Frequently Asked Questions

Vein, Treatment, and Administrative Q&A

Question: What is Endovenous Laser Treatment (ELT)?

ELT is a quick, minimally invasive laser treatment that requires no hospitalization, no general anesthesia, and no complicated surgery. The entire procedure generally takes less than one hour and causes minimal to no pain. Performed under ultrasound guidance, ELT involves applying laser energy to treat the underlying cause of varicose veins by closing off the vein to any future blood flow. The vein progressively shrinks, and becomes threadlike over the following months. Your body then naturally uses other healthy veins to return blood from the heart.

Not all lasers are the same. Endovenous lasers target either hemoglobin or water. Those targeting water have scientifically proven less post procedural pain and bruising. The reason for this is simple. Second generation lasers like the Sciton Pro-V used by our office delivers approximately 1000 degrees less heat than first generation systems. The energy doesn’t perforate the vein wall, as a result there is far less bruising. Having used both systems, the second generation systems offer a major improvement in patient safety and comfort by simply targeting water. Second generation lasers have increased the indications for endovenous laser as the second generation systems deliver less energy and are safer. The added benefit is that the success rates are absolutely phenomenal and the second generation lasers are able to treat vessels that primary systems are unsafe to treat.