Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins. Heat is applied to the affected areas via laser fiber, which ablates (destroys) the enlarged veins.
Overview
Most vein care experience in Madison
From varicose veins and spider veins to more serious venous conditions, the UW Health Vein Clinic provides the most qualified and experienced team to help you get back to stepping out in style.
No other facility is as focused or as experienced in the treatment of venous diseases like spider and varicose veins. Our team of board-certified vascular surgeons offers decades of experience helping patients with many different venous conditions using a variety of treatments.
Conditions and treatments
Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic issue
Varicose veins are not only unattractive. Varicose veins can cause pain, heaviness and fatigue. Left untreated, varicose veins can progress to a chronic condition that may cause swelling, discoloration and even ulcers.
What are some of the symptoms of venous disease?
Pain or aching discomfort in the legs
Heaviness or a tired feeling in the legs
Tenderness over the dilated veins
Itching
Swelling
Dermatitis over the lower leg (a red itchy rash)
Dark pigmentation of the skin
Ulceration (sores that don’t heal)
Bleeding from veins close to the skin
Hard, tender, reddened veins (phlebitis)
Symptoms are usually worse at the end of the day, and after standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Many women note that the symptoms are worse during the days immediately before their menstrual cycle. Discomfort may be improved with elevation of the legs.
Conditions we treat include
Spider veins
Varicose veins
Leg aches, heaviness and fatigue
Chronic venous insufficiency
Leg skin changes
Phlebitis
Treatments and services
Treatment options for venous conditions include:
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution directly into the varicose or spider vein, which stops bloodflow by causing the vein walls to swell and seal shut. The vein then gradually fades away.
Vein ligation is when a varicose vein is tied off through a small incision to stop blood from entering it. Vein stripping is the removal of the vein. Healthy veins take over for the removed veins to restore blood flow.
Microphlebectomy is a procedure in which small incisions are made in the skin and varicose veins are hooked by a special instrument. The vein segments are then removed.
A transilluminated-powered phlebectomy involves a light source and small device to remove diseased veins through a small skin incision.
Nonthermal, nontumescent ablation causes vein closure using sclerosing agents, glue, or mechanical methods. These procedures do not require heat, so the likelihood of adjacent nerve injury is reduced. Injected anesthetic is not needed.
RFA is when a vein doctor uses targeted heat to damage a diseased vein wall and cause scar tissue to form, closing the vein.
Meet our team
Expert specialists
Location