What is endovenous laser ablation?
Laser therapy is an alternative to the traditional method of surgically stripping varicose veins. Endovenous laser therapy uses a laser to deliver heat into the vein, which results in closing of the varicosed vein. Ultrasound is used throughout the exam to guide vein access and to precisely place the laser.

Where is the procedure done?
Your procedure will be done on the first floor of the Indiana Heart Physicians medical office building, located at 5330 East Stop 11 Rd., Indianapolis, Ind.

What happens before the procedure?

• You will be made comfortable in our laser therapy treatment room.
• You will be given a patient gown and a pair of loose-fitting shorts to wear, as well as a sheet or blanket for warmth.
• The vascular sonographer will use ultrasound to look at your varicose vein. She or he will place a mark on your skin over the vein with a permanent marker.
• The area where the doctor will be working will be prepped with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
• You will then be covered from your shoulders to feet with a sterile sheet.
• It is important that you lay very still from this time forward.

What happens during the procedure?

• The procedure will begin as the doctor makes a very small puncture to the area being treated. The puncture will allow the doctor to place a short tube called a sheath into your vein usually above or below the knee.
• Using ultrasound guidance, the physician will introduce a needle followed by a guide wire and sheath into the varicose vein. A local anesthesia is administered along the entire length of vein to be treated.
• You may feel a sting or burn as the numbing medication is injected to the area being treated. After the medication takes effect, you should only feel dull pressure.
• The doctor will then place a laser fiber through the sheath and advance it to the area being treated.
• Under ultrasound guidance, the doctor will activate the laser, and heat energy will be delivered into the vein. The heat energy (laser) is what closes the vein.
• The doctor directs the laser fiber to the areas of the vein that need to be treated and then removes the fiber from the body.  After the laser is removed from the vein, ultrasound is performed to confirm the complete closing of the vein.
• A small bandage will be placed over your incision site and a compression stocking will be put on the leg that was treated.

How long will the procedure take?
It will take 1 ½ -2 hours to perform the exam.

What happens after the procedure?
You will be permitted to get dressed and walk out of the office. However, you will need someone to drive you home due to the bandages on your leg. You should not drive for 24 hours following the procedure. You will be given a return appointment for a follow-up ultrasound in one week.

How do I contact you for questions?
You will be given contact information for any questions you may have. You may also contact us by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 317.893.1900.