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ELAS is the name
given to treatment of saphenous vein reflux which uses laser energy.
ELAS is quite similar to the VNUS Closure procedure, but there are
some important differences. At Vein Specialists of Augusta, we perform
endovenous laser ablation using the CoolTouch CTEV laser.
How the ELAS procedure works:
As the procedure is begun, the board-certified physician accesses
the greater saphenous vein with a hollow needle. A thin wire is
then passed through the needle and the needle is withdrawn. A slightly
larger device, called an introducer is passed in over the wire and
the wire is then removed. A laser filament with a diameter of less
than 1/8 inch is then passed through the introducer into the vein
and threaded up to within 1 1/2 cm. of the saphenofemoral junction
in the groin. At this time an anesthetic mixture is injected along
the length of the vein to be treated.
The machine supplying laser energy is then turned on and the filament
is withdrawn at a rate that creates changes in the vein causing
it to close.
After the procedure a bandage (to supply compression) is applied
to the leg and a compression stocking is put on over the bandage
and both are worn overnight. The next day the bandage is removed
and the compression stocking is worn during the day for the next
three weeks. Normal activities can be resumed immediately. Jogging
and other strenuous activities can be resumed after 7-10 days.
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