Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA™) for large varicose veins. EVLA™ is the latest method for the treatment of major veins previously treated by stripping surgery under general anaesthetic. The procedure involves the placement of a laser fiber with ultrasound guidance into the abnormal vein via a tiny incision under local anaesthesia. The vein is then surrounded with local anaesthetic. The laser fiber is removed slowly whilst the laser is activated which destroys the vein wall along the treated length. The procedure involves virtually no discomfort. The published success of EVLA™ treatment is between 98% with significantly fewer complications as compared to stripping surgery. With the addition of EVLA™ to Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy it is expected that varicose vein surgical stripping will be performed less frequently.