What is endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)?
The endovenous laser ablation procedure is performed by a physician vein specialist, also known as a Phlebologist. The EVLA procedure is done in a procedure room at one of our vein clinics and requires only local anesthesia. A very thin bare laser fiber is inserted into a varicose vein within the leg through a tiny skin puncture. Laser energy heats up the vein causing it to shrink and collapse. The venous blood flow is then routed to healthy veins within the leg muscles. Any residual branch veins remaining after the EVLA procedure are effectively treated by the Phlebologist using ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and/or visual sclerotherapy during follow up treatment sessions. Unlike surgical vein stripping where there is significant down time, patients treated with the EVLA procedure and/or with sclerotherapy have no down time, and can resume normal activities immediately.
