Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins that are often not visible from the outside – but are causing a lot of problems for you. The procedure isn’t usually painful, as you will receive local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure begins.
This is a sterile procedure performed in the clinic setting. The clinician uses ultrasound to visualize the vein, numbs the area, and inserts a very small tube into the vein (a bit like starting an IV). A tiny laser filament is then inserted through this tube and the heat from the laser beam closes the vein. The blood will no longer flow through this diseased vein, but the body will re-route the blood through the healthy veins (much like a traffic detour).
When the procedure is finished the leg will be wrapped in a dressing and mild compression. You will wear this for 48 hours then take it off yourself. Some bruising and soreness are normal after the procedure and can be managed by ice and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications. You may return to nearly all regular activities immediately after the bandages are removed.
