Endovenous Laser for Varicose Veins in Southeast, WI

How Does Endovenous Laser Work?

Unlike traditional surgical methods, which involve physically removing or stripping the problematic veins, EVLT uses laser energy to close off the diseased vein from the inside. Endovenous means “inside the vein” and your physician will be entering specific veins to complete your treatment. EVLT minimizes any risk of scarring, reduces discomfort and leads to a quicker recovery. Typical treatments are 45 minutes, involve no down time, and are out-patient procedures.

Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

Before the procedure, the patient’s leg is cleansed and sterilized. A small incision is made in a pre-numbed area near the base of the affected vein. Through this incision, a tiny catheter and a thin laser fiber are inserted into the vein using ultrasound guidance.

Once the laser fiber is in place, the area around the targeted vein is numbed using a local anesthetic. When the patient is comfortable, the laser is activated and begins emitting laser energy. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light, which is absorbed by the blood within the vein. This causes the vein walls to contract. As the vein wall is heated, it becomes damaged and starts to collapse. Over the following few weeks, the collapsing vein is then sealed shut, preventing blood from flowing through it. This damaged vessel the body will naturally be absorbed by the body over the following months. 

The incision made for the EVLT procedure is very small and does not require stitches. Compression stocking is often applied to the treated leg to aid in healing and reduce swelling. There is no down time following a procedure and patients are able to drive themselves home immediately following treatments.

Our Office Locations

We have served the greater-Milwaukee area and beyond since 2004. We welcome patients from all over Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and beyond. We have two clinic locations: