HTA Details
Endovascular Laser Treatment and Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins
- Publication date
-
2011-February-01
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Cardiac Cardiovascular
- Recommendation
-
Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendations
- Endovascular laser treatment and radiofrequency ablation are safe, less invasive and cost-effective alternatives to surgical vein stripping that should be made available to people with symptomatic varicose veins and saphenous venous reflux demonstrated on a full duplex ultrasound investigation and, when feasible, following a failed trial of conservative management.
- There is an absolute medical necessity for a surgical approach including radio frequency ablation or endovascular laser treatment of varicose veins associated with venous ulcer, thrombophlebitis, or bleeding. However, the decision to recommend a similar treatment approach based on other symptoms attributed to chronic venous reflux should be made on an individual basis and guided by validated disease severity scales such as the Venous Clinical Severity Score.
- Ministry Response
-
The Ministry of Health endorses this recommendation.
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To read the full OHTAC Recommendation Report for this topic, contact our Health Innovation team using the contact form to request a digital copy.
Varicose veins are enlarged or twisted veins caused by damaged valves that let blood flow backwards (a condition called reflux). Some varicose veins cause swelling, skin problems and ulcers (sores) and may need surgery to remove the damaged veins.
Endovascular treatments are less invasive than surgery. They use radio waves and lasers to shrink or destroy the damaged part of the vein. These treatments can be done in clinics rather than hospitals and require less recovery time.
Supporting Documents
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
