Endovenous Laser Ablation with Phlebectomy

The use of lasers has become an accepted alternative to surgical stripping to treat varicose veins. Your doctor has recommended the Endovenous Laser Ablation with Phlebectomy treatment for your varicose veins. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is actually two procedures in one. The Endovenous Laser Technique (ELT) is performed with a laser fiber, which is inserted into the diseased vein through a catheter. The laser energy is then delivered through the fiber, which causes the vein to close as the fiber is gradually removed. The next step is to perform an Ambulatory Phlebectomy (AP). The Phlebectomy involves the removal of part of the diseased vein. This part of the vein will be tied off and removed through tiny punctures in the skin. This treatment is performed to remove surface bulging varicose veins.

After your procedure, a compression dressing will be applied to your leg and a compression stocking will be put on over the dressing. You will return to the office in 5-7 days following the ELT/AP procedure. At this time, the compression wrap will be removed from your leg. You will continue to wear your compression stocking as suggested by the doctor.

In 6 – 8 weeks you will return to the office for an ultrasound and if required, some follow up injections. If there are deeper veins involved, these will be treated with ultrasound guided injections.

Please note, not everyone is a candidate for the laser procedure. Your doctor will let you know if you meet the criteria from a medical standpoint after your ultrasound testing.

Laser Fiber inserted into leg

Normal Vein

Bad Vein

Advantages of ELT/AP:

• The treatment can be done in less than an hour.
• It can be performed in a doctor’s office.
• In most cases, there is an immediate relief of symptoms.
• Patients can return to normal activity immediately with little or no pain.
• No anesthesia or hospitalization is required.
• There is no scarring as a result of the procedure.