Do you have burning or itching sensation in your legs? You might be suffering from Varicose Veins! The safest procedure to treat varicose veins is EVLT. Do you know? It requires only a small incision in your skin! Read on for more insights into EVLT…

1. Interventions in Radiology
FAQ’s of Varicose Veins & EVLT Procedure
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are the swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the surface of skin.
Where do varicose veins occur?
Varicose veins can usually occur in legs anywhere from groin to thighs. However, it can also occur on
any other part of body.
What are complications of varicose veins?
If the varicose veins are left untreated, it might lead to various complications like Telangiectasias,
Varicoceles, Superficial Thrombophlebitis etc.
What are the signs of varicose veins?
If you have varicose veins, you might experience burning or itching sensation in your legs. You might
also experience skin ulcers or skin discoloration.
How do varicose veins appear?
Varicose veins appear in bluish-purple or red color.
Why do varicose veins occur?
Failure of the one-way valves to allows blood to flow backwards down the veins and results in
overload of pressure. This excess pressure leads to widening of veins because of which they do not
close properly. Blood then flows back into the leg along these veins and causes varicose veins.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Generally, your doctor will diagnose for varicose veins by physical examination itself. You might also
need an Ultrasound or Angiogram.
How should I prevent myself from varicose veins?
Varicose veins can be prevented by regular physical exercises like walking etc. You shouldn’t stand or
sit for long hours. Wearing lose clothing also helps in preventing varicose veins.

2. What are the procedures available to cure varicose veins?
If you suffer from varicose veins the best method to treat it is EVLT. It has a success rate of 98.1%
and patients can recover soon. In fact, the patients are encouraged to walk on the same day. The
patients can resume their day-to-day activities too. Other methods to cure varicose veins include
Stripping, Ambulatory Phlebectomy, Vein Ligation etc.
ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT (EVLT)
What is EVLT?
EVLT IS Endovenous Laser Treatment. It is one of the safest methods to treat varicose veins. EVLT is a
minimally invasive procedure in which the blood flow to the faulty vein is sealed and blood is re-
directed to the healthy vein.
When should you undergo EVLT?
You should go for EVLT when you have the following problems:
 You have varicose veins.
 You wish to remove ugly and enlarged veins
 You have circulatory problems because of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
 You cannot go for surgery to treat your varicose veins because of other complications.
What is the procedure of EVLT?
Your physician will firstly confirm all your weak veins, using a Duplex Ultrasound Scan and will
determine the best place to insert the catheter. You will be asked to wear protective glasses because
laser is used in this procedure. Your physician will then clean, shave and numb this area with a local
anesthetic. Once the area has become numb, a small incision is made and a catheter and a guide-
wire are inserted into your skin. The purpose of the guide-wire is to inject more anesthesia liquid.
Next, a laser fiber is passed through the catheter until it extends approximately 1 to 2 centimeters
from the end, at which point it is secured in place. The laser energy seals the faulty vein and blood
flow is re-directed to healthy veins. The entire process takes approximately takes an hour.
What are the benefits of EVLT?
EVLT is a minimally invasive procedure that is it requires only small incision, stitches are not present.
EVLT has a success rate of 98.1% and it has minimal recovery time; that is the patients are
encouraged to walk on the same day and the patient can resume day-to-day activities.
What are the complications of EVLT?
You might have complications like:
 Bruising
 Skin color changes

3.  Blood clots
 Nerve Damage