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Austin Vascular Specialists
aus
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Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
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Austin Vein Specialists
Austin
About
Bio
Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon. Vascular specialist who has expertise in the management of artery and vein diseases. Aneurysms, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, dialysis access, DVT, varicose veins, spider veins, phlebitis. Endovascular procedures & open surgery.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Vascular Surgery
General Surgery
Phlebology
Wound care
Doctor Q&A
366 Answers
28 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Pregnancy & Veins: It is extremely common to develop varicose veins during pregnancy or the veins to get much worse & multiply during pregnancy. The reason is that the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Usually No: It would be extremely unusual for varicose veins to lead to a lethal complication, although it is potentially possible. For example, if you formed a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Thrombophlebitis: I am assuming that you have superficial thrombophlebitis, as this is what is typically referred to as "phlebitis". There is usually a cause, such as v... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
See Vascular Surgeon: Varicose vein disease in a complex condition that needs thorough evaluation by a vascular surgeon prior to considering treatment. The therapy will dep... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Leg Edema Swelling: There are many possible causes of leg swelling / leg edema including poor cirulcation of the veins (blood clots or valve dysfunction), kidney problems... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Vascular Bypass Life: Yes, the average life-expectancy of a vascular bypass does range 5-10 years for most patients. Heart bypasses tend to last longer than bypasses in ot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 74-year-old male asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Vascular Dementia : There has been no evidence to suggest that blood thinners, such an anti-platelet agents (e.g. Aspirin, plavix) or anticoagulants such as coumadin, (wa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Vascular Surgery : Chronic pain after vascular surgery can be of multiple possible causes, including nerve damage, failure of the procedure to restore adequate blood flo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
DVT: DVT can occur regardless of platelet count. Pain & swelling from DVT can occur anywhere in the leg or foot & location does not directly corre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Sometimes: If you have venous disease in your legs then elevated your legs can help relieve abnormal venous pressure build-up in the legs & therefore relieve... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Gangrene Treatment: If it is in the early stages, then the foot can usually be salvaged, but time is of the essence. The first steps would include assessing the arterial... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Varicose Vein RX: Unfortunately caffeine has not been shown to decrease varicose veins or cellulite. I would recommend that you see a vein specialist to discuss effect... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Yes: Varicose veins often feel hot due to "pooling" of warm blood in the abnormal dilated veins. But if there is tenderness or redness, there could be an ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Use thermal device: There are several different options for treatment of facial spider veins that are very effective. I have found that both laser and Ohmic thermolysis ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Deep Venous Thrombus: Calf DVT can cause problems immediately, to include pain, swelling, inflammation & can also extend or embolize. It is NOT true that a below knee ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Varies by surgery: All major surgeries have risk of blood clots called DVTs of the pelvis or legs.DVTs can then have a risk of dislodging & traveling to the lungs (i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
EVLT Very Common RX: Evlt is one of the most common treatment performed for varicose vein disease in the us today, with several hundred thousand procedures performed annua... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Yes, if immediate: It is normal to weep a small amount or watery fluid or slight blood-tinged watery fluid IMMEDIATELY after laser vein surgery (within the first couple ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Genetics & Leg Veins: Spider veins & varicose veins are typically inherited as a genetic familial condition. Underlying vein valve weakness & vein wall abnormalitie... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
714 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Varicose veins: Most common treatment for varicose veins is endovenous ablation with laser (EVLT) or radiofrequency heat (Venfit). Other common treatments include phl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Huge Difference: There is a huge difference between a cardiologist ; a vascular surgeon. A cardiologist does not have any formal surgery training. A cardiologist is ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Leg Varicose Veins: See a vein specialist (vascular surgeon). You truly need to be adequately evaluated by a vein expert to give you the correct answer. The first step i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Compress & elevate: Multiple simple maneuvers can help decrease varicose vein progression & help with symptoms of discomfort & swelling during pregnancy. Most imp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Varicose veins: Depends on what kind of physical exam findings that you have prior to removal. Some leg problems will completely resolve after vein removal, other pr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Collagen Vascular : These are diseases that attack the connective tissues of blood vessels. They are typically autoimmune disorders characterized by overactivity of the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Income: Assuming you are referring to income. Depends on geographic location of the country and whether is it an academic surgeon or private practice surgeon.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Varicose Veins: If you mean a surgery with incisions put on your legs, then often the answer is yes. The veins can be cured with less invasive methods such as use of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Venous insufficiency: Venous reflux, also known as venous insufficiency, is best evaluated with a test called a venous reflux ultrasound. This test visualizes the directio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Vein RX Recovery: After saphenous vein radiofrequency ablation, the recovery is minimal. There is very little discomfort afterwards (my patients usually report a pain l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
NO: Varicose veins are not causes by exercising or jogging. On the contrary, exercise is felt to be beneficial to circulatory health. So keep on jogging... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 59-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Maybe: It sounds that you have mild venous reflux disease or mild venous insufficiency. It can often be managed conservatively w/ observation or compression... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
NO: Varicose veins are a health concern as they can cause progressive deterioration of the leg venous blood flow over time, as the condition tends to be p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Genetic: Varicose veins are typically genetically inherited. So if you are genetically predisposed then it is not a matter of if you will get them, it is a ma... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Weakened vein walls: It is normal for hand veins to become thinner (and therefore more prone to bruising marks, i.e."bursting") as you age. The skin overlying the hand vei... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:
Scelotherapy for upper leg spider veins: what are the typical cons in this approach for the patient?
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Sclerotherapy Veins: Sclerotherapy for spider veins of the legs is a very common cosmetic treatment to remove spider veins from the legs and is very effective. Typical con... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Pulmonary vein : I assume you meant to type "pulmonary vein". If you have been diangosed with some mild regurgitation within the pulmonary veins and you have no sympt... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Not necessarily: Veinwave and sclerotherapy can both be very effective when applied to the right circumstances. It is always advised to see a consultation from a boar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Peripheral Artery : The symptoms can include pain, numbness, weakness, wounds, gangrene, or slow healing of the affected extremity. The most common early sign is claudica... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Vary Widely: The symptoms can include pain, numbness, weakness, wounds, gangrene, or slow healing of the affected extremity. The most common early sign is claudica... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Varicose vein pain: There is not a "normal" when it comes to "varicose veins". Pain within your varicose veins after pregnancy could indicate something serious such as a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Varicose Vein Danger: Varicose veins alone cannot kill you. It is extremely rare to have a lethal complication form varicose veins. The only potential lethal senario would ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Neck Vein Narrowing: If you are referring to pathological narrowing, it can be the result of previous clots damaging the vein, prior catheter placement in the neck vein da... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Varicose Vein Causes: No, energy drinks and drinks high in sugar and caffeine are not linked to development or worsening of varicose veins. There is actually no known dieta... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Possibly: It sounds as if you are receiving appropriate medication & typically that is needed for months to assure appropriate resolution of clot. You shoul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Birth control & vein: There are many risk factors for developing blood clots & the more risk factors that you have the higher the chance that you could develop a blood ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Phlebitis Arm: It sounds as if you have developed superficial thrombophlebitis of a vein in your arm. You should see a doctor and get it evaluated, as you could dev... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Varicose Veins Cure: No, there is no homeopathic cure for varicose veins. Varicose veins result from a mechanical failure of the veins / vein valves and no homeopathic tr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 60-year-old male asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Very Unlikely: Spider veins are so superficial and small that is is very unlikely that you would get anywhere near an artery doing sclerotherpy. This can be a worry... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Typically not: There are very rare lethal complications from varicose veins, but typically they are not lethal. If someone develops a severe blood clot (DVT) from va... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joel Gotvaldanswered
Vascular Surgery 27 years experience
Veins & Pregnancy: Initially you should get fitted for a pair of maternity compression stockings at a medical supply store to prevent the vein from worsening. Get a vein... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
270
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Gotvald is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Gotvald is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Your reply is the BEST of all received. You have placed me on the right track. I am totally comfortable with it and will stay with board certified vascular surgeon with ...Read More
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! This gives me info that I can use. Much appreciated. I live across the street from the ocean and will have to lock myself indoors. Spiders seem inconsequential...
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful! My mom did see a vascular surgeon who told her blockage is too long & surgery's only good for 1-2 yrs. I will let her know to get a 2nd opin
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Alabama School of Medicine, AL
Graduated 1996MD
Residency
General Surgery, St. Joseph Hospital & UT hospitals
Residency
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Completed 2006
Residency
HOUSTON MEDICAL CENTER
Completed 2001
Residency
HOUSTON MEDICAL CENTER
Completed 2001
Residency
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Completed 2006
Awards
America's Best Doctors, Castle Connolly Medical
America' Top Doctors, Castle Connolly
Five Star Rating, Healthgrades
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