Before your Procedure
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages and do not smoke for two days prior and two days after your procedure, since this may impair the healing process.
- Do not eat any food six to eight hours prior to your procedure. However, you may drink clear liquids only (no coffee) up to four hours prior to your procedure.
A vein mapping will need to be done prior to your procedure.
Contact Us
Speak to our clinical coordinator for any of your treatment concerns.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am–5 pm
Phone: 801-581-2967
After-Hours
Hospital paging operator: 801-581-2121
Ask for the interventional radiology resident on call.
What to Expect the Day Of
- The day of your procedure, shower and wash your legs thoroughly. Do not apply any cream or lotion to your legs.
- To avoid discomfort, do not shave your legs the day of your appointment.
- Bring loose-fitting slacks or shorts to wear home after your treatment.
- Bring your elastic stockings for your treatment.
- Be on time.
You will need a driver home as sedation will be given.
After Your Procedure
Recovery from EVLT is usually trouble free. It is normal to feel a tightening sensation in your leg after a couple of days, and it may last for a few days. Your thigh may also be slightly tender to the touch for a few days. This discomfort can generally be managed with over-the-counter analgesics like Tylenol or Motrin, but please avoid aspirin-based products unless otherwise recommended or prescribed.
Compression Socks
Immediately after the procedure, you will need to wear your elastic stocking 24 hours a day for the first three days. Within the first several days we will expect to see you in clinic for a quick ultrasound of the treatment area. After your initial visit, you may remove the stockings at night only. You will continue to wear them during the day for the next seven to 10 days. We can not overemphasize your compliance in wearing the stockings as prescribed, as it will help ensure a better treatment outcome for you.
Walking & Exercise
You will be able to maintain normal activities. Walk as much as you can the first three days after your procedure. Walk at least 10–15 minutes every hour during the day, the more the better. Walking daily is encouraged and promotes more rapid healing.
Avoid standing for long periods of time. No aerobics, heavy lifting, bicycling, running or strenuous physical exercise for two weeks following your procedure or until your treatment program is completed. If you need to be sitting at work or are in a car for extended periods of time over the next week, make frequent stops and get up and walk for at least 10 minutes every hour.
Bathing
Avoid hot showers or baths during your treatment and recovery period as this may encourage the veins in your leg to dilate. We are compressing the treated leg by having you wear the compression stockings to promote venous emptying as the blood is being redirected. Dilation of these veins would be counter to our treatment goal at this time.
Follow-Up Appointment
We expect to see you in a brief clinic appointment three days after your procedure; you will have a quick ultrasound at that time to assess the progress of your treatment. We will also see you again in two weeks to evaluate treatment and will at that time determine if further treatment will be necessary.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
As with any invasive procedures, problems can develop. If you develop an acute fever (more than 100 F) or severe or worsening pain/swelling, please call our office immediately.