What is endovenous laser varicose vein surgery?

Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery is a procedure that uses heat from a laser to reduce varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins that often happen on the thighs or calves. A laser is a device that sends a thin beam of radiation in the form of light. Laser surgery closes and shrinks the varicose vein and causes scar tissue within the vessel. This seals off the vein. Blood then flows through other nearby veins instead.

Some common uses of the procedure:

Doctors may use this procedure for cosmetic purposes. However, it is more often used to help ease symptoms such as:

• ● aching or throbbing pain
• ● leg heaviness/fatigue
• ● swelling
• ● skin irritation or sores (ulcers)
• ● skin discoloration
• ● painful swelling of the veins