Our expert doctors and staff for this treatment:
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Endovenous laser ablation is the most effective treatment for varicose veins
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) has the lowest recurrence rate compared with vein surgery or ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS).
Endovenous laser treatment uses a laser fibre which is inserted into the vein and passed up to the groin where the abnormal valve is. The varicose vein is surrounded by local anaesthetic. The laser is turned on and slowly withdrawn to permanently and painlessly seal the varicose vein closed.
At Palm Clinic we use the latest laser for varicose veins called Cooltouch CTEV. This is an ND:Yag 1320nm laser which targets water in the vein wall. Local anaesthetic is placed around the varicose vein which collapses the vein and the laser heats the vein wall forming a permanent seal. Initial studies have shown 100% closure of the treated veins at 6 months and early indications after 3 year studies indicate greater efficacy with endovenous laser treatment than with surgery or UGS.
After the main trunk of the varicose vein has been treated with the laser you are able to walk freely and return to work. A follow up appointment about one week later may involve some Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy to tidy up residual veins not sealed by the laser.
Endovenous laser ablation is especially useful for large varicose veins but there is a requirement that the vein is straight in the thigh or upper calf component – this can only be ascertained with an ultrasound examination which is performed before treatment. For those patients who are unsuitable for endovenous laser treatment we use Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy. Click here for a full description of Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy; this proven technique which was pioneered in New Zealand by Dr John Barrett at Palm Clinic.
Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins is covered by all major insurers including Southern Cross, Sovereign, Tower, Unimed and others. Palm Clinic is an affiliated provider to Southern Cross Healthcare - medical necessity criteria apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
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Endovenous laser treatment uses a laser fibre which is inserted into the vein and passed upto the groin where the abnormal valve is. The vein is surrounded by local anaesthetic. The laser is turned on and slowly withdrawn to permanently and painlessly seal the varicose vein.
- What are the benefits?
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Endovenous laser ablation is especially useful for large varicose veins but there is a requirement that the vein is straight in the thigh or upper calf component – this can only be ascertained with an ultrasound examination which is performed before treatment.
- Can I use my medical insurance?
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Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins is covered by all major insurers including Southern Cross, Sovereign, Tower, Unimed and others. Palm Clinic is an affiliated provider to Southern Cross Healthcare - medical necessity criteria apply.
Endorsement
"I am sure most people approach vein treatment with some trepidation - I certainly did!. Well my experience with Palm Clinic means that you needn't worry. Right from the first visit I was impressed with the complete service at Palm Clinic, and working in the health industry I have high expectations. You can't miss the investment in the latest equipment and hi-tech facilities but it is the people that stand out. Clearly the team are complete professionals however it is their personable, engaging nature which made trips to Palm Clinic a pleasure which was unexpected. You can tell the team get on well and enjoy their job, and the interaction with their clients - to me a sign of a well oiled team. I personally appreciated their very attentive approach - there was a lot of follow up to make sure that my treatment was completed as expected. I felt in safe hands and recommend them without hesitation. Thanks team - at every level the service was superb."
Glenn.
