Laser Ablation
Laser Ablation is a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided technique used for treating varicose veins using laser energy inserted into the vein to be treated. The laser light shines into the interior of the diseased vein.
After using ultrasound to map the course of the vein to be treated, the physician guides a catheter through a small incision into the diseased vein, threading it through the blood vessel into the groin area. Tumescent is injected around, and along the vein using ultrasound imaging to place the local anesthetic solution around the vein. The vein is treated in segments as the catheter is gradually pulled back down towards the incision. The treatment, usually takes between one and two hours, and the patient walks out under his or her own will. The leg is bandaged and/or placed in a stocking that the patient wears for up to six weeks after the procedure.
Laser Ablation (EVLA) Pre-Op Instructions:
1) Please arrange for someone to drive you to the office and home.
2) Please pick up your prescription at our front desk on Monday before your procedure and have it filled at your pharmacy. DO NOT TAKE THE MEDICATION BEFORE YOU COME; you will be instructed as to when to take the medication once you have arrived for the procedure.
3) Please take all of your regular medications as instructed, including Coumadin (Warfarin), unless your doctor specifically asks you to stop the Coumadin.
4) If you are wearing compression hose, remove them 3 days prior to your procedure. You will be instructed to wear them beginning 2-3 days after the procedure for at least two weeks.
5) Do not shave or apply lotion to your legs 48 hours before your procedure.
6) Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes to your appointment.
7) Eat a good breakfast/lunch the day of your appointment.
8) Drink 32 oz of water starting at 5PM the day before your procedure but avoid caffeine.
9) Please be prepared to spend 1-2 hours in our office. Though the procedure does not last the entire time, it allows time to prepare you pre-operatively and post operatively.
10) You will be contacted a few days prior to the procedure to confirm your arrival time.
Please give 7 days' notice if you are unable to keep your appointment time. Call 205-561-2370 with any questions.
Laser Ablation (EVLA) Post-Op Instructions:
1) Normal activities may be resumed the day after the procedure. Immediately after the procedure you must walk for 20 minutes. Regular 20 to 30 minute walks should be done every 2 to 3 hours during the day to prevent a clot and minimize tenderness. This needs to be done for at least the first 5 days. Staying active will help the leg from becoming tight after that.
2) It is normal to experience bruising, soreness and a tightening sensation in the 2-3 week period following treatment. This should begin to subside after two weeks. You can take over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Advil as needed for your discomfort.
3) There will be liquid that will seep out of the stocking in the areas that were treated (thigh). It should be clear to pinkish in color. If there is any significant bleeding, please call our office. (205) 561-2370
4) Remove bandage after 24 hours.
5) Showering is not permitted during the first 24 hours after the procedure. Following the first 24 hours you may shower in cooler than normal water, try to avoid submerging the leg in water. Please avoid hot baths, hot tubs, swimming saunas and sunlight (including tanning beds) for 2 weeks.
6) Compression stockings need to be worn after shower for no less than 48 hours continuously and then worn for 6 months during the day. After the 6 months they may be removed.
7) Please avoid strenuous activity for at least 7 days following the procedure.
8) Do not fly for one week following your procedure.
9) Please do not apply hot packs or heating pads.
10) As with any invasive procedure, problems may develop. If you experience an acute fever (more than 100 degrees), or worsening pain/swelling, please call our office at (205)561-2370.
11) We recommend a follow-up ultrasound at 48 hours, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks, if warranted. Also a 6 month and yearly follow-up are recommended.
Laser Ablation is a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided technique used for treating varicose veins using laser energy inserted into the vein to be treated. The laser light shines into the interior of the diseased vein.
After using ultrasound to map the course of the vein to be treated, the physician guides a catheter through a small incision into the diseased vein, threading it through the blood vessel into the groin area. Tumescent is injected around, and along the vein using ultrasound imaging to place the local anesthetic solution around the vein. The vein is treated in segments as the catheter is gradually pulled back down towards the incision. The treatment, usually takes between one and two hours, and the patient walks out under his or her own will. The leg is bandaged and/or placed in a stocking that the patient wears for up to six weeks after the procedure.
Laser Ablation (EVLA) Pre-Op Instructions:
1) Please arrange for someone to drive you to the office and home.
2) Please pick up your prescription at our front desk on Monday before your procedure and have it filled at your pharmacy. DO NOT TAKE THE MEDICATION BEFORE YOU COME; you will be instructed as to when to take the medication once you have arrived for the procedure.
3) Please take all of your regular medications as instructed, including Coumadin (Warfarin), unless your doctor specifically asks you to stop the Coumadin.
4) If you are wearing compression hose, remove them 3 days prior to your procedure. You will be instructed to wear them beginning 2-3 days after the procedure for at least two weeks.
5) Do not shave or apply lotion to your legs 48 hours before your procedure.
6) Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes to your appointment.
7) Eat a good breakfast/lunch the day of your appointment.
8) Drink 32 oz of water starting at 5PM the day before your procedure but avoid caffeine.
9) Please be prepared to spend 1-2 hours in our office. Though the procedure does not last the entire time, it allows time to prepare you pre-operatively and post operatively.
10) You will be contacted a few days prior to the procedure to confirm your arrival time.
Please give 7 days' notice if you are unable to keep your appointment time. Call 205-561-2370 with any questions.
Laser Ablation (EVLA) Post-Op Instructions:
1) Normal activities may be resumed the day after the procedure. Immediately after the procedure you must walk for 20 minutes. Regular 20 to 30 minute walks should be done every 2 to 3 hours during the day to prevent a clot and minimize tenderness. This needs to be done for at least the first 5 days. Staying active will help the leg from becoming tight after that.
2) It is normal to experience bruising, soreness and a tightening sensation in the 2-3 week period following treatment. This should begin to subside after two weeks. You can take over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Advil as needed for your discomfort.
3) There will be liquid that will seep out of the stocking in the areas that were treated (thigh). It should be clear to pinkish in color. If there is any significant bleeding, please call our office. (205) 561-2370
4) Remove bandage after 24 hours.
5) Showering is not permitted during the first 24 hours after the procedure. Following the first 24 hours you may shower in cooler than normal water, try to avoid submerging the leg in water. Please avoid hot baths, hot tubs, swimming saunas and sunlight (including tanning beds) for 2 weeks.
6) Compression stockings need to be worn after shower for no less than 48 hours continuously and then worn for 6 months during the day. After the 6 months they may be removed.
7) Please avoid strenuous activity for at least 7 days following the procedure.
8) Do not fly for one week following your procedure.
9) Please do not apply hot packs or heating pads.
10) As with any invasive procedure, problems may develop. If you experience an acute fever (more than 100 degrees), or worsening pain/swelling, please call our office at (205)561-2370.
11) We recommend a follow-up ultrasound at 48 hours, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks, if warranted. Also a 6 month and yearly follow-up are recommended.