By Erica Baptiste, RVT
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive treatment option for treating leg veins with leaky valves. Leaky valves cause ropey and bulgy veins, pain, and swelling. EVLT is fast, comfortable, and effective care.
The first stage of the treatment involves thoroughly cleaning and sterilizing your leg, numbing the insertion point for the laser fiber, and inserting that fiber at the most accessible level of the leg, usually right below the knee. The fiber is inserted via ultrasound guidance. You are awake for the entire procedure, but don’t worry, we will gladly keep you entertained with our awesome jokes and music.
In the second stage of care, the malfunctioning vein is treated and closed by gentle pulses of laser energy. This relieves the back-flow pressure responsible which causes varicose veins and other contributing leg problems. Treatment from start to finish takes about one hour. So that’s it,…it really is that easy. I know what you are thinking; this is going hurt…a lot! Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. I’ve been doing this for 3 years, and everyone tells me they would choose this over a visit to their dentist.
So, before you get to experience all this fun with us, we need to see you for an initial consult with the registered vascular technologist (me), and with Dr. Mallalieu. I will first test the veins in your legs with Ultrasound to see if you have backwards blood flow, which causes those horrible varicose veins. Ultrasound is the same technology used to look at babies inside their mom’s bellies. If I do find that problem vein, then Dr. Mallalieu will sit with you and discuss treatment in more detail. He will answer any questions or concerns that you have.
Finally, I will contact your insurance company to begin the prior authorization process. Most insurance companies will cover the assessment and treatment. Hooray! After your insurance gives us the green light, I will call you to discuss costs and answer any insurance questions you may have before scheduling
So, pick up the phone and give us a call to start the process. 410-544-4600. Healthy Legs Now!
