Endovenous Laser Therapy

EVLT

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is a surgical technique used to close off large varicose veins by using laser energy. During treatment, a laser probe is inserted into the vein using ultrasound guidance. Laser energy is then applied within the vein, causing it to close.

This procedure is performed with ultrasound assistance and requires hospital facilities. A patient undergoing EVLT treatment requires a combination of local and sedation anaesthetic.

Following treatment, scar tissue then closes the vein. The vein shrivels and is absorbed over the course of approximately 12 months. EVLT is a minimally invasive surgery that has been shown to be effective in about 95 out of 100 treated veins in the long term.

Following treatment with EVLT, some small varicose veins may persist. These surrounding varicose tributaries can then be treated with Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS).

What to expect

1. Initial consultation

All patients will require an initial consultation with the doctor so that a comprehensive medical history can be obtained and a detailed clinical evaluation of the venous system can be performed.

2. Duplex ultrasound examination

A Duplex ultrasound examination will be requested and carried out by a certified vascular sonographer. This assessment uses state of the art technology to assess the type and extent of your venous disease. This ultrasound examination is risk-free, has no side effects and causes no discomfort.

3. Consultation with vascular surgeon

If the doctor feels that you should consider EVLT as a treatment option, you will be referred for a consultation with the vascular surgeon.

4. Treatment plan

The doctor or surgeon will discuss all findings, possible treatment options and costs with you. A personalised treatment plan will be recommended. All costs up to this point will be bulk-billed through Medicare, so there will be no out-of-pocket expense prior to commencing treatment.

5. Procedure

Treatment will involve admission to hospital for Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) under sedation or general anaesthetic.

6. After treatment

You will be required to wear compression stockings for 2 weeks after surgery, during which time you will be encouraged to walk daily and resume your normal activities as tolerated. Return to work may be possible from 48 hours following treatment.

7. Post-operative review

You will have an ultrasound scan 2 weeks after your surgery, and you will be reviewed by the vascular surgeon 2-4 weeks following surgery.

8. Personalised follow up plan

There will be a personalised follow up plan for each patient depending on your response to treatment. Some patients will also require sclerotherapy treatment in the weeks or months following EVLT to address any small, residual lower leg veins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Vein Care SA?

For a professional, medical approach by a team that cares about results.

Vein Care SA will always thoroughly investigate the cause and extent of your vascular disease before recommending any treatment. This involves a consultation, medical assessment and an ultrasound examination for every patient. A personally tailored treatment plan will be devised specifically for you, considering your medical history, the type and extent of your vascular disease and your own personal expectations for the treatment. Follow up appointments are also built into the treatment plan to ensure the treatment has been effective and that you are happy with the results.

This approach ensures the cause of the problem is treated, drastically reducing the need for subsequent treatments and avoiding the recurrence of veins in the short term.
How much does treatment cost?

Your initial consultation, assessment and ultrasound examination will incur no out-of-pocket expenses, provided you have a valid Medicare card at the time of these consultations.

If you choose to proceed with treatment, full payment will be required on the day of treatment. Treatment costs vary according to the type of treatment, the number of treatments, and whether you are entitled to a concession discount. As a general guide, out-of-pocket expenses for treatment are in the range of $300 to $1300. All costs will be discussed with you prior to commencing treatment. VCSA staff can provide an accurate quote following your initial consultation with the doctor. There is no obligation to proceed with any treatment after your initial consultation or assessment.

You may be entitled to a rebate from Medicare, please discuss this with VCSA staff. Private health funds will not refund any of the cost of sclerotherapy treatment, however they will usually refund the compression therapy pack which is purchased at the time of treatment.
Is surgery more effective than sclerotherapy?

No. Different types of veins respond better to different types of treatment. There are three main types of treatment for large varicose veins: Surgical stripping, Endovenous Laser Therapy and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy treatment. Long term recurrence rates for all three options are comparable.

Your doctor will discuss which treatment or combination of treatments is most suitable for you once an assessment has been made.
Will my veins come back after treatment?

There is no permanent cure for varicose veins.

At Vein Care SA we work hard to achieve the best possible results for the longest possible time. This is achieved through comprehensive pre-treatment assessments, thorough ultrasound examinations of every patient, personalised treatment plans and strict follow up protocols to make sure the treatment has worked.

Patients with large varicose veins will sometimes find they need follow up treatment in 5-10 years time.
Are men treated for varicose veins?

Yes. We treat many men with varying degrees of vascular disease.
At what age should I treat my varicose veins?

Varicose veins can occur in anyone from as young as teenagers. They do not discriminate based on age, neither do we. At Vein Care SA we believe everybody deserves healthy, pain free, varicose vein free legs.
What type of ultrasound scan is done at VCSA and why is this important?

Before treatment, we use ultrasound to assess all the veins in your legs. From this assessment we can determine the size and pattern of your veins, as well as which veins work properly, and which ones don’t. This information is important to determine what type of treatment will be most beneficial.

Ultrasound is also used during UGS treatments to make sure the correct veins are being treated and that they are responding as intended.

We also use ultrasound to examine all patients after treatment. During this scan we make sure the veins that were not working properly have responded to treatment and we check for any adverse reactions. While adverse reactions are rare, it is important to check for these so they can be safely managed to avoid complications.

All ultrasound examinations are performed by a qualified, ASAR registered sonographer and reported by a practicing Vascular Surgeon.

See all FAQs

Book online today

Your initial consultation and assessments can be bulk-billed through Medicare, incurring no out-of-pocket expense.

Book Now