Technical tip: cold saline infiltration instead of local anaesthetic in endovenous laser treatment

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a novel technique that is fast gaining acceptance as an alternative to open surgery for the treatment of long saphenous vein incompetence. In our experience, the use of cold saline infiltration (CSI) prior to laser occlusion is a safe alternative to local anaesthetic infiltration (LAI), avoiding the risks associated with local anaesthetic toxicity. CSI does not affect the immediate outcome of EVLT and allows the use of LAI to be reserved for additional open phlebectomies if required.