Laser Ablation (endovenous laser ablation)

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive treatment alternative to standard vein stripping. Endovenous laser ablation is used to treat the saphenous vein, the large superficial vein of the leg and thigh.

During endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency or laser energy is used to cauterize (i.e. burn) and close varicose veins. The procedure can be performed for both cosmetic and medical purposes, but it typically serves to alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, such as aching, swelling, discoloration, and inflammation.

How It Works

The endovenous laser ablation procedure is image-guided. Ultrasound is used to visualize the enlarged vein and position the laser. During the procedure, a catheter or vascular access sheath is inserted through the skin and positioned in the vein. Then, a laser fiber or radiofrequency electrode is inserted through the catheter. The laser or radiofrequency energy is applied, heating the vessel and collapsing the vein walls. The vein seals shut within one week, so blood cannot flow through it. Blood is then rerouted to other veins in the leg.

Endovenous laser ablation is an outpatient procedure that usually takes around 45 minutes to perform. It is less painful and has a much shorter recovery period that vein litigation and stripping. Unlike surgery, only a local anesthetic and light sedative are required to perform endovenous laser ablation. The most uncomfortable part of the procedure is the injection of the local anesthetic around the abnormal vein.

After the Procedure

After endovenous laser ablation is complete, compression stockings must be worn for at least a week to reduce symptoms like bruising and tenderness. Wearing compression stockings also reduces the chance of blood clot formation. Although normal activity can be resumed immediately after the procedure, you should avoid lifting heavy objects and sitting or standing for prolonged periods.

We will schedule a follow-up appointment four weeks after the procedure. During this appointment, we will determine whether the procedure was successful by using duplex ultrasound to examine the treatment area. We may also recommend you to get additional treatments in order to obtain the best results.

Endovenous laser ablation has a success rate of 97%. Most of the veins treated with endovenous laser ablation are invisible within twelve months of treatment, even to ultrasound.

Side Effects

Endovenous laser ablation is generally a safe and complication-free procedure. However, as with any procedure that involves the penetration of the skin, there is a small risk of infection. Furthermore, you may experience some mild bruising and tenderness. Scarring after endovenous laser ablation is rare since catheter placement only requires incisions of a few millimeters.

You can minimize the symptoms associated with endovenous laser ablation by following the doctor’s advice. Wear compression stockings and take the anti-inflammatory medication we recommend.

Best Candidates

Patients who come to Family Surgical for endovenous laser ablation treatment are typically women between the ages of 30 and 60. Ablation catheters cannot be passed through a tortuous varicose vein or a vein with many turns and bends, so endovenous laser ablation is the most successful in treating the saphenous vein.