V&S MEDICAL
Dr Henryk Poczwa, the Vein and Skin Clinics expert Phlebologist, performed New Zealand’s first varicose veins laser procedure in 2002.
Since then numerous New Zealand Phlebologists and Vascular Surgeons have adopted the procedure, which is rapidly becoming the ‘Gold Standard’ of varicose vein treatment in New Zealand.
This procedure uses light waves to eliminate even the largest of varicose veins. Endovenous medical lasers use light energy converted to heat energy to destroy vein walls. This causes veins to collapse, cease working and gradually disappear over several weeks or months.
Previously only surgical stripping and ligation was used to treat varicose veins.
There are several different endovenous lasers on the market today. At the Vein & Skin Clinic we have selected the CoolTouch laser. Research indicates the CoolTouch laser as the best technology available for both safe and effective treatment.
The CoolTouch laser has a 1320 nm wavelength which has been found to be a comfortable, safe and effective laser treatment for varicose veins. In most cases only a single treatment is required. A recent survey of 1000 EVLA treatments performed at the Vein and Skin Clinic showed nearly a 100% success rate at the end of one year.
Post-Op complications, such as bleeding, infection, inflammation, damage to nerves and clots (thrombus) are rare, but as with any surgical procedure can occur. More commonly some minor pain and bruising is experienced.
EVLA involves a single tiny incision being made in the leg and a catheter being inserted into the varicose vein. The area of vein to be treated is anaesthetized and then a laser fibre is inserted. The laser is activated and as the fibre is moved through the vein it heats and closes the vein. Once the vein is closed, the blood that was circulating through the vein is simply re-routed to other healthy veins and the varicose veins gradually disappear.
The CoolTouch procedure is minimally invasive and is performed in a day theatre. You are awake during the entire procedure, but you will not feel any significant pain, as the vein is numbed using local anaesthesia.
Generally the laser treats only the larger, deep portion of the varicose veins and the remainder of the vein and any visible varicosities usually require a small degree of Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS). This is the injection of a sclerosant (a solution that chemically destroys the veins).
After EVLA treatment, your leg will be in a compression stocking for two or more weeks, but you will be up and walking immediately. You will be able to resume routine activity the same day and athletic or strenuous activities within several days.
Usually treatment can be completed on one or both legs at the same session. Occasionally further sclerotherapy injections to treat residual veins are required. Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is a great way of eliminating varicose veins, but the combination of EVLA plus UGS is the most effective, particularly when varicose veins are huge, knobbly and painful.
Before and After Photos of a 71yr old Male who had Endovenous Laser Ablation in 2012.
The cost of this procedure varies according to the areas that require treatment and whether the area is treated alone or in conjunction with other areas. (This is most common).
Q card and other payment options available.
Southern Cross affiliated and covered by most other insurers (for Varicose Vein Treatment).
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