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Home＞Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) |
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
EVLT is an alternative to stripping the vein. A small laser optic fiber is inserted into the varicose vein. The laser is activated and, as the optic fiber is moved through the vein, it gently heats and closes the vein. Once the vein is closed, the blood that was circulating through the vein is naturally re-routed to other healthy veins. Over several-month period of time, the varicose vein is absorbed by the body and disappears.
EVLT is as effective as Surgical Stripping for treatment. The treatment is done under a local anesthesia and EVLT is non-invasive and leaves no scarring or signs of surgery. Unlike surgical stripping there is no need to remove veins and therefore almost no risk of bleeding
EVLT is performed under a local anesthesia. A cut of about 1 cm is made in the knee and a optic fiber is inserted into vein; without an incision a small needle is punctured into the leg and a optic fiber is inserted into vein; a very thin laser fiber is inserted towards the toes after ligation through 2-3 cm incision at the groin.
Benefits of EVLT?
- Minimally invasive
- Quick treatment that requires few visitations
- You can return home after a short stay (about 20 minutes) after the treatment.
- No need to wear compression stockings.
- You can resume most activities shortly after each session.
- Minimal side effects and minimal scarring
EVLT has the followings disadvantages
- EVLT is not covered by health insurance.
- Long term observation (over 10 years) has not been reported yet because this is newly developed treatment, while short term (2 years or more) follow up results have been clinically proven.
The effect of EVLT treatment
A Comparison of Treatments
■ストリッピングVS エンドレーザー
| |
Stripping |
EVLT |
| Side effects (bruising / pain) |
Higher risk |
Lower risk |
| Required time to be in the clinic after an operation |
1-1.5 hours |
0.5〜1hours |
| Approximate time required |
2-3 hours |
20 min |
| Surgical bandage |
Yes |
No |
| Hospital visits |
More |
Less |
Who can have EVLT?
All small or large saphenous vein varicoses can be treated effectively. Patients, with varicose veins in the groin running just under the skin or severely twisted and gnarled, are not subjects for EVLT.
EVLT is a standard treatment option everywhere in the world except Japan. Unfortunately, there are few medical institutions which provide EVLT in Japan. There is also no likelihood that public national health insurance cover this treatment. Therefore EVLT might not be a recommended option for all patients.
Currently, we can perform Surgical Stripping without a hospital stay, which is often required elsewhere. So even those who do not choose EVLT can have Surgical Stripping or other treatment under coverage of health insurance.
We hope this clarifies your treatments options and can choose the best and most satisfying treatment according to your needs.
Cost
250,000-300,000 Japanese Yen per leg
EVLT is not covered by health insurance.
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