Many people have venous disorders of the lower limbs without any signs. They may feel some kind of heaviness or tiredness in the limbs.The earliest visible sign to develop are spider veins and reticular veins. These patients are normally not advised EVLT. Certain lifestyle changes and compression stockings are prescribed.
Left untreated, the next stage of development is varicose veins - dilated, worm like swellings in the legs, below the skin, progressing to limb swelling, skin changes and finally ulcers on the affected leg. These four signs are part of a condition called CHRONIC VENOUS DISEASE. There may be sudden bleeding from the varicosities. Patients suffering from any one or all of these are advised EVLT.
VARICOSE VEINS: Normally, blood circulates from the heart to the legs via arteries & back to the heart through veins. Veins contain one-way valves which allow blood to return from the legs against gravity. If the valves leak there is back flow of blood (or REFLUX), causing blood to pool in leg veins which can become enlarged or varicose.
RISK FACTORS: The incidence of varicose veins is found to be more in women & may be due to the effect of pregnancy & possible hormonal influence. Risk factors in general are - older age, obesity, family history, phlebitis & a standing occupation. Smoking, sedentary lifestyle & a low fiber diet may influence the development of varicose veins.
SYMPTOMS:Symptoms are typically due to enlarged and nonfunctional veins that cause circulatory problems (venous insufficiency) & include - heaviness or tiredness, aching pain, swelling, skin irritation or sores (ulcers), discoloration, inflammation (phlebitis)
INVESTIGATIONS: A visual & clinical examination of the affected legs is the basic initial step in the evaluation of varicose veins. VASCULAR DUPLEX IMAGING is the favored method to assess the veins & confirm the diagnosis. Certain baseline tests may also be done prior to the procedure.
EVLT - ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT: EVLT is now performed as an alternative to surgical stripping & phlebectomy. A minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy to cauterize (burn) & close abnormally enlarged veins in the legs.EVLT is the standard method of treatment of varicose veins.
Studies have reported 93% successful closure of the effected vein at 1 & 2 yrs post EVLT. At VARICOSE VEINS CLINIC we perform EVLT using the latest, state-of-the-art 1470nm RADIAL LASER FIBER.Of the two types of 1470nm lasers we have found that the 1470nm RADIAL fiber enables effective closure of the treated vein, with minimal post operative pain & swelling. The procedure is combined with sclerotherapy.
EVLT is performed in the OT under local anesthesia & ULTRASOUND imaging. The laser fiber is introduced into the leg vein through a small puncture & advanced into the thigh.The laser is switched on & the fiber slowly withdrawn.The laser energy closes the damaged vein from the inside.
Immediately after EVLT a tight compression stocking is placed on the treated leg and the patient walks & resumes normal activities.
EVLT is safe, fast & effective & is even suitable for diabetic patients & the elderly.
Varicose veins are the result of an improper selection of grandparents ~ William Osler.
Recognized by all major Insurance Companies and BSNL for Cashless Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins ( EVLT ).
Other services provided: Ultrasound scan, Color Doppler and all laboratory investigations.
