg veins have been treated with surgical “ligation and stipping.” This requires at least two surgical interventions to tie off the vein ends and remove the vein, and is performed under general anesthesia. EVLT is a lower-risk treatment method compared to surgery, with very small scars, little discomfort, and a shorter recovery period.

Will varicose veins reoccur?
It is highly likely that they will not reoccur after treatment, but it is not guaranteed.