Varicose Veins

Condition

What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They can be dark purple or blue, and look twisted and bulging. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. They develop when valves in the veins that allow blood to flow toward the heart stop working properly. As a result, blood pools in the veins and causes them to get larger.

Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people over age 50. They are more common in women than men.

Treatment

What type of treatment is available for varicose veins?
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a quick, minimally invasive laser procedure that leaves no scar and can be performed using a local anesthetic in an out patient setting. The laser energy damages the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates vein bulging at its source. After treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.

When should I consider EVLT?
Although this procedure may be used for cosmetic purposes, it is more commonly used to help treat symptoms. Symptoms are typically due to enlarged nonfunctional veins that cause circulatory problems (venous insufficiency). Symptoms include:

leg pain
swelling
skin irritation, sores (ulcers) and discoloration
inflammation of the veins (phlebitis), resulting in painful veins or varicosities

What should I expect BEFORE EVLT?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure. You should plan to have a relative or friend drive you home after your EVLT procedure.

What should I expect DURING EVLT?
The radiologist uses ultrasound to map out your vein. Local anesthetic is applied. A thin laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee. Laser energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein. EVLT takes less than one hour.

What should I expect AFTER EVLT?
Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged. Normal daily activity can be resumed (just avoid rigorous activities, such as gym workouts). There may be minor soreness and bruising. Any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain reliever as needed.

Our Service

The Division of Cardiovascular Imaging & Intervention provides a full range of diagnostic and image-guided interventional studies of the vascular system. This Division consists of seven full-time radiologists, all of whom are board certified in general radiology and fellowship trained with additional specialization in vascular procedures. In addition, each has extensive training in the use of x-ray equipment, x-ray dye and image interpretation.

Please see below for our Cardiovascular imaging interventional radiologist who specializes in performing EVLT:

Where is EVLT performed?

Massachusetts General Hospital
Division of Cardiovascular Imaging & Intervention
55 Fruit Street, Gray 2 (Gray 2 Floor Map )
Boston, MA 02114

How to schedule EVLT
A referral from a physician is necessary to schedule EVLT.

Phone: 617-726-8314

To assist with scheduling please have the following information ready when calling:

Name and phone number of the physician ordering EVLT
Indication for EVLT
Patient Medical Record Number (MRN)

Additional Information and Resources

MGH Collaborative Care

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

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