Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) in Los Angeles & Walnut
Endovenous Laser Ablation — commonly referred to as EVLA — is widely recognized as the gold standard for treating varicose veins caused by underlying venous insufficiency. At Vein Care Medical Center in Los Angeles & Walnut, Dr. Michael D. Landau uses this cutting-edge, non-surgical procedure to permanently close diseased trunk veins using precisely delivered laser energy — eliminating the surface bulging veins they cause without surgery, scarring, or significant downtime.
Request an AppointmentHow EVLA Works
EVLA treats varicose veins from the inside out. A thin laser fiber is inserted into the diseased vein through a tiny entry point in the skin. Under ultrasound guidance, laser light energy travels through the fiber and is delivered directly to the vein wall. As Dr. Landau carefully withdraws the fiber, the laser’s thermal energy causes the vein to contract, collapse, and permanently close. The treated vein — a superficial vessel responsible for less than 5% of total blood flow — is safely rerouted through healthy veins nearby. Over time, the closed vein is absorbed by the body and disappears.
CoolTouch® EVLA at Vein Care Medical Center
Vein Care Medical Center utilizes the CoolTouch® EndoVenous (CTEV) laser system, one of the most comfortable and effective laser platforms available for endovenous ablation. CoolTouch® is specifically designed to deliver optimal thermal energy while minimizing discomfort to surrounding tissues. For patients who previously avoided vein treatment due to concerns about pain, scarring, or lengthy recovery, CoolTouch® represents a significant advancement in patient comfort.
Benefits of CoolTouch® EVLA at Vein Care Medical Center:
- Fast relief of symptoms including pain, heaviness, and leg swelling
- Virtually pain-free procedure
- Minimal bruising and minimal scarring
- Performed entirely in-office
- No general anesthesia required
- Over 95% clinical success rates
- Considered the most comfortable laser treatment available for varicose veins
Targeted, Precise Treatment
Medical lasers operate with exceptional precision, targeting only the diseased vessel without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. In the hands of an experienced vein specialist like Dr. Landau, EVLA carries a significantly lower risk of complications compared to surgical approaches such as vein stripping — which requires general anesthesia, multiple incisions, and weeks of recovery time.
What to Expect During and After Your Procedure
Your EVLA procedure at Vein Care Medical Center will be completed in less than one hour. Dr. Landau performs the treatment in his office using a local anesthetic — no sedation or hospital setting required. Following treatment, you can return to your everyday activities immediately. There is no downtime. Compression stockings will be recommended to support healing and optimize results. Most patients experience noticeable symptom relief right away, with continued improvement as the treated vein is absorbed over the following weeks.
Is EVLA Right for You?
EVLA is suitable for patients with symptomatic venous insufficiency and the varicose veins, leg pain, swelling, or ankle discoloration that result from it. It is also an effective first step in a comprehensive vein treatment plan that may include sclerotherapy or Direct Vision Sclerotherapy for any remaining surface veins. Call (323) 934-9191 to schedule your consultation at our Los Angeles or Walnut office today.
EVLA – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) and how is it different from vein stripping?
EVLA is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses laser energy delivered inside the vein to close it from within. Vein stripping, by contrast, is a surgical procedure that physically removes the vein through incisions and requires general anesthesia, an outpatient surgical setting, and several weeks of recovery. EVLA is performed in-office under local anesthesia, takes less than an hour, and patients can return to normal activity the same day.
Is EVLA painful?
EVLA at Vein Care Medical Center is performed using local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. The CoolTouch® laser system used by Dr. Landau is specifically engineered for patient comfort. After treatment, some mild soreness or bruising along the treated vein is normal but typically resolves within a few days.
How long does an EVLA procedure take?
Most EVLA procedures at Vein Care Medical Center are completed in under one hour. You will be awake throughout and can walk out of the office and drive home after your appointment. There is no need for a companion to accompany you unless you prefer one.
What is the success rate of EVLA?
EVLA has one of the highest success rates among all minimally invasive vein treatments, with clinical studies consistently reporting success rates above 95% for vein closure. Dr. Landau performs follow-up ultrasound imaging to confirm closure and ensure your results are durable.
Will my insurance cover EVLA?
EVLA performed for the treatment of medically necessary venous insufficiency is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare. Vein Care Medical Center participates in Medicare and accepts assignment on approved procedures. If symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, or skin changes are documented, coverage is often available. Contact our office to discuss your insurance and financing options.
Can EVLA be combined with other vein treatments?
Yes — EVLA is frequently the foundation of a comprehensive vein treatment plan. After the diseased trunk vein is closed with EVLA, any remaining spider veins or smaller varicose veins can be addressed with sclerotherapy or Direct Vision Sclerotherapy. Dr. Landau will outline the full plan during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect at each stage of treatment.
How quickly will my varicose veins disappear after EVLA?
The treated trunk vein closes immediately following the procedure. Surface bulging veins connected to it typically begin to shrink and flatten within two to four weeks as blood flow is rerouted. Full cosmetic improvement may take several months as the body absorbs the closed vessels. Dr. Landau will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress.