How is tumescent anesthesia used for EVLT, and does it have to be given with general anesthetic too?

Do local anesthetics also protect nerves and tissues against damage during EVLT with local anesthetics? Should the local anesthetics be given during the procedure with general anesthetic? Do the doctors apply other liquid to the treated vein during EVLT with general anesthetic? Do doctors apply NO medicine and liquid to the treated vein during EVLT with general anesthetic?

Answers from doctors (4)


Modern Vein & Laser Center

Published on May 14, 2017

Local, tumescent anesthetic is sufficient. No general anesthesia is required with it. However, if a patient is anxious, additional intravenous sedation is recommended.

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Answered by Modern Vein & Laser Center

Local, tumescent anesthetic is sufficient. No general anesthesia is required with it. However, if a patient is anxious, additional intravenous sedation is recommended.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Center for Vein Care

Published on May 09, 2017

Tumescent anesthesia works to anesthetize the surrounding structures and compress the vein. It is used even with general anesthesia to prevent injury to the surrounding structures.

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Answered by Center for Vein Care

Tumescent anesthesia works to anesthetize the surrounding structures and compress the vein. It is used even with general anesthesia to prevent injury to the surrounding structures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on May 08, 2017

When EVLT was introduced it was to be done in an office setting under local anesthetic. This reduced risks to the patient of general anesthetic, infection (done in a hospital) and faster recovery. The local anesthetic is injected around the saphenous vein (long or short, accessory etc) and is done under ultrasound guidance. An experienced vascular trained surgeon can see where this goes and can protect nerves where needed. The other factor in this as an office procedure is that it greatly reduces the cost the the patient (coinsurance etc) and also to the insurance. My patients walk in and walk out about and hour or so later. Back to normal activities the next day. General anesthetic can lengthen the down time. Having done this procedure in my office for over 15 years, I cannot comment on what is done in the OR and why is would be done there. "Wrapping" the vein to be treated in a "sleeve" of local anesthetic protects surrounding tissue and nerves. It seems logical that this should be done regardless of where the procedure is done.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

When EVLT was introduced it was to be done in an office setting under local anesthetic. This reduced risks to the patient of general anesthetic, infection (done in a hospital) and faster recovery. The local anesthetic is injected around the saphenous vein (long or short, accessory etc) and is done under ultrasound guidance. An experienced vascular trained surgeon can see where this goes and can protect nerves where needed. The other factor in this as an office procedure is that it greatly reduces the cost the the patient (coinsurance etc) and also to the insurance. My patients walk in and walk out about and hour or so later. Back to normal activities the next day. General anesthetic can lengthen the down time. Having done this procedure in my office for over 15 years, I cannot comment on what is done in the OR and why is would be done there. "Wrapping" the vein to be treated in a "sleeve" of local anesthetic protects surrounding tissue and nerves. It seems logical that this should be done regardless of where the procedure is done.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 08, 2017

Tumescent anesthesia alleviates the need for general anesthesia. First a localized area of local anesthesia is applied then the tumescent is applied through the local anesthesia area along the course of the veins to be treated. Tumescent can be applied using a syringe and direct injection or by using a pump to insert it. The patient usually feels some pressure as the tumescent is inserted. Tumescent is the gold standard in treating veins.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Tumescent anesthesia alleviates the need for general anesthesia. First a localized area of local anesthesia is applied then the tumescent is applied through the local anesthesia area along the course of the veins to be treated. Tumescent can be applied using a syringe and direct injection or by using a pump to insert it. The patient usually feels some pressure as the tumescent is inserted. Tumescent is the gold standard in treating veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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