This procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in a physician’s office or clinic, to treat symptomatic varicose veins. A laser fiber is advanced through the skin incision into the insufficient vein. The laser then heats the lining of the affected vein, causing it to shrink and collapse and to eventually disappear. This technique is used to treat large varicose veins and is not suitable for spider veins.

Ablation uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter inserted into a vein in the leg. Tiny electrodes at the tip of the catheter heat the walls of the vein and destroy it. Similarly, laser treatment uses a tiny fiber that is placed in the vein through a catheter. The fiber sends out laser energy that kills the diseased portion of the vein, and the vein closes off. These two modes of treatment frequently replace the stripping that is performed on the saphenous vein that is described above. The objective is to destroy the saphenous vein that is providing the source for varicose vein development. It can be performed alone or in conjunction with ambulatory phlebectomy, which removes individual clusters of varicose veins from the leg. Your vascular surgeon will advise you regarding which procedure is best for your particular situation.