Endovenous laser ablation

Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive technique used for treating some types of vascular malformations.

• An interventional radiologist, using image guidance, inserts a catheter into the malformed vessels of the affected area. A laser fiber is then insertedthrough the catheter.
• When activated, the laser produces energy that causes the blood within the abnormal veins to heat and bubble, damaging the cells in the wall of the vein.
• The malformed veins shrink in the weeks to months following the procedure and your child’s body reroutes blood through healthy, well-functioning veins.

How Children’s Hospital Boston approaches endovenous laser ablation

This procedure in children is different than in adults, because children have smaller and more delicate blood vessels. Our interventional radiologists are skilled in using the specialized techniques and small catheters necessary to perform endovenous laser ablation in children.

In addition to the interventional radiologist, your child will be treated by a team of anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses and technologists who specialize in caring for children who have undergone interventional radiology procedures and treatments.

We perform endovenous laser ablation in our suite on the second floor of the hospital, which features three procedure rooms equipped with the latest imaging technology, a recovery area for patients who have received sedation or anesthesia, and examining rooms for outpatient visits.