Endovenous laser treatment

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Endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive image-guided technique in which a catheter bearing a laser fibre is inserted under ultrasound guidance into the great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV) through a small puncture. The laser is used to ablate the vein along its entire length.

The treatment is performed using local anesthetic. 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.