Endovenous Thermal Ablation
There are two forms of endovenous thermal ablation, depending on which type of heat energy is used: Microwave (Also known as Radiofrequency Ablation—RFA) or Laser (Endovenous Laser Treatment—EVLT). Both office procedures are extremely similar, mainly differing on which type of catheter is used. You and your doctor will discuss which treatment is right for you.
Endovenous thermal ablation is a no surgery, no scarring way to treat varicose veins. It is a tremendously safe and effective procedure, and 97% of first-time treatments are successful! East Tennessee Vein Clinic is one of the most experienced practices in performing varicose vein treatments—including endovenous thermal ablation—in Knoxville and East Tennessee.
While endovenous thermal ablation is often not enough on its own, it is a critical first step to treating vein disease, and we will follow it up with one of our other safe and effective treatments.
Is RFA
Right For You?
For most patients, EVLT is the best starting point to treat their vein conditions like varicose veins. This is a simple in-office procedure that takes less than an hour to complete and has a 97% success rate. There are some factors we consider when deciding your treatment plan such as if a patient is pregnant or breastfeeding or if there are other complications that make EVLT less suitable.
Our staff will go over your specific treatment during your consultation.
Three Easy Steps To Happier, Healthier Legs
At ETVC, we’ve spent years perfecting our treatment plans for patients with common disorders and conditions. Because of our expertise in this field, we’ve simplified the process and most patients see results in as little as two treatments.
Step One: An In-Office Procedure That Takes Less Than an Hour
During the procedure, we place a catheter inside the varicose vein. Then we use targeted heat energy to seal the diseased vein shut. The energy damages the vein walls, shrinking them. This closes the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it, eliminating vein bulging at its source. Don’t worry, though. Your body will naturally divert the blood in the faulty veins to the other healthy veins in your leg. The procedure is exceptionally safe.
“With EVLT, there is no scarring. I am very pleased with the results.”
Demetra H., EVLT patient
Endovenous thermal ablation is an in-office procedure that our team can complete in less than an hour. You won’t need general anesthesia or hospitalization, only a local anesthetic.
Step Two: You Can Get Back to Your Day Immediately Afterwards
We encourage walking immediately after the procedure, and we advise you to wear compression stockings for a week or more afterwards. You should be able to resume normal daily activity right away although we recommend avoiding rigorous activities, such as gym workouts, for a time. You can treat any minor soreness or bruising with over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
“During the EVLT procedure, I really did feel no pain at all. After the procedure I dressed myself and went back to work.”
Sal S., EVLT patient
Step Three: Schedule the Next Steps
After your endovenous thermal ablation procedure, we will schedule another visit to make sure that the treated vein is closed, and we will plan the next phase of your treatment in order to eliminate all sources of your vein disease.
Not all patients will see the results immediately after this first procedure because some of the varicose veins will likely be too narrow or twisted for an endovenous catheter to pass through. This is why we follow endovenous thermal ablation with our other safe and effective treatments: microphlebectomy and/or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.
Patients typically require just one or two treatments, though some need more. Do you want legs that look and feel better? Enjoy reduced pain and more youthful-looking legs with our treatments.
Worried about vein disease? We can help!
Take the first step to treat your pain today! Give us a call to setup an appointment.
