Can ELVeS be used to treat varicose veins on the lower leg?

Could the ELVeS procedure be performed on varicose veins in the lower leg? I realize that the endovenous laser treatment cannot be used for the lower leg and I was wondering if ELVeS could be an alternative for me. Thank you.

Answers from doctors (4)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on May 24, 2017

These are the same procedure for sealing underlying saphenous vein reflux which causes varicose veins. Often times the varicose veins are in the lower leg, but the cause is the long saphenous vein (or short) higher up in the thigh. The lower leg can be safely treated with EVLA (EVLT) by an experienced vascular trained surgeon if the patient is a candidate (size and depth of the vein, etc.).
The actual varicose veins can be removed with minimal invasiveness by phlebectomy at the same time.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

These are the same procedure for sealing underlying saphenous vein reflux which causes varicose veins. Often times the varicose veins are in the lower leg, but the cause is the long saphenous vein (or short) higher up in the thigh. The lower leg can be safely treated with EVLA (EVLT) by an experienced vascular trained surgeon if the patient is a candidate (size and depth of the vein, etc.).
The actual varicose veins can be removed with minimal invasiveness by phlebectomy at the same time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Dec 09, 2009

Yes ELVeS (Endo Laser Vein System) can be used to treat varicose veinson the lower and upper leg. Like an endovenous laser treatment [EVLT] and ELVeS can be used on the lower leg. Greater caution is required with both of these procedures below the knee because of the proximity of the saphenous nerve with the saphenous vein, the usual target of the treatment. There is some hope because the ELVeS uses less energy during it treatment it may have a lower risk of complications, but this is not proven.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes ELVeS (Endo Laser Vein System) can be used to treat varicose veinson the lower and upper leg. Like an endovenous laser treatment [EVLT] and ELVeS can be used on the lower leg. Greater caution is required with both of these procedures below the knee because of the proximity of the saphenous nerve with the saphenous vein, the usual target of the treatment. There is some hope because the ELVeS uses less energy during it treatment it may have a lower risk of complications, but this is not proven.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Nov 30, 2009

The EVLS (aka EVLT or EVLA) it is actually use for varicose veins in the legs. Although there are some other potential applications, the most common use of this technique is treat varicose veins in the legs.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

The EVLS (aka EVLT or EVLA) it is actually use for varicose veins in the legs. Although there are some other potential applications, the most common use of this technique is treat varicose veins in the legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Published on Nov 29, 2009

All endovenous laser ablation treatments are FDA-approved for greater saphenous varicosity. Commonly the laser ablation is done for the thigh level of greater saphenous vein, while remaining varicose veins at calf are treated with hook-phlebectomy or sclerotherapy (most common). Endovenous laser ablation methods, including EVLT and ELVeS are usually not done for calf level of greater varicose vein since the saphenous nerve is attached to this vein at calf level, and treating this level of greater saphenous vein carries the high risk of permanent damage to this sensory nerve, resulting in permanent
numbness and tingling of inner side of calf.

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Answered by Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

All endovenous laser ablation treatments are FDA-approved for greater saphenous varicosity. Commonly the laser ablation is done for the thigh level of greater saphenous vein, while remaining varicose veins at calf are treated with hook-phlebectomy or sclerotherapy (most common). Endovenous laser ablation methods, including EVLT and ELVeS are usually not done for calf level of greater varicose vein since the saphenous nerve is attached to this vein at calf level, and treating this level of greater saphenous vein carries the high risk of permanent damage to this sensory nerve, resulting in permanent
numbness and tingling of inner side of calf.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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