With one of the gentlest, more effective lasers at the Austin Vein Institute, the 1420 nm diode laser has focused wavelengths of light that target the intracellular water of the vein wall in our endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). Double board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Christopher Brennig offers this therapeutic approach to rid varicose veins. This targeted approach allows the reliable and accurate treatment of large varicose veins while avoiding much of the pain and bruising typically associated with stripping and older laser therapies.

EVLT can also be combined with other varicose vein treatments such as ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and/or a microphlebectomy. Dr. Brennig may recommend EVLT for patients who have enlarging veins with pain, increased heaviness felt in the leg, and other common (acute or chronic) symptoms associated with varicose veins. All EVLT treatments are performed in the comfort of our office in Austin, TX.

BEST CANDIDATES

We see patients of all ages at Austin Vein Institute, but the best candidates for EVLT have oversized, protruding veins above and/or beneath the knee joint. If you have distorted or very small veins, EVLT is not right for you. As part of Dr. Brennig’s seven years of intensive training during his general surgery residency and vascular surgery fellowship, he endured rigorous education and trainings to become a board-certified vascular surgeon. He will help you select the best treatment options (alone or as a combination of therapies) for you to receive optimal overall treatment designed for your needs only.

TREATMENT DETAILS

When you come into our office for your EVLT appointment, we will escort you to one of our private treatment rooms. Under sterile conditions, Dr. Brennig will use a localized injection of lidocaine to numb the injection area. This appointment should last between 30 – 40 minutes. When Dr. Brennig passes the laser light over the vein, the energy from the laser essentially causes the vein to close down and later dissolve. For patients with more advanced or complicated varicose veins, subsequent treatments may be necessary to complete the therapy and prevent recurrence.

RECOVERY

While you may experience some mild to moderate tenderness in the treatment area, all normal activities can be resumed following an EVLT. You should be able to get up and walk immediately and return to work following the EVLT. Dr. Brennig will encourage you to wear compression stockings and remain active with light activities like walking and stretching may help the soreness and a faster recovery. The tenderness you will feel make be similar to muscle soreness after a challenging workout at the gym. Also, please keep all follow-up appointments with Dr. Brennig so that he can document your progress, perform an ultrasound to detect that no blood clotting has formed, and to assist you in getting the most out of your treatments.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EVLT

If you’re interested in state-of-the-art laser varicose vein treatment, Dr. Brennig is a board-certified vascular surgeon who would like to help with EVLT. You only get one body. Let him evaluate your veins to make sure your vascular system is functioning as well as it could be. Make an appointment at your earliest convenience.