EndoVenous Laser Treatment

The use of medical laser technology eliminates many of the headaches associated with surgery, such as considerable preparation, general anesthesia, the risk of infection, and a lengthy recovery period.  In contrast, EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, highly successful treatment option for varicose veins.  This patient-friendly treatment is performed in-office on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. 

After bathing the vein in a sea of local anesthesia, the surgeon inserts a thin catheter into the vein through a small incision generally below the knee with ultrasound guidance. The catheter is passed up the saphenous vein in the thigh.  Then laser energy is applied to the inside of the vein.  The heat it generates seals the vein closed and the catheter is slowly pulled down the length of the vein, closing it all the way down.  Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over to carry blood from the leg, re-establishing normal flow.  

By closing the saphenous vein, the twisted and varicosed branch veins, which are close to the skin, shrink and may improve in appearance.  There is little to no recovery time.  In fact, patients are up and walking as soon as the procedure is over - in less than 2 hours.