Endovenous Laser Treatment

The picture above demonstrates the EVLT procedure

Varicose veins produce significant symptoms and can lead to serious medical conditions. It’s hard to believe that it was just a few years ago that the only remedy for varicose veins was through surgical vein stripping. This process involved surgery followed by a lengthy recovery period.

The good news is those days are over! Boulder Vein Center is pleased to offer state of the art procedures that will eliminate varicose veins. The Venacure EVLT laser treatment is a clinically proven in-office procedure that takes about one hour. There is minimal to no scarring and no general anesthesia or hospitalization is required for this varicose vein treatment. Our patients can return to their normal routine quickly and the procedure is covered by most insurance carriers.

Endovenous Laser Ablation:

During your initial visit to Boulder Vein Center, you will be seen by one of our Registered Vascular Technologists for an ultrasound. This will be followed by a consultation with Dr. Richard Fox or Dr. Akin Beckley to determine if you are an eligible candidate for Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT). EVLT is a minimally invasive office-based technique for addressing the underlying cause of varicose veins. EVLT is utilized on the great and/or small saphenous veins if they are found to be incompetent or have reflux. EVLT of appropriate varicose veins shows clear patient benefits over surgery and other alternative treatments. Benefits include:

• Success rate of up to 98%
• Minimal-to-no scarring or hospitalization
• A low risk of complications
• A quick recovery with excellent patient satisfaction

Endovenous Ablation was first pioneered in 1999 and is an FDA-approved procedure for treatment of varicose veins. Dr. Richard Fox was one of the first surgeons in Boulder to offer this procedure to our community.

Laser Vein Treatment

A local anesthetic is injected into the leg to numb the area. Once this is complete, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the damaged vein through a very small entry point in the skin. This is done utilizing ultrasound guidance. A laser light is emitted through this fiber. As the fiber is pulled back through the vein, it delivers a specific amount of energy. The targeted tissue reacts with the light energy, causing the vein to close and seal shut. The veins that are closed are superficial veins that handle less than five percent of the body’s blood flow. The blood is automatically routed to other, healthy veins.

The procedure itself takes about 45 minutes depending on how many veins are being treated in a single visit. Boulder Vein Center uses a gold-tipped, jacketed fiber, which prevents any contact between the fiber and the vein wall. This prevents much of the pain and bruising that is often associated with the more conventional method of vein ligation and stripping.

Some patients may experience temporary soreness or some slight swelling. This is treated effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers and typically subsides within the first five days. The small incision site(s) are covered with steri-strips and the leg(s) wrapped with ACE bandages or Compression Socks.

Learn More About Pre-Procedure Instructions

Learn More About Post-Operative Instructions

Varicose Vein Removal Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact Boulder Vein Center at

303-449-8346 if you have any questions about EVLT or other vein procedures or would like to schedule an appointment.