Varicose veins affect over eight million adults in the United States alone. Varicose veins are caused by abnormal valves that become weak, causing the blood to pool in the veins, particularly when you are standing. Symptoms include aching, swelling, heaviness, cramping, burning and itching.

The preferred methods for treating large varicose veins at the Happel Laser and Vein Centre are endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and ambulatory phlebectomy.

Endovenous laser treatment is used to deliver laser energy directly inside the vein to treat the "root of the problem" which is usually the saphenous vein. A small sterile laser fiber is inserted into this vein under local anesthesia and positioned under ultrasound guidance. Laser energy is then delivered directly inside the vein to close it completely. Treatment of varicose veins with this laser technique does not cause circulation problems because nearby veins take over and the circulation is actually improved.

With ambulatory phlebectomy, veins are removed through tiny puncture incisions usually created by puncturing the skin with a needle. After a few weeks to months, these puncture marks are totally invisible. Most insurance plans will cover this procedure. Patients are able to return to work the next day as opposed to the one or two weeks required with traditional methods where larger incisions are used.

Injections are sometimes an effective treatment for smaller varicosities. However, it is not our preferred method of choice for treating most varicose veins because of the high incidence of recurrence and side effects.