Buena Vista Regional Medical Center: Varicose Vein.

Varicose Veins

Eradicate unattractive and painful varicose veins. ELVeS (Endovenous Laser Vein System) is a state-of-the-art laser treatment for varicose veins associated with superficial reflux of the Greater Saphenous vein. The procedure is performed in outpatient surgery. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after treatment, with the exception of vigorous exercise.

Q. What are the standard methods of treatment?
Besides compression therapy, the most common form of treatment is surgical ligation and stripping. At least two incisions are required, allowing the physician to tie off and pull out the faulty vein. It is an expensive surgery that requires general anesthesia, hospitalization, may leave scarring and requires a lengthy recovery period.
Another form of treatment is ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy-the injection of an irritant to close a vein. Sclerotherapy is effective on small veins. However, with larger veins it has a high reoccurrence rate.

Q. How does ELVeS laser treatment work?
ELVeS is a minimally invasive procedure where laser energy is delivered to the faulty Greater Saphenous vein, causing it to close. There are many veins in the leg. So, after treatment, the body simply re-routes blood-flow through other healthy veins.

Q. What is the actual procedure like?
The ELVeS procedure takes about 45 minutes and is performed in outpatient surgery. No general anesthesia is required. Dr. Ivey will insert a thin flexible fiber through a sheath into the faulty vein. The laser light will then be emitted through the fiber.As the thermal laser energy is administered, the vein will close from the inside. Only minimal discomfort, if any, should be experienced.

Q. How soon will I be able to resume normal activities?
Normal activities can be resumed immediately after ELVeS treatment, with the exception of vigorous exercise.

Q. Will the results of ELVeS treatment last?
ELVeS treatment has been performed for a number of years on thousands of patients. The procedure has proven to be effective with outstanding patient satisfaction. There is a low probability that reoccurrence in the veins will be experienced.

Q. Will my insurance cover it?
Some policies will cover the procedure, at least partially, and others will not. Dr. Ivey’s office staff can assist you in contacting your insurance provider to find out what your exact coverage will be.