Endovenous vein ablation is now the preferred treatment for poorly functioning veins. This minimally invasive procedure adresses varicose veins at their source. Done in the office, it typically takes less than 30 minutes to do from start to finish. A treatment catheter is guided by ultrasound into an abnormal vein through a tiny incision. Precise delivery of heat with either laser or radiofrequency catheters result in vein closure. Ablation can also be accomplished with medication that is injected and results in vein closure. Blood is naturally routed to the many other normal veins in the leg. Only local anesthesia is needed and the discomfort during and after the procedure is minimal. This procedure has replaced the ‘vein stripping’ operation of years past.