Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins. They occur most often in the legs. Varicose veins can develop when valves in your veins become damaged. This causes problems with blood flow. Over time, too much blood collects in the veins. The veins may bulge, twist, and stand out under your skin. They can also cause symptoms such as aching, cramping, or swelling in your legs.

Recovering at home

• Take all medicines as directed
• Care for the catheter insertion site as directed
• Check for signs of infection at the catheter insertion site (see below)
• Wear elastic stockings or bandages as directed
• Keep your legs raised (elevated) as directed
• Walk a few times a day
• Don’t do heavy exercise, lift, or stand for long periods as advised
• Don’t travel by air as advised
• Don’t sit in hot baths, saunas, or whirlpools as advised

Once at home, follow all the instructions you’ve been given. Be sure to:

Call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4° F ( 38° C) or higher, or as directed by your provider
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Signs of infection at the catheter insertion site. These include greater redness or swelling (inflammation), warmth, increasing pain, bleeding, or bad-smelling discharge.
• Severe numbness or tingling in the treated leg
• Severe pain or swelling in the treated leg