Endovenous Laser Treatment

Template:WikiDoc Cardiology News Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Endovenous Laser Treatment is a minimally invasive image-guided technique in which a catheter bearing a laser fiber is inserted under ultrasound guidance into the great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV) through a small puncture.

The catheter is then advanced (also under ultrasound guidance) to the level of the groin or knee crease and the laser activated resulting in obliteration of the vein. The catheter is then slowly withdrawn and the saphenous vein is ablated along its entire length. The treatment, which is performed without sedation, using local anesthetic typically takes less than an hour and the patient typically walks out under his or her own power and can return to work the same day. A compression stocking and/or bandage is applied which must be worn for 48 hours continuously. The compression bandage is removed after 48 hrs to allow the patient to shower. The compression stocking must be worn for one or two weeks while the patient is awake.

Foam sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy is often performed at the time of the procedure or within the first 1-2 weeks to treat branch varicose veins.

Results to date suggest a cure rate of over 95%.