Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) has become a gold standard treatment for most patients suffering from varicose veins since its introduction to Phlebology Practices over 10 years ago. It is a minimally invasive alternative to Venous Stripping and provides an effective solution to the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins.
At Vein Health Medical Clinic, Dr Paraskevas began performing EVLA in 2006. In EVLA, a laser fibre is inserted into the disease vein (usually the Great Saphenous Vein) and after careful infiltration of local anaesthetic, the laser fibre is activated and withdrawn gradually from the vein, sealing it as it exits the vein.
What difference to Radial Fibres make?
For many years, Endovenous Laser Ablation was carried out using a simple, bare tip laser fibre. Although this fibre is still extremely effective in sealing the vein, some patients will still experience discomfort in the treated leg for 1-2 weeks. The discomfort experienced by patients is usually not severe and seldom prevents activities of daily living – however, in an effort to minimise such discomfort, modern, more sophisticated laser fibres have been introduced. The most promising of these is the Radial Fibre. Radial Fibres emit laser light circumferentially (that is, in a 360 degree arc) around the tip of the fibre rather than as a thin beam straight ahead.
There is evidence to suggest that there is less discomfort post-treatment and a more comfortable recovery time with these Radial Fibres compared to the Bare Tip Fibres. To date, studies have shown that there is no difference in the outcome of EVLA with either type of fibre.
For more information regarding the Radial Fibre, please discuss this with Dr Paraskevas at your initial visit.
Watch how the radial fibre treatment is a game changer in the treatment of varicose veins:
