The Endovascular Laser Technique (ELT) Procedure for Varicose Veins

Until recently, the removal of varicose veins required the actual stripping of the vein, a surgical procedure that requires an overnight hospital stay, a painful recover period, and possible scarring from incisions and post-operative infections.

The FDA approved Endoluminal Laser Ablation of the Greater Saphenous Vein (ELT) procedure may sound complicated, but it’s actually a very quick, one-time, minimally invasive therapy, which causes little or no side effects and has shown to be highly effective in eliminating varicose veins.

During the procedure, the involved area of your leg is anesthetized and a thin laser fiber is placed into the affected vein. Your physician will then deliver laser energy via the fiber to damage and eventually eliminate the vein. This relieves the varicose leg pain as well. Once the laser energy has been applied, the fiber is removed and a compression bandage is put on your leg. Walking immediately following the procedure is encouraged, and normal activities can be immediately resumed.

Laser Treatment for Spider Veins

Harbin Clinic Vein Center utilizes the Dornier D940 Laser System for the laser treatment of spider veins. The system produces the highly unique 940 nm wavelength, which safely passes through the skin and is selectively absorbed by the targeted blood vessel. The vein will gradually disappear, leaving the skin intact.

Men and women, including light and dark-pigmented individuals, can be successfully treated. Your skin is cooled with an ice or a cold compress (in some cases, a topical anesthesia) to minimize the mild heat sensation. The length and number of procedures vary, depending on your particular circumstance, but usually last between 15 and 30 minutes each and are normally done in one, two or three appointments.

Side effects are uncommon and usually minimal. Patients often experience a slight redness following treatment, but this goes away within a few days. Your doctor will clearly explain what to expect and provide detailed instructions for you following treatment.

A variety of laser treatments are available today. A light beam is pulsed onto the veins in order to seal them off and cause them to dissolve. Light-based treatment is generally used only to treat small veins. Treatments may be combined with sclerotherapy. Multiple treatments are usually required.