Francesca Nosenzo, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Giovanni Turtulici, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mario Maturanza, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Riccardo Sartoris, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Angelo Corazza MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Enzo Silvestri MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. Illustrate the EVLA procedure. 2. Show how to obtain a good US-visualization of veins in order to monitor the ablation procedure and to avoid possible complications. 3. Describe the post-operative management  

EVLA is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of great and small saphenous venous insufficiency in which, after local anesthesia, a laser fiber is inserted through the skin into the vein under US guidance. The laser heats the vein walls, causing shrinking and vein collapse. This happens due to the radial energy emission at 1470nm, optimally absorbed by water molecules. US guidance is mandatory in order to introduce needle and laser fibers and to monitor vessel shrinking during the ablation procedure. We will provide a "how to do" guide of the EVLA procedure highlighting the following steps: - Pre-treatment US-evaluation of patient lower limb veins with detailed scan planes - Sterile field setting and patient arrangement - US-guided laser fiber insertion procedure - Endovenous laser ablation - Post-operative management and follow-up  

US-guided EVLA of lower limb varicose veins is an effective and safe treatment that allows a quick and painless shrink of veins. Such an a therapeutic option appear also to be faster and cheaper compared to the gold standard (surgical stripping).

Nosenzo, F, Turtulici, G, Maturanza, M, Sartoris, R, Corazza, A, Silvestri, E, Ultrasound Guided (US) Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) of Lower Limb Varicose Veins: How to Do.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13017284.html