Endovenous Laser Treatment, or EVLT, is an alternative to surgical stripping of certain underlying veins that are the source of surface varicose veins. Endovenous Laser Treatment is done in-office under local anesthesia. It works by heating the inside of the vein, which causes it to seal shut and disappear. It is simple, effective, and is the first choice of patients and physicians. The treatment takes less than an hour to eliminate varicose veins.

The EVLT technique requires that a very thin laser fiber be inserted into the damaged underlying vein. To perform the procedure, the doctor uses an ultrasound machine to map the vein, and then numbs the area with local anesthesia. The doctor places a needle into the lower end of the diseased underlying vein, through which a small sheath is put into the vein. The laser fiber is then placed through the sheath and advanced to the upper end of the diseased vein. Local anesthesia is then delivered to the entire vein. The laser fiber heats the inside of the vein as it is slowly withdrawn back down the vein.

After the endovenous laser treatment, any remaining residual surface varicose veins may be treated with either sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy.

Most physicians advise you to wear compression stockings and walk a lot after treatment. As a result of the treatment, the blood re-routes through the remaining normal veins much more efficiently, thereby reducing the abnormal pressure on the remaining veins.

Endovenous laser is a widely accepted procedure with a very high success rate and low complication rate. Possible side effects of the endovenous laser procedure include but are not limited to areas of skin numbness, blood clots and phlebitis, an inflammation of a vein. Contraindications to treatment include but are not limited to very tortuous (twisty) veins. EVLT is covered by most insurance carriers.