Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT or ELT), also known as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), is a minimally invasive procedure that treats varicose veins. These large, often bulging veins are created by venous insufficiency or venous reflux disease, which happens when the valves in your veins don’t work properly.
“Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close, to help the blood return back to the heart,” explains Dr. Michael Nguyen, a board-certified phlebologist in NYC, in a RealSelf Q&A. “Venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart no longer function, causing blood to pool in the legs.” The collected blood creates pressure, making them expand and bulge. The enlarged vein may be deep in your tissue or visible through your skin.
Though varicose veins are usually benign, they can cause pain and discomfort or lead to complications like ulcers and blood clots. Symptoms like swelling, heaviness, fatigue, and cramping in the legs can be signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
An EVLT procedure uses laser energy to close off the diseased veins, which shrink over the next few weeks until they're no longer noticeable. Blood flow is redirected from the affected veins to healthy veins, improving blood circulation.
RealSelf Tip: The pressure from varicose veins can also spread through your vascular system and cause spider veins, meaning that those smaller, surface-level veins may indicate a deeper circulation issue.
