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ELVeS (Endo Laser Vein System) treatments are available at our Kelowna and Penticton clinics.
Whether it's a long walk on the beach, working on your feet or simply wearing shorts on a warm day, varicose veins make it difficult to enjoy the things you love. You're not alone. In fact, up to 40% of women and 20% of men are likely to suffer from symptoms such as unsightly blue veins, fatigue, pain and swelling. Now there's a minimally invasive alternative to the pain and lengthy recovery of traditional surgical vein stripping.
ELVeSTM (Endo Laser Vein System) is a state of the art laser treatment for lower extremity venous insufficiency, which often leads to varicose veins. The procedure is performed in your doctor's office. After a short visit, ELVeS will help you to begin enjoying life's pleasures again.
What are the standard methods of treatment?
Besides compression therapy, the most common form of treatment is surgical ligation and stripping. At least two incisions are required, allowing the physician to tie off and pull out the faulty vein. It is an expensive surgery that requires general anesthesia, hospitalization, may leave scarring and requires a lengthy recovery period.
Another form of treatment is ultrasound-guided schlerotherapy - the injection of an irritant to a vein. Schlerotherapy is effective on small veins, however with larger veins it has a high reoccurence rate.
How does ELVeS laser treatment work?
ELVeS is a minimally invasive procedure where laser energy is delivered to the faulty Great Saphenous vein, causing it to close. There are many veins in the leg, so after treatment, the body simply re-routes blood-flow through other healthy veins.
What is the actual procedure like?
The ELVeS procedure takes about 45 minutes and is usually performed in your physician's office. No general anesthesia is required, just a local anesthetic. Your physician will insert a thin flexible fiber through a sheath into the faulty vein. The laser light will then be emitted through the fiber. As the thermal laser energy is administered, the vein will close from the inside. Only minimal discomfort, if any, should be experienced.
How soon will I be able to resume normal activities?
Normal activities can be resumed immediately after ELVeS treatment, with the exception of rigorous exercise.
Will the results of ELVeS treatment last?
ELVeS treatment has been performed for a number of years on thousands of patients. The procedure has proven to be highly effective with outstanding patient satisfaction. There is a very low probability that reoccurence in the veins will be experienced.
Will my insurance cover it?
Some policies will cover the procedure, at least partially, and other will not. Check your policy and call your insurance provider to find out what their exact coverage will be. |
