Laser therapy

Dr. Linde has been working with endovenous laser therapy for the treatment of varicose veins (varices) for over 25 years and has successfully performed several thousand procedures. Thanks to this consistent specialization, it is possible to safely and minimally invasively treat virtually any type of varicose vein – regardless of diameter, length, or tortuosity – using laser technology. To date, every varicose vein requiring treatment has been successfully treated endovenously.

What does “laser” mean in vein medicine?

The term laser stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation” and describes highly focused light with a precisely defined wavelength. In modern vein medicine, selecting the correct wavelength is crucial, as large trunk veins have different physical properties than smaller vessels.

In our clinic, we use state-of-the-art diode lasers with 1470 nm and 1940 nm. In addition, Nd:YAG and IPL technologies are available for treating smaller vessels. Each wavelength is precisely matched to the vessel size, enabling safe, tissue-sparing, and long-lasting closure of the diseased vein.

Why varicose veins need to be treated

Patients usually seek treatment due to visible, tortuous veins in the legs. These can cause swelling, heaviness, tension, itching, or nighttime discomfort. If left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency may develop, potentially leading to skin changes or even leg ulcers.

Important: visible varicose veins are often only the tip of the iceberg. The underlying reflux typically originates in deeper trunk veins such as the great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein. A lasting treatment therefore requires closure of these insufficient main veins.

Laser instead of stripping – the key difference

Traditional stripping surgery, where the vein is physically removed, is now considered significantly more traumatic. During extraction, numerous side branches are torn, leading to bleeding, extensive bruising, tissue adhesions, and often weeks of downtime. General or spinal anesthesia is required.

Endovenous laser therapy replaces this with a gentle, outpatient procedure – without scalpel and without surgical removal of the vein.

Procedure of endovenous laser treatment (ELVeS™)

The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and is covered by health insurance. Fasting is not required.

A light sedation is administered. Under ultrasound guidance, the vein is punctured and a fine laser fiber is inserted.

A tumescent local anesthesia is then applied around the vein. This serves two purposes:

• It numbs the surrounding tissue
• It compresses the vein against the laser fiber

This ensures efficient energy transfer and reduces the risk of bruising. Muscle function and sensation remain unaffected.

As the fiber is slowly withdrawn, controlled energy pulses are delivered. The heat causes the vein wall to shrink, the vessel closes permanently, and is gradually broken down by the body. The laser phase lasts only minutes; the entire procedure takes approximately 60–90 minutes.

Visible side branches are then removed using phlebectomy (hook technique) without scarring.

After the procedure

A compression bandage is applied until the next day. Further measures are usually not required. Due to the atraumatic technique, no compression stockings are necessary at VENENCLINIC.

Home office is usually possible the next day, and normal work can typically be resumed the day after. Extended downtime is avoided.

Safety and long-term results

Modern laser systems such as 1470 nm and 1940 nm with radial fibers provide uniform energy distribution and high closure rates. Long-term studies over 10 years confirm durability. Side effects are rare and mild.

Endovenous laser therapy is now considered the gold standard for treating large varicose veins – minimally invasive, safe, and with rapid recovery.