Is an anesthetic given with every EVLT treatment?

I've read on several sites that an anesthetic is applied or given before the insertion of the EVLT catheter. I have had three EVLT treatments and have not been given anesthetic, though I would have appreciated it. Should anesthetic always be given with EVLT?

Answers from doctors (6)


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 24, 2017

Local anesthetic should be used before the needle puncture before the insertion of the EVLT catheter. I am quite surprised to hear it was not used. I am sorry you had some unnecessary discomfort. Take care.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Local anesthetic should be used before the needle puncture before the insertion of the EVLT catheter. I am quite surprised to hear it was not used. I am sorry you had some unnecessary discomfort. Take care.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 27, 2015

The procedure can be done in different ways. I use a combination of local and tumescent anesthesia and no one receives general anesthesia or IV sedation. About 20% of patients may request an oral sedative and in those cases I use 1mg ativan. There are areas throughout the country which do use general anesthesia or IV sedation.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The procedure can be done in different ways. I use a combination of local and tumescent anesthesia and no one receives general anesthesia or IV sedation. About 20% of patients may request an oral sedative and in those cases I use 1mg ativan. There are areas throughout the country which do use general anesthesia or IV sedation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bellagio Vein Clinic

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Just a local anesthetic is used for pain control: Lidocaine. This is the safest and most effective way to prevent discomfort.

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Answered by Bellagio Vein Clinic

Just a local anesthetic is used for pain control: Lidocaine. This is the safest and most effective way to prevent discomfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

I think so. That's what we do and have always done.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I think so. That's what we do and have always done.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


I don't think they are talking about anesthesia that puts you to sleep. I believe they are referring to a local anesthetic given through small injections along the course of the vein. You would not have been able to have the procedure without this anesthetic because it is what keeps you from feeling the heat of the laser, which can be as high as several hundreds of degrees. You also get Lidocaine at the site where the needle is introduced to gain access to the vein.

Answered by North Country Thoracic & Vascular (View Profile)

I don't think they are talking about anesthesia that puts you to sleep. I believe they are referring to a local anesthetic given through small injections along the course of the vein. You would not have been able to have the procedure without this anesthetic because it is what keeps you from feeling the heat of the laser, which can be as high as several hundreds of degrees. You also get Lidocaine at the site where the needle is introduced to gain access to the vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

In typical situations, the EVLT is administered after the patient is administered local anesthetic into the leg (often tumescent anesthesia with xylocaine). Patients can also be given additional anesthetic with Valium, which is my typical practice.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

In typical situations, the EVLT is administered after the patient is administered local anesthetic into the leg (often tumescent anesthesia with xylocaine). Patients can also be given additional anesthetic with Valium, which is my typical practice.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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