Now being performed at Florida Hospital Waterman, endovenous laser treatment (ELT) is a quick, minimally invasive procedure to correct varicose veins.  It is performed on an outpatient basis in about one hour, without complicated surgery, and most people can return to normal daily activity immediately.

During treatment, a small optic fiber is inserted through a needle into the varicose vein under ultrasound guidance. As the optic fiber is moved through the vein, the laser is activated and gently heats and closes the vein. Once the vein is closed, the blood that was circulating through the vein is naturally rerouted to other healthy veins, re-establishing normal blood flow.

According to surgeon William Middleton, M.D., "Laser treatment for varicose veins offers many benefits including little to no pain, no general anesthesia, no scars, and rapid recovery time.”  

Spider veins, which are tiny visible vessels within the skin, can be treated simultaneously with the painless injection of a newly developed foam which has no complicating side effects.  This is most effective for small spider veins.  Medium to large spider veins are best treated with glycerol. 

For more information about endovenous laser treatment options at Florida Hospital Waterman, please call 352.253.3388.