Endovenous vein ablation is a non-surgical treatment for varicose veins. It may be an alternative to surgical ligation and stripping. In this outpatient procedure, your care team will put a tiny, flexible tube into a small incision in your leg. They will put the tube in the varicose vein and deliver heat to the varicose vein. This causes the vein to collapse and seal shut.

There are two types of this treatment:

• Radiofrequency vein ablation: The ablation heat is created by using radiofrequency (sound waves).
• Laser vein ablation: The ablation heat is created by using laser (light waves).

As you heal, the blood flow of the collapsed vein will be redirected to nearby healthy veins.

This treatment offers many advantages that surgery does not, including a shorter recovery with minimal scarring.

Your care team will explain how you should prepare for the procedure, what to expect and what care you will need afterward. Learn more about the Northwestern Medicine Vein Center.