Approximately 40% of women and 25% of men will be affected by varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Endovenous laser ablation is a safe, outpatient procedure designed to eliminate reflux in the greater saphenous vein and alleviate the painful, unsightly symptoms commonly associated with venous reflux disease. Unlike sclerotherapy and other superficial approaches, endovenous laser ablation treats the root cause of the problem providing an over 95% success rate with most symptoms resolving within 3 to 6 months.

ADVANTAGES

	•	Minimally invasive with no general anesthesia required
	•	Normal activity may be resumed within 24 hours
	•	No scarring
	•	Over 95% occlusion
	•	No vein stripping
	•	Performed by qualified, board certified EPIC West radiologists

PATIENT LIMITATIONS

	•	Patients with deep vein problems are not candidates
	•	Patients with prior surgical stripping may not be suitable

THE PROCEDURE
An ultrasound DVT is conducted prior to the procedure to determine the health of the patient's deep vein structures. The procedure begins with a detailed ultrasound guided mapping of the greater saphenous vein. A tiny incision is made and the laser catheter inserted into the vein. The radiologist guides the laser up the greater saphenous vein using ultrasound. The laser is fired as it is slowly extracted causing the vein to seal. The body will naturally redirect blood flow to other healthy veins.

Endovenous ablation is often covered by insurance for patients who demonstrate symptomatic venous reflux disease. Please call EPIC West at 503-643-7226 for additional details.