How is Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins performed?

EVLT is done as an outpatient procedure and can even be done during a lunch break. Ultrasound is required to observe the vein during the entire procedure. Your leg will be exposed from the groin to the lower thigh. A small amount of local anesthetic will be injected in your thigh and the entire leg will be cleaned with a sterile solution. Following this a small needle will be inserted in the vein at the thigh and through the vein, a small laser probe will be inserted all the way to the origin of the vein in the groin. When the probe is in the correct place, the laser is fired. The energy generated from the probe slowly causes the vein to collapse. The catheter is then slowly withdrawn while heating the entire vein.  After the procedure, a small dressing is applied to the incision and a compression dressing is applied around the thigh.