The Venacure EVLT procedure uses a minimally invasive endovenous laser to treat varicose veins and is a clinically proven alternative to traditional and painful ligation and stripping surgery. It requires no general anesthesia and offers minimal risk and shorter recovery time.
The VenaCure EVLT procedure uses the latest generation of EVLT® catheter, which has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States, to insert a laser fiber directly inside the faulty vein under local anesthesia. The laser delivers a precise dose of energy into the vein wall, collapsing it. This process, called ablation, cures the condition and diverts blood flow to nearby functional veins. The resulting increased circulation significantly reduces the symptoms of varicose veins and improves their surface appearance.
The VenaCure EVLT treatment generally takes less than one hour in a doctor’s office and offers immediate relief with minimal-to-no scarring. Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately with minimal or no pain. The success rate of the VenaCure EVLT procedure is as high as 98 percent – measurably better than the alternatives of surgical ligation or stripping and radiofrequency electrosurgery.
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk and a potential for complications that should be discussed with your physician and weighed against the risk of leaving your varicose veins untreated. Potential complications include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, skin pigmentation alteration, neovascularization, paresthesia due to thermal damage of adjacent sensory nerves, anesthetic tumescence, non-target irradiation, vasospasm, hemorrhage, necrosis, skin burns and pain.
Side effects of the VenaCure EVLT procedure include mild bruising and tenderness that usually disappear within a few weeks, and a delayed tightness within the first week after treatment. This “pulling” sensation confirms that the veins were destroyed. Discomfort is usually managed with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Cosmetic improvement of the varicose veins is often seen, although other procedures like ambulatory phlebectomy may be required to obtain optimal results.
When used to treat medical symptoms such as swelling and poor circulation, VenaCure EVLT treatment is usually reimbursed by health insurance. Contact your insurer to determine coverage.
With more than 70,000 procedures performed and more than 60 published clinical articles documenting the VenaCure EVLT treatment efficacy over the last five years, this system is a proven alternative to invasive surgery. To determine if the VenaCure EVLT procedure is a viable treatment for you, consult with your treating physician.