Portfolios - Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

Laser treatment of varicose veins, Endovascular Laser Ablation (known as EVLA), is
a minimally invasive procedure for treating certain types of varicose veins.
Endovenous laser treatment is a method for closing off the long saphenous and
short saphenous veins. These are the veins that were formerly stripped out by
incision in the groin or behind the knee.
The surgeon introduces a laser fibre into the vein under ultrasound control through a
single puncture wound. A laser device is passed up into position at the top of the
vein. The laser is then switched on and the fibre withdrawn slowly destroying the
vein.
The exact method of treatment advised for your varicose veins depends on which of
the main valves are leaking and the anatomy of the veins. In most patients it is the
valves at the top of the leg (groin) that will need treatment, and this is usually
suitable for laser.