The EVLT procedure uses a minimally invasive endovenous laser to treat varicose veins and is a clinically proven alternative to traditional and painful ligation and stripping surgery. It requires no general anesthesia and offers minimal risk and shorter recovery time.
The EVLT procedure uses the latest generation of EVLT® catheter, which has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States, to insert a laser fiber directly inside the faulty vein under local anesthesia. The laser delivers a precise dose of energy into the vein wall, collapsing it. This process, called ablation, cures the condition and diverts blood flow to nearby functional veins. The resulting increased circulation significantly reduces the symptoms of varicose veins and improves their surface appearance.
The EVLT treatment generally takes less than one hour in a doctor’s office and offers immediate relief with minimal-to-no scarring. Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately with minimal or no pain. The success rate of the EVLT procedure is as high as 98 percent – measurably better than the alternatives of surgical ligation or stripping and radiofrequency electrosurgery.
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk and a potential for complications that should be discussed with your physician and weighed against the risk of leaving your varicose veins untreated. Potential complications include vessel perforation, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, phlebitis, hematoma, infection, skin pigmentation alteration, neovascularization, paresthesia due to thermal damage of adjacent sensory nerves, anesthetic tumescence, non-target irradiation, vasospasm, hemorrhage, necrosis, skin burns and pain.
Side effects of the EVLT procedure include mild bruising and tenderness that usually disappear within a few weeks, and a delayed tightness within the first week after treatment. This “pulling” sensation confirms that the veins were destroyed. Discomfort is usually managed with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Cosmetic improvement of the varicose veins is often seen, although other procedures like ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy may be required to obtain optimal results.
When used to treat medical symptoms such as swelling and poor circulation, EVLT treatment is usually reimbursed by health insurance. Contact your insurer to determine coverage.
With more than 70,000 procedures performed and more than 60 published clinical articles documenting the EVLT treatment efficacy over the last five years, this system is a proven alternative to invasive surgery. To determine if the EVLT procedure is a viable treatment for you, consult Vein Center at Erasers for more information.
About Federico M. Richter, MD
Dr. Federico Richter was born and raised in Argentina and grew up in a family of vein doctors. His Grandfather, one of the first vein specialists in Argentina, helped pioneer sclerotherapy for treatment of varicose and spider veins in the 1940s. His Father has been treating veins for over 45 years.
Dr. Richter recently re-located from the busy suburbs of Indianapolis where he completed his residency and practiced for 5 years. Since completion of his residency here in the United States, he has also focused on the newest developments in minimally invasive vein treatments. Dr. Richter received his medical degree in Argentina in 2003 from Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. He then completed a year of general surgery and a 3-year Fellowship in Vein and Lymphatic disorders in 2007. As a venous and lymphatic medicine specialist, he is dedicated to treating varicose and spider veins and their underlying causes. With over a decade of experience in the specialized medical field of diagnosing and treating vein disease, Dr. Richter was one of the first doctors to use lasers to treat a variety of vein diseases in Argentina. Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and an active member of the American College Of Phlebology, Dr. Richter has also accumulated an impressive list of qualifications on ultrasound including RPhS (Registered Phlebology Sonographer) and educational accomplishments during the course of his career.
He is the Medical Director at Erasers Vein Clinics with goals of increasing the wellbeing and quality of life of his patients and the community here on the Bradenton Sarasota , Sun City Area. His approach focuses on the personalized care of his clientele, always taking into account their wellness and comfort. Dr. Richter is fluent in English and Spanish.
To schedule a consultation, call Vein Centers at Erasers
941-907-3400
6050 53rd Ave. East (SR70), Suite A, Bradenton, FL 34203