EVLA is the latest method for the treatment of major veins, previously treated by "stripping" surgery. With ultrasound guidance, a laser fiber is placed into the abnormal vein through a tiny incision. The vein is then numbed with local anesthetic, and the laser activated as the fiber is slowly removed. This produces a reaction in the vein wall along the treated section, resulting in collapse and sclerosis of the vein wall with minimal discomfort. The published success of EVLA treatment is between 95-98%, with far fewer complications than surgery. With the addition of EVLA to Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy, it is expected that varicose vein surgery will be performed much less frequently in the future.