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Prior to endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), treatment for swollen and painful varicose veins required a very invasive surgical procedure called vein stripping. Surgical removal of the vein or stripping is done under general anesthesia and requires a considerable recovery period.

With endovenous laser therapy, no surgery is required, and the entire procedure can be performed in less than one hour in our office. Newly innovative, Endovenous Laser Therapy has been developed to treat chronic venous insufficiency by using laser energy at the source of the problem. In order to close the diseased vein a small puncture in the anesthetized leg is made and a thin laser fiber is inserted to deliver the laser energy (Figure 1). The laser energy causes the vein to close as the fiber is gradually removed, which also causes varicose veins in the lower portion of the leg to shrink and disappear (Figure 2).

After endovenous laser therapy, a gauze pad and tape will be placed over the puncture site and a compression stocking will be placed on your leg. You are encouraged to immediately walk following the procedure and resume normal activities. Your physician will provide you with customized instructions and answer any questions you may have.

Q. How do I know if I have vein disease?

A. Most vein disease can be seen by looking at the size and color of the vein at the skin surface. In some cases, however, the diseased vein may be deeper in the body and not visible through the skin. Other symptoms such as cramping, aching, burning, itching, soreness or tired legs indicate vein disease. If you experience these symptoms a simple test called Ultrasound Venous Mapping can determine if you have vein disease.

Q. How common is vein disease?

A. Vein disease of the legs is one of the mot common medical conditions. Varicose veins affect between 15%-25% of all adults and approximately 50% of all people over the age 50. Women to have a higher incidence vein disease than men.

Q. What are the complications of vein treatment?

A.  Fortunately, endovenous laser therapy has rarely been associated with any serious complications when properly performed.

Q. Is endovenous laser therapy painful?

A. Most people report little or no pain. It is possible that you may experience some tenderness, tingling, itching or tightness after the procedure.

Q. If the vein is closed by the treatment, where does the blood go?

A. There are many veins in the leg; the blood that would have flowed through the closed vein simply flows through other health veins. The loss of the diseased vein will not cause any circulatory problems.

Q. Will insurance cover the treatment?

A. Many insurance companies cover the treatment of vein disease that is associated with substantial pain and other complications, but individual insurance companies may limit the type of therapy that is covered. We can assist you in filing claims to your insurance.

Q. What can happen if varicose veins aren't treated?

A. Varicose veins generally worsen over time. Initially, slight pain and aching in the diseased leg will occur. Over time this pain and cramping with increase and limitations in walking will result. Ultimately, varicose veins can lead to open sores on the foot, blood clots and tissue loss.