Treatment: EndoVenous Ablation Therapy (EVAT)

The EVAT procedure is an outpatient treatment (day surgery). Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area. Dr. Kirsch then inserts a thin catheter (a bit thicker than a strand of spaghetti) into the vein through a small opening, usually only a single needle stick. A laser fiber is used to destroy the vein wall, causing it to seal shut.

Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and carry blood from your leg, re-establishing normal flow. Your symptoms should improve noticeably.

Following the procedure Dr. Kirsch removes the catheter and places a bandage over the insertion site. Dr. Kirsch may ask you to walk, wear compression stockings, and to refrain from long periods of standing for several days after the procedure to help speed your recovery. Many patients resume normal activities within 1-2 days, and report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms in 1-2 weeks following the EVAT procedure. There is minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling.

Clinical results indicate that the EVAT procedure can be effective at closing the vein and significantly reducing patient symptoms. The EVAT procedure provides durable relief from these symptoms in about 90% of patients. Of patients who have undergone this treatment, virtually all (98%) are willing to recommend it to a friend or family member.

EVAT vs. Vein Stripping
During a stripping procedure, a physician makes an incision in your groin and ties off the veins after which a stripper tool is threaded through the abnormal vein and used to pull the vein out of your leg through a second incision just above your calf. In the EVAT procedure, there is no need for groin surgery. Instead, the vein remains in place and is closed using a special catheter inserted through a small puncture. This virtually eliminates the bruising and pain often associated with vein stripping, which results from the tearing of side branch veins while the vein is pulled out. Vein stripping is usually performed in an operating room under a general anesthetic. The EVAT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia with light sedation.

• A - Laser fiber inserted into a vein
• B - Vein heated and collapses
• C - Catheter slowly withdrawn, closing vein