EVLT

The Vari-Lase^TM Endovenous Laser procedure (EVLT) is a minimally invasive laser procedure that is used as an alternative to surgical stripping. Under local anesthetic in our comfortable, secure office, a laser fiber is inserted into the great or small saphenous vein through a very small opening. The fiber is then positioned accurately with ultrasound guidance and the area around the vein is anesthetized. The laser is then activated and the treatment lasts approximately 3 minutes. The vein is sealed closed preventing further reflux. After the procedure a compression stocking is applied and the patient is immediately ambulatory and ready to resume normal activities. Blood in the veins will drain out of the leg but will not be able to reflux back through the sealed vein. Benefits of EVLT over surgical stripping include:

Before

After

office based, not a surgical procedure faster recovery no scarring relief of symptoms and visible veins up to 98% success rate Post Endovenous Laser Patient Instructions (PDF)

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a relatively painless procedure where the vein is injected with a dilute chemical, causing the vein to collapse and disappear. The procedure is simple and can be done with or without ultrasound guidance. Using a tiny needle, the chemical injected will irritate the vein wall and cause it to collapse and disappear. Blood is rerouted to normal veins. Ultrasound guidance is extremely effective in locating the source of reflux and delivering the chemical to that source.

Sclerotherapy is used to treat unsightly spider veins and other veins not amenable to EVLT or ambulatory phlebectomy. Several sessions may be required and the number of injections will vary. Benefits of sclerotherapy include:

Before

After

relatively painless, no anesthesia veins can be treated at an early stage scarring and other complications are rare can resume normal activities long lasting Post Sclerotherapy Instructions (PDF)

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure done in the office under local anesthetic. It involves removal of veins through tiny incisions. The incisions are so small that there is virtually no scarring. The procedure is done for small and medium size veins. Benefits of ambulatory phlebectomy include:

Before

After

local anesthetic minimal scarring long lasting Post Ambulatory Phlebectomy Instructions (PDF)

Vein Gogh

How does it work?
The VeinGogh uses a process known as Ohmic Thermolysis to treat a variety of vascular lesions, including spider veins. The power generator produces a "microburst" of high frequency energy (4mhz) to the tip of a hair-thin probe. This microburst dissipates so quickly that only heat is generated. The heat instantly coagulates the blood and collapses the vessel wall which is then absorbed by the body. Because the needle directs the heat downward toward the vessel the outer layers of the skin are unaffected. The result of which is very little trauma to the surrounding tissue and very minimal visible blemishes.

Post Vein Gogh
Instructions (PDF)

Click here to view a VeinGogh Video Clip

Questions About Vein Gogh

The VeinGogh Ohmic Thermolysis System provides a superior solution for the treatment of fine telangiectasia, spider veins and small angiomas, especially recalcitrant vessels that have shown a resistance to sclerotherapy, laser or IPL treatment. VeinGogh is the fast, easy way to reliably treat these and other cosmetically unacceptable conditions, often with less discomfort compared to older therapies.

While lasers and other light-based solutions are expensive, skin-type dependent and have an inherent risk of injury, VeinGogh uses a hair-thin, insulated probe to thermocoagulate and instantly eliminate vessels dependably, repeatably, on any skin-type and on any part of the body.

Does the treatment hurt?

On a pain scale of 1–10, with some laser treatments being an 8–9, VeinGogh is a 2–3. Since the procedure uses a hair-thin, insulated probe, there can be a slight "pinch.” Patients report it feels similar to a hair being removed.

Is there any downtime?

The precise nature of the VeinGogh treatment limits the risk of over-treating, so there is little to no trauma to the skin. Following treatment, there will be some mild redness that is transient.

When will I see results?

Immediately, You will see continuous improvement over several weeks as the treated vessels are reabsorbed.

How many treatments are needed?

Generally only three to five treatments are necessary.

Will the veins come back?

Veins that have been properly treated will not return. However, new veins may develop over time and require retreatment. Follow-up visits are recommended for "touch-ups."

On what size vessels does VeinGogh work best?

VeinGogh works best on spider veins up to 0.3 mm. VeinGogh is not designed to treat feeders or larger vessels deep beneath the surface. Ideally, VeinGogh should be used in conjunction with sclerotherapy to effectively treat leg veins.

Does VeinGogh only work on veins?

No! VeinGogh can also be used to eliminate cherry angiomas, small hemangiomas, skin tags, spider nevi, and even the redness of rosacea.

Compression Hose

Certain measures can relieve some of the symptoms related to varicose veins and prevent more from arising. Compression stockings as prescribed by your physician can alleviate much of the swelling, burning, heaviness and tenderness related to varicose veins. Other measures to alleviate discomfort include exercising and walking, weight control, and avoid standing or sitting for long periods. Unfortunately, these measures do not correct the underlying cause of your symptoms. If symptoms such as severe leg pain and swelling or bleeding occur, consult your physician immediately.

Compression hose are available by prescription from various locations in central Connecticut.