Laser ablation for varicose veins (EVLA)
Endovenous ablation of varicose veins uses energy to cauterise (burn) and close varicose veins. It is used to help ease symptoms such as pain, swelling, and irritation. Laser energy is used to heat the vein in order to destroy it. EVLA is safe, less invasive than surgery, and leaves virtually no scars.
A fine tube (catheter) is passed through the skin near the knee and then threaded up the diseased long saphenous vein. The catheter is attached to a laser that heats the end of the catheter. The heat seals the walls of the vein so that no blood can flow through it. The operation can be done under general or local anaesthetic. We normally use local anaesthetic, since this allows a more rapid recovery after treatment.
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