Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

Prima CARE, PC

Radiofrequency Ablation & Phlebectomies

Pre-procedure Preparation:

You do not need to fast before your procedure.
If you would like an anti-anxiety medication for the procedure please ask. The prescription will need to be picked up at least 24 hours in advance and filled at your pharmacy. The medication can be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before the procedure.
You must have someone to drive you if you are taking a sedative.

Stockings:

You will need to have compression stockings ready to wear immediately after your procedure. If you already have a pair of stockings they must have compression of 20-30 mmHg.
For most treatments, the stockings must be waist-high (pantyhose). Thigh-high is not sufficient. If you have any questions about whether your stockings are sufficient please call and ask us. We may have to cancel your procedure if you don’t have stockings.
Compression stockings may be obtained at any medical supply store. You might want to buy two pairs of stockings, one to wear and one to wash.
You will be measured for your stockings. Often they will need to be special-ordered, taking up to one week for delivery. Therefore please order your stockings well in advance.
You will wear the stockings 24hrs a day for the first 3 days. You will wear them for waking hours (first thing in the morning until after dinner) for another 10 days after that.
You may remove the stockings for bathing.

After the Radio Frequency Treatment:

You can resume normal activity immediately after your treatment, including walking, which we highly encourage. However you should avoid heavy exercise for at least 10 days.
You may have an uncomfortable pulling sensation that will peak 4 to 5 days after the treatment. This is normal. We recommend Motrin (ibuprofen) 200 to 600 mg up to four times per day.

Follow-up:

After a radiofrequency ablation we typically see patients twice in follow up. The first appointment is 2-3 days after your procedure. Then we will see you 8 weeks post procedure. You will undergo an ultrasound prior to these appointments to confirm closure of the vein and to look for blood clots.
After phlebectomies we typically see you once in follow up.

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