What procedural technique is often used in endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)?

In endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), the central technique involves applying laser energy directly to the vein. This energy causes the vein walls to heat up, leading to denaturation of proteins and subsequent closure of the vein. The procedure is minimally invasive and is used primarily to treat varicose veins by targeting the underlying cause rather than simply removing or excising the affected vein.

This technique offers several advantages, including a quick recovery time, reduced pain compared to traditional surgical methods, and the ability to perform the procedure under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance, ensuring the precise placement of the laser fiber within the vein. By promoting the closure of the vein, EVLT effectively redirects blood flow to healthier veins, helping alleviate symptoms associated with venous insufficiency.

Other methods mentioned, while used in various contexts of venous treatment, do not apply directly to EVLT: ultrasound-guided aspiration is not a part of this technique, surgical excision involves physically removing the vein rather than closing it, and cryotherapy is unrelated to the basic principles of laser treatment for varicose veins.