Laser Vein Treatment (EVLA)
Endo Venous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
The Endo Venous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is the most advanced treatment for bulging and symptomatic varicose veins. It has largely replaced traditional, surgical “stripping” of varicose veins.
It is a minimally invasive laser procedure that takes less than an hour and is all done with a local anaesthetic.
See the results in our Before and After Laser Vein Treatment Gallery
EVLA works by using laser energy to permanently collapse large, poorly functioning veins in the leg.
It works like this:
- A laser fibre is carefully and precisely inserted inside the damaged vein using ultrasound guidance.
- An anaesthetic (freezing) solution is then injected around the entire length of vein to be treated.
- Laser energy is then delivered to the vein as the laser fibre is slowly pulled out of the vein. This collapses and seals the vein shut. No surgical incision is needed.
- The procedure is completed in under an hour, and a compression stocking is applied. You may then immediately resume normal daily activities.
- Most patients return to work within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Long term success with this treatment is 95-98%.
EVLA Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
Following EVLA you can expect to recover quickly with only minor discomfort. You may experience a stretching or aching sensation in the thigh for a few days after. This usually resolves within 1 week. Occasionally there may be some mild bruising, but this too resolves quite quickly (within 1 to 2 weeks).
EVLA in not covered under OHIP funding. It is an uninsured service.
What patients are saying:
"There was little to no discomfort!
I was amazed when it was over to be able to put my stocking on and leave the operating table unassisted. The team talked me through every step of the procedure and Dr Stewart delivered on explanations, expectations and final results! Thanks to all!" - P. A.
EVLA Pre-Procedure Instructions
- Please arrive at the office 30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time.
- Your appointment is for approximately 1 hour.
- You may drive home after the procedure.
- You may eat normally on the day of the procedure.
- Unless otherwise arranged, Dr. Stewart will have your compression stockings ready for you on the day of your procedure.
- Please bring with you a pair of sandals or flip flops to wear while waiting for your procedure.
- Loose shorts may be worn during the procedure and a treatment gown will be provided.
Please do not hesitate to call or email the office prior to the procedure if you have any concerns or questions.
EVLA Post-Procedure Instructions
- Please take some Advil or Tylenol when you get home as the local anesthesia will wear off within 2-3 hours.
- After the procedure you may experience the following:
- Tenderness over the treated area, this usually resolves within 7-10 days.
- Mild thickening or redness of the skin, or warmth over the treated area (this is NOT infection but the skin’s normal reaction to the laser treatment) if this occurs, please apply cold compresses to the area 3 times a daily until it settles.
- A narrow area of numbness over the treated area, this will settle down over the next few weeks.
- Please wear your compression socks continuously for the next 24 hours. You may remove them briefly to shower, The white pledgets may also some off before you shower. Please do not bathe or use a hot tub for one week.
- After the first 24 hours please wear your stockings throughout the day for 7 more days. You may remove the stockings at night. You may wear your stockings beyond the mandatory 7 days, but please take them off while sleeping. Compression is an important part of the success of this procedure.
- Walking is encouraged. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing for the first week. We expect you to gradually resume all your pre-procedures activities, including work.
- Please arrange your follow-up leg ultrasound to take place between 10 and 14 days after the procedure. You will be given a requisition to arrange this.
- You will be given a follow-up appointment to see Dr. Stewart in approximately 8 weeks.