COOLTOUCH CTEV LASER VEIN TREATMENT
This revolutionary alternative treatment is minimally invasive with much less pain and bruising than traditional vein stripping and ligation surgery. Dr. West will use local anesthesia and close the diseased veins using the heat energy of the laser fiber.
Under local anesthesia a small IV is placed in the large superficial vein of the thigh known as the great saphenous vein. Using ultrasound guidance, the laser fiber is guided past the highest leaking valve. Once in place, the thin laser fiber will heat the vein wall, causing collagen in the wall to shrink and the vein to close. The collapse of the vein walls seals the vein shut and blood is rerouted to one or more remaining healthy veins.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of CoolTouch CTEV?
- Performed under local anesthetic, with or without oral sedation, in the office
- No IV, hospital stay, or recovery room time
- Minimally invasive so very small risk of infection, blood loss, noticeable scars, or other significant problems
- Less than 1 hour treatment time
- Rapid recovery
- Normal daily activities are encouraged immediately after having EVLT
- You can return to work without using valuable paid time off for most occupations
- Excellent clinical and aesthetic results
- Minimal pain compared to the outdated and more invasive treatments
- More cost effective than traditional treatments
Is the procedure painful?
Patients report little to no discomfort and or pain during and after this minimally invasive procedure.
Where will the procedure take place? Will I have to go to the hospital?
All of the vein treatments are performed in our state of the art facility with specialized treatment rooms and technologically advanced equipment.
How long will it take?
Less than an hour: the procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, plus another 10 minutes of prep and post treatment measures.
How quickly can I resume normal activity?
Patients are able to walk out of the office immediately after the procedure. Normal activity can be resumed within two or three days.
How is the CoolTouch CTEV procedure different from vein stripping?
With the minimally invasive CoolTouch CTEV procedure, only a small puncture is made at the insertion site and the vein is closed from within. By contrast, in traditional vein stripping, incisions are made at several locations between the groin and the ankle, and the vein is pulled out of the leg.
What are the risks of the CoolTouch CTEV procedure?
Complications with the CoolTouch CTEV laser are extremely rare. Dr. West will review potential risks in detail at your consultation and answer all questions to your satisfaction.
What is the recovery?
Patients report minimal if any scarring, bruising or swelling following the procedure. We ask patients to walk at least thirty minutes daily and instruct them to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for three days. Noticeable improvement in symptoms is expected within weeks following the procedure.
