What happens during EVLT?
After ultrasound examination, your leg will be cleansed with a sterile solution and covered with a drape. Your leg will be treated with a topical anesthetic cream. Additional local anesthetic will be administered in the skin puncture site, usually just above or below the knee. After the vein is located, a laser catheter will be inserted into the vein and advanced up to the top of the leg. Precise positioning of the catheter will be checked with the ultrasound. More local anesthetic is administered along the length of the vein to make absolutely sure that you do not feel anything. Laser energy is delivered to seal the vein as the catheter is withdrawn. There will be no pain as the collapsing vein is numb. Afterwards, your leg will be placed in a compression stocking, and you walk out of the office with follow up instructions.
