A comparison would take place between radiofrequency ablation, laser as well as traditional surgery about how it works in case of varicose veins, the recovery time for the same and which one would work best in your case.
Laser treatment for varicose veins is a minimally invasive and advanced procedure using which the painful veins can be cured. By the assistance of this technique, affected veins can be closed while restoring the leg’s comfort. In general, mild sedative and local anesthesia are combined for using this procedure such that you don’t experience any pain. You may experience a little bit of discomfort but it is more effective as compared to other kinds of methods. So, today we would be talking about different kinds of laser treatment for varicose veins. Let us have a look:-
Minimally Invasive Options: Laser (EVLT) vs. RFA
EVLT ablation makes use of laser light coming through a small fiber. It is perfect for treating varicose veins that are large. After the procedure is done, you may face mild to moderate pain. On the contrary, radiofrequency ablation makes use of radiofrequency waves in a controlled manner. The discomfort associated after getting operated is comparatively less as compared to EVLT.
Also, bruising in Laser EVLT is higher as compared to RFA Laser. You may use EVLT if you want high heat precision.
How Each Procedure Works?
1. EVLT Laser Treatment Procedure
Step 1 – Mapping of Ultrasound
When the sound waves are guided through the tissue, then a faint line tends to appear on the skin. A mark is drawn wherever the technician notices a problem. It is recommended that you stand up so that swollen vessels can be seen.
Step 2 – Use of Local Anesthesia
In EVLT varicose veins, local anesthesia is used and you will feel a cool sensation on the skin. After this, near the knee, a small area would get numb. Next, a needle is inserted and using this, a tube is inserted into the vein. There is no deep cut present in the body.
Step 3 – Insertion of Laser
During the EVLT procedure, the radiologist makes use of the image in real time by inserting a very thin catheter with the assistance of laser fiber into the vein that is problematic. Next, thin fiber is inserted into the vein that is faulty.
Step 4 – Laser Delivery
In laser delivery, heat is transferred in steady waves while shifting is done. Slowly and steadily the closure happens and the vein is then closed. Further, flow of blood is done using the healthy veins.
Laser is used in this procedure for a span of about 5 minutes. The patient typically stays in the room for about an hour and during this time checks and set up is being done.
2. RFA Laser Treatment Procedure
RFA Laser Treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that makes use of heat such that the nerve that carries the pain is switched off. It presents great relief from chronic neck, back and joint related pain without having to stay at the hospital for a long time without any major cuts. The procedure used in RFA varicose veins is mentioned below:-
Step 1 – Initial preparation
You would be resting on an x-ray table with your stomach facing the table. During the initial preparation, your neck or back would be cleaned using antiseptic solution such that germs can be cleaned.
Step 2 – Local Anesthesia
A local anesthesia would be administered with the assistance of a small injection such that skin can be numbed. You will feel little to no pain when the RFA needle is inserted.
Step 3 – Placement of Needle
Next, a specialized doctor would insert an insulated and thin needle through numbed skin. The needle is diverted through a specific nerve which might be causing you trouble.
Step 4 – Testing
When the needle is put into a particular nerve, a specialized doctor sends a small electrical buzz through it. So, if you have muscle twitch or any kind of sensation that is tingling, then it gives confirmation that right nerves are used and not motor nerves are put into effect.
Step 5 – Ablation process
Once the location gets confirmed, then radiofrequency energy is used. The needle tip is heated at about 80 degrees Celsius for a span of 90 seconds. At last, the heat can cause the nerve to cauterize.
Step 6 – Finishing Process
Finally, the needle is no longer needed and it is removed. Further, a small bandage is put and thus no stitches would be needed. So, it is advised that you find out if you’re a candidate for laser or RFA treatment by booking a vein assessment today.
Comparing Recovery Time, Pain & Effectiveness
| Metric | EVLT Laser Procedure | RFT Laser procedure |
| Recovery time | EVLT procedure has a recovery time of about 1 to 3 days. Thereafter, you can engage yourself in light activities such as walking. | RFT laser procedure takes about 3 days as well to recover. Mild activity can be continued thereafter. |
| Pain | You may experience moderate to mild pain for about 7 days. So, if the wavelength of high fiber is used, then the pain can be significantly reduced. | There would be mild pain for about 5 days and you will notice that the bruising is significantly lesser as compared to old lasers. |
| Effectiveness | It has a high success rate of about 94% | This procedure also have significantly higher success rate of about 93% |
Success Rates & Recurrence
EVLT Laser procedure has a success rate of about 94%. Only in about 5-6% of the cases, recurrence might happen majorly due to inadequate technique or ablation or if stockings for compression are not used for a long time once the procedure has been completed.
On the other hand, RFA laser procedure has about 93% success rate and recurrence is generally very limited. So, based on the venous disease, you can opt for varicose vein laser surgery as per your choice. In the end, both can be an effective and safe choice for you.
Cost Comparison of Each Option
The cost of RFA laser procedure starts from 50000 INR to 200000 INR depending on the number of veins that need treatment as well as the doctor’s expertise. On the other hand, EVLT procedure cost is about 50000 to 150000 per leg. Both the procedure cost is less expensive as compared to procedures such as varicose vein stripping. Also, if the situation is more complex, then you would have to pay more. Lastly, it also boils down to the infrastructure of the hospital where you wish to get yourself admitted.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
There is no outright winner between RFA and EVLT Laser procedure and the treatment is determined on a case to case basis. You may opt for EVLT varicose vein laser surgery if the veins are large in size, the anatomy is very straight, high heat precision is needed or when advance treatment of varicose veins is required.
On the other hand, RFA varicose veins laser therapy can be used if you feel that sensitivity of the pain is very high, veins are small in size, recovery is focused more on comfort. Usually doctors use Doppler scan and based on that the right method is used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser treatment for varicose veins permanent?
Once the varicose veins are removed through the laser therapy, then it has a high probability that you won’t return again. In laser treatment, varicose veins root cause is fixed and so the recurrence risk is almost negligible. But, one thing that you would have to watch out for is that the same varicose veins may not return but new varicose veins can be developed if one of the vein valves collapses.
What is the difference between EVLT and RFA?
In EVLT, laser energy is used while in RFA radiofrequency energy is used for the treatment. With regards to working, laser fiber is heated and in the process veins are closed during the EVLT procedure. On the other hand, in RFA procedure, RF catheter is heated and then the vein is closed.
How long is recovery after laser vein treatment?
Recovery from laser vein treatment is fast and you would be able to do your normal work in 2-3 days. Full healing can take about a month and till such time, you should avoid any kind of strenuous exercise.
Top Class Varicose vein procedure at Treatment Range Hospitals
Both RFA and EVLT are very good laser procedures for treating varicose veins. But, the condition of the varicose vein needs to be evaluated before you opt for a certain procedure. RFA uses radiofrequency energy while EVLT tends to use laser energy. Also, both of them can help to close the varicose veins that are faulty and regain the flow of blood from veins that are healthy.
Further, once the diagnosis is done, then the treatment choice can become a lot easier. Our teams of vein specialists at Treatment Range Hospital can help you in evaluating the condition of your vein and based on that suggest the right laser procedure to fix your varicose vein. So, book your appointment now to get in touch with our team of doctors.
