Endovenous ablation shuts down a large, long vein by targeting heat energy inside the vein to seal it shut.

This heat can be created with a laser, known as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), or with radio frequency ablation (RFA). Both are the latest technologies and replace vein stripping procedures that had been used.

EVLA and RFA are minimally invasive and highly effective. They are usually performed in a comfortable office setting. EVLA is also sometimes referred to as EVLT® (endovenous laser treatment).

For various reasons, only one large vein can be treated with laser ablation at a time. If you have more than one abnormal veins eligible for laser treatment, they can each be treated approximately two to three weeks apart.

Other advantages of endovenous laser ablation and radio frequency ablation include:

• Treatment in less than an hour
• Can be performed in the doctor’s office
• Up to 98 percent success rate
• Immediate relief of symptoms
• Return to normal activities immediately
• No general anesthesia or hospitalization
• No scars

Procedure Details

Here’s what to expect from the procedure:

1. Your doctor uses ultrasound to map out the vein to be treated.
2. Local anesthesia is applied.
3. A thin catheter is inserted through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee.
4. Laser or radio frequency energy is delivered to seal the vein shut.
5. After the catheter is removed, a small bandage is placed over the insertion site.
6. Your compression stocking will then be placed on your treated leg; you should wear it for one week following the procedure.
7. Walking around the clinic for 20 minutes immediately after the procedure is encouraged.
8. Normal daily activity can be resumed; just avoid rigorous activities such as gym workouts.
9. There may be minor soreness and bruising.
10. Any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers as necessary.
11. One week after the procedure, you will have an ultrasound of the treated vein to ensure is still closed.
12. RFA and EVLA treat the large vein or veins that caused your varicose veins in the first place. They do not directly shut down those visible varicose veins themselves, although these may shrink in size and number after the ablation procedure.
13. In some cases, treatment with RFA or EVLA is all that is needed to eliminate all the visible varicose veins. However, for most patients, a second procedure, usually sclerotherapy, is needed to treat the remaining veins.

Read how to prepare for and what to expect after endovenous thermal ablation.

After the vein is closed, healthy veins take over and reestablish a healthier blood flow. Possible complications are similar to those of other venous procedures: numbness, bruising, and phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Lawson, Jeffrey H.
  • Surgery / Vascular
  • Pathology
• Mureebe, Leila
  • Surgery / Vascular
• Shortell, Cynthia E.K.
  • Surgery / Vascular
  • Radiology
• Watters, Christopher R.
  • Surgery / General and Advanced GI

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Aesthetic Center
  3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705
• Duke General Surgery of Raleigh at Cedarhurst Drive
  1212 Cedarhurst Drive, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27609