Hearts Arteries & Veins

Treatment begins with a clinical consultation.

The first step is to receive a consultation with one of our doctors. Either as part of consultation or afterward, we usually do a venous ultrasound mapping of the legs.

A treatment plan is then outlined which is tailored to each patient. The initial treatment may involve simple compression hose. This may be followed by a single treatment or combination of treatments including:

• Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
• Sclerotherapy

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

Endovenous Laser Treatment, or EVLT, is a 45-minute, in-office procedure that requires only a local anaesthetic and enables the patient to return to normal activity immediately – with little or no pain.

Benefits of EVLT

• Relief of symptoms
• Less invasive; not a surgical procedure
• Little downtime
• Same day, outpatient procedure
• Only local or regional anesthesia needed
• Little to no scarring

The Origin of Vein Disease

Blood in the leg veins normally flows only towards the heart. The direction of flow is maintained by valves in the veins which prevent the blood from flowing backwards. If the valves do not close properly, blood is allowed to flow backwards. The blood then “pools” in the veins causing the walls to enlarge and become thin. The result is varicose veins.

Blood in the Veins Flows Normally to the Heart

Select the image to see a properly functioning vein. Notice the valves allow blood to flow only in one direction.

Blood In Damaged Veins Flows in Both Directions

Select the image to see a damaged vein. Notice the valves allow blood to flow in both directions. The leaked blood is the cause of vein problems.

How It Works

During the EVLT procedure, a small laser fiber is threaded up the incompetent vein. The laser is activated as the fiber is withdrawn, heating the vein and causing it to scar closed. The procedure is done in the office and requires only local anesthesia. There is no scarring and normal activity can be resumed immediately.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a straightforward procedure where the doctor injects a medicine -- known as a "sclerosing solution" -- into the blood vessels which makes them shrink.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy

• Quick and simple
• Can effectively relieve some varicose veins and spider veins
• It's not a surgical procedure
• The patient experiences no downtime
• Same day, outpatient procedure
• Little to no scarring

Am I a Candidate for Treatment?