Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) for Varicose Veins

The newest technology available, this procedure heat seals the diseased vein. It is used for the treatment of larger veins. Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) is a procedure that uses light energy to seal off the deeper problem veins that cause varicose veins. An alternative to this procedure is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy where the same underlying vein is treated with a sclerosant. ELA is the treatment of choice where the underlying damaged deeper veins are particularly large.

For ELA, our doctors use the CoolTouch CTEV. For the procedure, a small incision is made near the knee and the laser fibre is inserted into the underlying vein. The fibre is then passed up the vein into the groin region. As the fibre is withdrawn the laser is activated and heat seals the vein. Once the vein is closed, the blood that was circulating through the vein is simply rerouted to other healthy veins. As the varicose vein that was supplied by this vein now no longer has any supply it shrivels up.

A SIMPLE OFFICE-BASED PROCEDURE

ELA is minimally invasive and is performed at The Leg Vein Clinic, Gold Coast. There is no need for hospitalisation. You are awake during the entire procedure but the pain is minimal, your leg will be numbed using local anaesthetic. The entire procedure usually takes about 1 hour.

COSMETICALLY PLEASING RESULTS

With ELA there is only one very small incision (usually about 4mm) and no stitches are necessary.
There is very little bruising.

RAPID RELIEF FROM SYMPTOMS

Symptoms will begin to improve immediately after the ELA procedure is completed. However, depending on their severity, some symptoms may take longer to completely disappear.

QUICK RETURN TO WORK AND PLAY

Immediately after the procedure, you will have a compression stocking fitted and are required to walk for 30 minutes. In most circumstances, you are able to work the same day. You will be able to resume full sports activities after the compression stocking has been removed.

BROCHURE DOWNLOAD

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