Understanding Endovenous ThermalAblation 

Endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) is a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided vein disease treatment for varicose veins, utilizing either laser or radiofrequency energy.

The goal of EVTA is to treat underlying abnormal veins with broken valves.

This in-office treatment is performed with local anesthesia and can rapidly improve any varicose veins or venous insufficiency symptoms.

The energy used during the procedure is delivered through a fine optical fiber inserted into the underlying abnormal vein. It heats the vein at the optical fiber’s tip, causing the abnormal vein to close. Blood is rerouted to the normal functioning veins. With time, the abnormal vein treated by thermal energy is broken down and reabsorbed by the body.

The procedure takes less than one hour, and you can walk out and resume most of your normal daily activities.

Endovenous thermal ablation is a suitable vein disease treatment for men and women of any skin tone diagnosed with varicose veins.

The procedure may be ideal for you if you have:

Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised not to consider endovenous ablation.

During your initial consultation with our skilled team, we will assess your condition and health to ensure that endovenous thermal ablation treatment is appropriate for your health needs and wellness goals.

The first step in evaluating varicose veins or symptoms suggestive of venous insufficiency is to schedule a medical consultation with Tennessee Vein Center.

As part of the consultation, we will determine if a complete evaluation with duplex venous ultrasound (venous mapping) is appropriate and if you are a candidate for EVTA treatment.

The procedure begins with the patient lying on an examination table and the designated leg being sterilized.

Local anesthesia is then administered to ensure comfort during the procedure.

Ultrasound guidance plays a crucial role in the process, allowing our venous experts to pinpoint the affected veins accurately.

A thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision, typically near the knee or ankle. Depending on the specific technique chosen, a tumescent solution may be injected to numb the vein, followed by a laser fiber or radiofrequency catheter insertion.

This catheter delivers thermal energy to the vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut.

Bandages and compression stockings will be applied directly afterward to reduce swelling.  

Immediately after an EVTA procedure, you will be asked to put on your compression stockings and walk or cycle for 10 minutes.

You need to wear your medical-grade compression hose for up to 7 days after the procedure or until your follow-up ultrasound has been performed. Compression hose helps your circulation and reduces swelling, inflammation, complications, and speed healing.

During the healing process, walking and normal daily activities are strongly encouraged.

Complications from the treatment are extremely rare.

Bruising, minor soreness, and a feeling of tightness are typical side effects and will pass on their own. If needed, an over-the-counter pain reliever can relieve the mild discomfort.

A follow-up ultrasound will be scheduled and needs to be performed between 3-7 days following the procedure.

Extremely strenuous activities should be avoided for a few days after the procedure.

Thermal energy treats the source of varicose veins and takes the pressure off the visible varicose veins, making sclerotherapy treatment much more effective. Most patients will require sclerotherapy treatments after their endovenous ablation procedure is fully healed to address the problem comprehensively.