The endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)
procedure involves thermal ablation of incompetent varicose veins.
Unlike vein stripping, EVLA permanently shrinks and collapses the
abnormal vein, thereby leaving it in place without surgically
removing the vein. Laser energy is delivered through a tiny laser
fiber inserted into the targeted varicose vein, somewhat resembling
a strand of Angel hair pasta. The EVLA procedure is performed
through a tiny nick in the skin to avoid scarring. The tiny laser
fiber is positioned using ultrasound guidance along with
administering dilute local anesthesia to completely numb the vein
before treatment. EVLA represents an FDA-cleared minimally-invasive
technique to treat symptomatic varicose veins with excellent
clinical and aesthetic results. Complications are minimal in the
hands of an experienced Vein Specialist.