Shchukin Serhii Petrovych
Experience: 28 years
Medical Specialty:
Chief Physician, PhD in Medicine, Top-Category Vascular Surgeon, Phlebologist, and Ultrasound Diagnostics Specialist
Endovenous Laser Coagulation (EVLK)
Endovenous Laser Coagulation (EVLK) is a modern method for treating varicose veins of the lower extremities.
This procedure is minimally invasive: it is performed without incisions, without complications, without the need for hospitalization, and allows patients to return to their normal lifestyle as early as the next day.
At the Phlebos Medical Center, laser vein treatment is carried out according to international standards — quickly, comfortably, and with long-lasting results.
What Does the EVLK Procedure Involve?
Simply put, EVLK is the process of sealing a diseased vein from the inside using laser energy.
The doctor inserts a thin optical fiber into the vein under ultrasound guidance, and during the procedure, the laser heats the inner walls of the vein. This causes the varicose vein to collapse, turn into scar tissue, and eventually disappear completely.
According to the CEAP classification, endovenous laser coagulation (EVLK)
When is Endovenous Laser Coagulation (EVLK) Necessary?
Complaints such as leg swelling or a feeling of heaviness are nonspecific, but if any of your relatives have varicose vein disease, it is advisable to first schedule a consultation with ultrasound diagnostics.
During the consultation and duplex ultrasound examination, the vascular surgeon can determine whether these are early signs of varicose veins and suggest a treatment plan.
Further progression of varicose disease becomes not only a cosmetic issue but may also affect overall health and quality of life.
Why Should Varicose Veins Not Be Ignored?
Very often, even in the presence of varicose nodes, there may be no complaints of pain, swelling, or trophic skin changes.
However, complications and serious symptoms can develop suddenly and unexpectedly.
That’s why it is advisable to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities with EVLK at early stages.
Laser vein removal helps prevent complications such as thrombosis and the formation of open trophic ulcers.
What Factors Influence the Development of Varicose Veins and When Should You See a Doctor?
Varicose vein disease develops under the influence of heredity, hormonal changes, pregnancy, excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, age, as well as prolonged standing or sitting.
Reasons to consult a doctor include visible veins, pain, swelling, cramps, skin darkening, or ulcers on the legs.
The earlier you see a phlebologist, the more effective the treatment will be and the lower the risk of complications.
Advantages of Endovenous Laser Coagulation (EVLK)
At the Phlebos Medical Center, we use a minimally invasive technique — EVLK, which is one of the most effective technologies for treating varicose veins.
This method is considered the gold standard in leading countries around the world and is recommended in the presence of reflux in trunk and perforator veins, regardless of the stage of the disease — from spider veins (telangiectasias) to open trophic ulcers.
Laser vein removal allows the affected vein to be “sealed” using laser energy — without incisions, without complications, and under local anesthesia.
The laser procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require general anesthesia or hospitalization.
Main advantages of the laser technique:
No incisions — the laser fiber is inserted through a small skin puncture.
Painless and safe — the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Duration of laser varicose vein treatment — up to 1 hour, performed on an outpatient basis.
No hospitalization, no complications — the patient can return to normal life on the same day as the procedure.
Maximum effectiveness — high success rate in varicose vein treatment with minimal risk of recurrence.
Excellent cosmetic result — legs without varicose veins, swelling, complications, or post-operative scarring.
Why Do Patients Choose EVLK?
Endovenous laser vein coagulation is the optimal combination of effectiveness, safety, and comfort.
The method not only eliminates varicose veins without aggressive surgical intervention but also prevents the development of complications such as thrombosis, swelling, and trophic ulcers.
That’s why EVLK is the number one choice among patients who value quality, quick recovery, and minimal disruption to everyday life.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Endovenous Laser Coagulation (EVLK)?
The EVLK procedure is suitable for patients with varicose vein disease at any stage according to the CEAP classification (C1–C6), provided the affected veins show signs of reflux (reverse blood flow).
This may include early symptoms — such as spider veins, swelling, or heaviness in the legs (C1–C2) — as well as more serious conditions, including prominent varicose nodes, skin changes, pigmentation, dermatitis, or trophic ulcers (C3–C6).
Thanks to local anesthesia, the absence of incisions, and the short duration (up to 1 hour), treatments like EVLK are complication-free and suitable not only for younger patients with cosmetic concerns, but also for older individuals who often have comorbidities and cannot tolerate general anesthesia.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, without hospitalization, and with minimal recovery time.
Advantages of EVLK for Patients of Various Profiles
- The ability to perform a minimally invasive procedure to eliminate trunk veins of any diameter — there are no veins the laser cannot seal.
- Local anesthesia — the best way to prevent complications. Direct communication with the patient helps avoid damage to peripheral nerves.
- Suitable at any stage of varicose disease (C1–C6) — from spider veins to trophic ulcers, for patients of any age and with comorbidities.
- The laser vein removal procedure is highly effective and delivers long-lasting results — addressing the root cause of varicose veins with minimal risk of recurrence and no complications.
- Early mobilization — within 20 minutes after EVLK, the patient walks on a treadmill and leaves the medical center.
What Does Treatment with a Phlebologist Involve?
Initial consultation with vein ultrasound
During which the vascular surgeon personally performs an ultrasound of the lower limb veins (duplex scanning) and rules out deep vein thrombosis.
1
Identification of veins for treatment and preparation
The doctor identifies which veins need to be closed using the laser, rules out any related pathologies, and prepares a list of necessary tests to safely carry out the procedure.
2
Performing laser coagulation
The endovenous laser coagulation procedure is performed.
After it is completed, the patient walks on a treadmill for 20 minutes to improve blood circulation.
3
Follow-up examination the next day
On the following day, the doctor removes the bandage and performs an ultrasound check to assess the condition of the sealed veins and rule out any complications.
4
Recommendations for the recovery period
For one month, it is recommended to avoid heavy physical exertion and strength training.
The patient is prescribed compression stockings for daily wear.
5
One-month follow-up after the procedure
After one month, a mandatory ultrasound follow-up is performed.
If healing has progressed properly, the doctor allows a return to physical activity and sports.
6
Contraindications for Endovenous Laser Coagulation (EVLK)
Endovenous laser coagulation is a highly effective and minimally invasive method for treating varicose vein disease,
but it is important to consider any contraindications before performing the procedure.
Contraindications for EVLK:
- Severe general condition of the patient (e.g., heart or respiratory failure)
- Acute deep vein thrombosis (or high risk of its development)
- Active-phase oncological diseases
- Congenital disorders such as hemophilia — impaired blood clotting
- Exacerbation of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, dermatitis, infections, etc.)
- Pregnancy
- Inability to walk independently
Why Do Patients Choose EVLK at Phlebos Clinic?
Doctors with extensive experience in performing EVLK
Modern equipment for laser treatment
Comfortable treatment conditions
Ultrasound monitoring to prevent recurrence
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About EVLK
Honcharov Vyacheslav Leonidovych
Experience: 11 years
Specialization:
Vascular Surgeon, Ultrasound Diagnostics Specialist, Phlebologist
Alikberov Yurii Viktorovych
Experience: 18 years
Specialization:
Surgeon, Proctologist of the Highest Category
Certificates
Is the procedure painful?
Endovenous laser coagulation is performed using local anesthesia and modern laser equipment. During the procedure, the patient may only feel the moment of anesthesia application, and pain sensations are minimal.
Is a repeat procedure necessary?
What to expect after EVLT?
How long does the procedure take?
Is hospitalization required?
Is it possible to undergo EVLT in the summer?
What type of compression hosiery is needed after the procedure?
When can I return to sports?
Certificates
Since its founding, our center has developed its own principles of work – high professionalism, an individual approach to each patient, multi-level diagnostics, and high-quality varicose vein treatment, along with full responsibility for the final result.
