EVLA · Endovenous Laser Ablation
EVLA — Laser Vein Treatment in Sheffield
The gold-standard minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins — performed by Prof Steve Goode, NHS Consultant Interventional Radiologist. No general anaesthetic. No stitches. Walk in, walk out.
Consultant-Led
Assessed and treated personally by Prof Goode
Duplex Ultrasound Included
At your initial consultation
NICE-Recommended
Gold-standard treatment for varicose veins
Walk In, Walk Out
Outpatient procedure — no hospital stay
Same-Day Treatment Planning
Diagnosis and plan in one appointment
Living With Varicose Veins — You Don't Have To
Aching legs. Heavy, swollen ankles by evening. Veins you hide rather than show.
For many people, varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern. They affect how you feel at the end of a long day, what you wear, and whether you feel confident in your own skin.
Many patients have been told their veins are “not bad enough” to treat — or have waited months on an NHS list only to be turned away. Modern treatment has changed dramatically.
EVLA is a walk-in, walk-out procedure that addresses the underlying cause of varicose veins in a single session. No surgery. No general anaesthetic. No overnight stay.
At Sheffield Vein Clinic, treatment starts with a proper diagnosis — a duplex ultrasound examination performed personally by Prof Steve Goode — so the right treatment is recommended from your very first appointment.
What Is EVLA?
Endovenous Laser Ablation — the same procedure recommended by NICE and performed in leading NHS vein centres.
EVLA uses targeted laser energy delivered from inside the diseased vein to seal it permanently. Rather than surgically removing the vein, EVLA closes it from within — blood naturally reroutes through healthy vessels and the treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body.
EVLA is recommended by NICE as the first-line treatment for significant varicose veins in the UK. At Sheffield Vein Clinic, every EVLA procedure is performed by Prof Steve Goode — a Consultant Interventional Radiologist who brings NHS subspecialty expertise in ultrasound-guided endovascular procedures to every case.
Am I Suitable for EVLA?
EVLA is suitable for the majority of patients with significant varicose veins. Suitability is always confirmed by duplex ultrasound at your first appointment.
Duplex ultrasound confirms venous reflux
Reflux identified in the great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV) — the two most commonly affected trunks
Varicose veins causing physical symptoms
Aching, heaviness, swelling, skin changes or restless legs — not purely a cosmetic concern
Vein anatomy suitable for laser treatment
The diseased vein is of sufficient calibre and accessible for laser fibre placement
Patient is mobile and able to walk post-procedure
Walking immediately after EVLA is actively encouraged — it is an important part of recovery
Not sure if EVLA is right for you? Some patients — including those with very small or tortuous veins or on certain anticoagulant medications — may be better suited to foam sclerotherapy or a combination approach. Prof Goode will advise at consultation.
How the EVLA Procedure Works — Step by Step
Performed as an outpatient treatment in 45–90 minutes. No general anaesthetic. No surgical incisions.
01 Duplex Ultrasound Mapping
Prof Goode uses duplex ultrasound to mark the exact course of the diseased vein on your leg — ensuring every step of the procedure is guided by real anatomy.
02 Local Anaesthesia
A small amount of local anaesthetic is applied at the access point — usually just below the knee. A fine needle puncture allows the laser sheath to be introduced. No surgical incision.
03 Tumescent Anaesthesia
A dilute local anaesthetic solution is injected along the full length of the vein under ultrasound guidance — numbing the area, compressing the vein, and protecting surrounding tissue.
04 Laser Delivery
The laser fibre is slowly withdrawn along the vein while activated, sealing the vessel wall permanently. Prof Goode monitors every millimetre under real-time ultrasound guidance.
05 Compression & Aftercare
A compression stocking is applied immediately. You are encouraged to walk before you leave the clinic. Most patients drive home the same day.
Recovery Timeline
- Same day — Walking encouraged. Most patients drive home.
- First 48 hours — Leg may feel bruised and tender. This is normal.
- 48–72 hours — Most patients return to desk-based work.
- 2 weeks — Compression stockings worn throughout.
- 2–4 weeks — Return to exercise and more physical activity.
- 6–8 weeks — Follow-up duplex ultrasound confirms successful closure.
What Results Can I Expect?
Clinical studies report high rates of successful vein closure following EVLA. Most patients experience a significant improvement in symptoms — aching, heaviness and swollen ankles — within the first few weeks, with ongoing cosmetic improvement as treated veins fade over months.
The procedure addresses the root cause of varicose veins — not just the visible surface. For patients with venous leg ulcers, early EVLA has been shown in clinical trials to significantly accelerate healing.
Why Have EVLA With Prof Steve Goode?
Consultant Interventional Radiologist. The specialist who performs your procedure — personally.
Prof Steve Goode is a Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and newly appointed Professor — a specialty that pioneered the endovascular techniques at the heart of modern vein treatment. At Sheffield Vein Clinic, he brings that same level of expertise to every EVLA he performs.
- Duplex ultrasound performed by Prof Goode himself — at your first consultation
- EVLA performed personally by Prof Goode — every time
- Real-time ultrasound guidance throughout the procedure
- Follow-up duplex scan included — to confirm closure
- Full treatment range available — combination therapy if needed
- Transparent pricing — no hidden charges
EVLA — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before requesting your consultation.
Request Your EVLA Consultation in Sheffield
Find out whether EVLA is right for you — with a proper diagnosis, not a guess.
Your consultation with Prof Steve Goode includes a full duplex ultrasound assessment — so you leave with a clear diagnosis, a personalised treatment plan, and realistic expectations.