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Endovenous Laser Ablation
Questions & Answers

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Post Surgery
(6 answers)
Is it OK to take Levitra after having this surgery?
My Dad is considering this procedure, but he is 87 yrs old. Should I be concerned with risks at his age?
(9 answers)
My Dad is considering this procedure, but he is 87 yrs old. Should I be concerned with risks at his age?
Is surgery going to help?
(7 answers)
I have severe reflux on both saphenous veins and Femoral vein. Doctor says surgery on saphenous veins is going to help but I don't see how since I still have valve problem on femoral vein, and blood is still going to leak down. Please help me understand.
Can vena saphena magna and parva be ablated in one procedure?
(4 answers)
can vena saphena magna and parva be ablated in one procedure? Or do they need to be treated separately?
What is the relationship between high blood pressure and endovenous laser ablation?
(4 answers)
My blood pressure was normal until the endovenous procedure. Immediately following the procedure my blood pressure became very elevatated. My blood pressure has remained high ever since. Now taking high blood pressure medication since this procedure.
EVT after varicose vein surgery
(7 answers)
I had varicose vein surgery (ligation and stripping) 10 years ago. My problems came back and I've had many rounds of sclerotherapy. Now my doctor recommends EVT. Is that OK?
Will the general anesthesia used in laser vein surgery hurt my fetus?
(7 answers)
I had a laser treatment done on a deep vein when I was 4 weeks pregnant and did not know I was. I am now 23 weeks and am nervous that the general anesthesia at such a early time in gestation will cause long term effects.
What's the maxium size vien allowed for this procedure? Using the laser at 12 watts.
(7 answers)
Should we increase the watts to compensate for a big vien?
what is considered 'normal' bruising 5 days post EVLT
(8 answers)
EVLT 5 days ago GSV. No serious pain yet. Compression stocking to come off tomorrow, but bruising seems excessive with dark patches and tenderness to touch. I was told to use heating pad, and now I'm reading not to do that. What should I do?
A lot of pain after surgery on my calf.
(3 answers)
I had my treatment done last week, and I have a lot of pain on my calf and tingling feeling from my lower calf to my ankle. Is this normal?
ELA with Factor V Leiden disorder
(9 answers)
Are there higher risks for a patient with Factor V Leiden during the endovenous laser ablation procedure?
After 2 weeks post EVLT, the doctor said I needed to redo the procedure?
(7 answers)
I had EVLT preformed 3 weeks ago. When I went for the 2 week follow-up ultrasound it showed that the vein was still open and doctor said he needed to redo the procedure. Please advise - I thought this was a one-time procedure.
When can I start running after I have this procedure?
(9 answers)
I am 52 and 130 lbs. I have been running 2-3 times a week since 2006. I run between 5-26.2 miles at a time. I am healthy otherwise besides being on medication for high blood pressure.
Tendon pain after ablation.
(4 answers)
I've had ELA on both legs. I have some tendon pain on going up from my feet to the insides of each leg. Is this a side effect?
Is this pain normal after EVLA and sclerotherapy? I have not been able to resume what I would consider normal activities.
(4 answers)
Had EVLA on my right saphenous vein 3 1/2 weeks ago. After 1 week it started to feel good, then hurt for 2-3 days, then started to feel good again.I had foam sclerotherapy performed on the same leg/thigh 9 days ago and it's hurt on/off ever since.
Could I have endovenous laser ablation?
(6 answers)
I recently had massive blood clots in the left leg, becasue of inactivity in the other leg, it was in cast. My body has now absorbed the blood clots and i am still on comadine/warfin until December 2011 this year.
Numbness and Pain
(4 answers)
I have pain in my calf ,numbness in my ankle, and also get sharp elecrical-like pains down my achilles tendon when I kick my leg. I had the procedure 3 weeks ago. I also have horrible discoloration on my calf, which resulted after post-injecions
Proceedure affected my large saphenus vein
(7 answers)
I have the laser proceedure done on my small saphenus vein. The Ultrasound results shows there is reflux in my large saphenus vein which was not there prior to the proceedure. Should i have my large saphenus vein treated also. Is there a risk?
Is it possible the procedure would fail because the vein is thin or curved?
(7 answers)
Could it be possible to not get through the vein because of it being thin or curved?
Endovenous Ablation and subsequent pregnancies.
(7 answers)
I developed varicose veins during my 2nd pregnancy and have consulted with a physician regarding endovenous laser ablation. We would like to try for another baby after the procedure. How long should I wait to get pregnant after the procedure?
Side effects of drinking after EVLA?
(5 answers)
What are the side effects of drinking alcohol after my evla?
I had a large vein in my leg ablated 8 months ago and it still is ropey and painful. Is this normal?
(5 answers)
It hurts when I sit or stand and is tender to touch. I had a blood clot in the vein when the procedure was done.
Driving after having endovenous laser ablation?
(8 answers)
When may I start driving after my venous procedure? I had ELA 10 days ago on right leg.
Sclerotherapy post ELA
(6 answers)
I had endovenous laser ablation of saphenous vein, and now I'm told I need 3 sclerotherapy sessions. is this so? only one is covered by my insurance. I was told that only having 1 could be harmfull, is this true?
Double Saphenous Vein and EVLT.
(9 answers)
I had EVLT done in March. I have a double great saphenous vein. They only did one of them. Now my legs feel (and look) worse than they did before the EVLT. I'm switching docs, but what are the chances of EVLT working on the other vein in that leg?
Enlarged greater saphenous around ankle, is EVLT a good option?
(9 answers)
I have a painful/enlarged greater saphenous vein along its course to my groin, however most painful near my ankle bone, does EVLT take care of this distal location since the procedure is only done from the knee to the groin for this vein?
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
(6 answers)
Does EVLT for superficial phlebitis also help with post-thrombotic syndrome in a deep vein? Is ultrasound of deep and superficial systems routinely performed before deciding on EVLT? Thanks.
Outcomes with Microphlebectomy/EVLT?
(5 answers)
I have dorsal foot varicosities, as well as varicose GSV and LSV's receiving these veins. Has anyone done microphlebectomy of the foot veins (with/out EVLT) and had more good than bad experiences with this procedure here? Thank you!
Does having EVLT for leg veins make dorsal superficial foot veins disappear as well?
(6 answers)
Just wondering about this, since the greater and lesser saphenous veins seem to receive the superficial foot veins on top of the foot, and I have enlarged ones.Thank you!
Need to decide between VNUS closure and Endo Laser Ablation
(10 answers)
I had my large saphenous vein removed and now I need my smaller saphenous vein removed in R/L and large saphenous in L/L. I Have 2 good doctors and have read that vnus has less bruising. Is it better than ELT?
Sciatic issues?
(7 answers)
Someone posted about buttock/leg/foot numbness after EVLT. In someone with venous hypertension is it possible that removing superf. veins can increase vein pressure in the deep veins, causing pressure against the sciatic nerve and numbness?
Is it possible to only do a partial ablation of the greater saphenous vein?
(8 answers)
Is it possible to only do a partial ablation of the greater saphenous vein?
How long before you see the results with ELA?
(6 answers)
Had the procedure Friday. Removed the stocking Monday evening. I still see bumps in my leg. Will that get better?
Serious problems associated with EVLA
(6 answers)
I recently have EVLA done 3 times and have had serious side effects and want to know is this normal? I had a hematoma on one leg and excessive swelling on the other leg and extreme pain in both and really need your advice?
EVLA during pregnancy
(9 answers)
What is the risk of performing the procedure while pregnant. I am a surgeon pregnant (2nd tri) with my second. The pain is so great from LSV reflux that I cannot stand or operate. I am looking for answers as to what has been reported about complications.
Vein removal with EVLA?
(10 answers)
I have a bulging vein around my knee, and I have a beauty on my calf, plus a another around my groin area, can they be removed with EVLA?
Ankle swelling and numbness
(6 answers)
I had endovenous laser of my lower right leg on 4/28 and still have significant pain and swelling in my ankle. I also have the numbness, but I understand that the nerve is involved and hopefully it will heal.
Ankle redness and pain after EVLT
(6 answers)
I had an ablation done on my right gr. saph. vein 1 month ago. Symptoms before were swelling with the gr.saph. vein and others. After having the ablation, I still have some swelling, pain, and also redness around the ankle upon standing I've never had before.
Is numbness in both feet caused by ELT and how long will this last?
(7 answers)
I had ELT done on my left leg. At first it was quite painful for about 2 weeks post procedure a month later had the Right leg done 2 days after pocedure I developed numbness in buttocks that radiates down both legs into my feet, it is very annoying feeling.
Different causes for bulging veins?
(5 answers)
I had minor vein reflux. My veins stand out at the end of the day in several spots in front of thighs (look like cellulite but are not) After 4 EVLTs two months ago on both legs, the swelling is still there. What can cause them to swell other than reflux?
Can you explain the cause of two phenomena that occur during the endovenous laser procedure?
(6 answers)
What causes the "garlic taste" in your mouth during the endovenous laser ablation? What causes the "water dripping sensation" when the doctor is doing the tumescence?
Confused, not noticing improvement
(8 answers)
I had minor reflux, but my reticular leg veins swell especially late in the day. I had 4 EVLTs, and the swelling is still there. The doc said I don't need sclero because the branches aren't open and don't need treatment. Why am I not seeing results?
Thoughts on going to the tanning salon before this procedure?
(8 answers)
Is it ok to go to a tanning salon before this procedure? I use the stand up bed, I have arthritis, and find that the tanning makes me feel a lot better.
Is an interventional radiologist ok in my case?
(4 answers)
I am a 54 year old female approximately 75 pounds overweight. Had a spontaneous dvt in my left leg 16 years ago. I had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus 1.5 yrs ago in my right leg, after that I had a small pulmonary embolism in my right lung. Now I am a "lifer" on Coumadin. Is it ok to have EVLA while on meds?
Is thera any chance of getting traveling blood clots after this procedure??
(8 answers)
Is there any chance of getting traveling blood clots after this procedure??

I had this procedure done in March. My leg feels better, even though I know I'm still healing. But the past couple of days I haven't been feeling well....tired, and my chest is achy..just afraid the pain may be the result of a traveling clot..
Is it safe to have endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy on the same leg on the same day?
(8 answers)
Is it safe to have endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy on the same leg on the same day?

Do two procedures carry more risk if carried out on the same day?
Is it normal for new veins to appear in my leg after endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy?
(8 answers)
I had endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy but I keep spotting new veins appearing in my leg. Is this normal?

I should mention that I suffered from phlebitis in this leg following surgery and it has never felt the same since as it aches and feels heavy. I have new veins in my upper thigh and calf. What should I do?
Sharp stabbing pains in my leg!
(6 answers)
I have sharp stabbing pains in my leg. It's very painful and the Motrin did not help. I was in tears! This went on for a couple of days. The pain is on my right leg and my left leg isn't painful at all. What could this be?
Will vein reappear with a second pregnancy?
(10 answers)
After my first child, I suffered from varicose veins. I didn't gain much weight during the pregnancy, but it was mostly due to hormones.
After having EVLA and sclero treatment, I am afraid to have a second child. Will my varicose veins reappear?
Can this surgery be done without a catheter fast closure?
(15 answers)
CATHETER FAST CLOSURE 7F 60CM. Can this surgery be done without a catheter fast closure? My medical aid will not pay for this item.
Is the endovenous ablation a good alternative to correct poor circulation in the legs after having a DVT?
(10 answers)
I am on Coumadin and since I had the DVT in June 09, my quality of life has diminished. If I sit down for an hour and intend to stand u I look like very old lady. It is painful and so tired of my legs and feet, the heel hurts very much.
I had EVLT nearly 2 yrs ago on my left GSV. I now have pain & swelling in my left calf. Why?
(11 answers)
Could my surgeon have performed surgery on the wrong vein, or has it reopened or do I now have a new insuff.? I am 44, active, slender, healthy, and lately my left calf has begun to swell toward the end of the day. It causes brief stabbing pain occasionally.
Is Microphlebectomy always needed after EVLT ?
(12 answers)
How long should I wait to see if the veins in my calf will diminish after EVLT? I would like to avoid Microphlebectomy if possible, but will have it done if necessary ?
Can you do both legs at the same time? Is it advised? Why?
(13 answers)
My wife (age 26) has post pregnancy (1.5 years ago) bad veins with:
Rt leg:
great saphenous- moderate reflux
popliteal - light reflux
Lt leg:
great saphenous- Sever reflux
Superficial Femoral - light reflux
Can you do both legs at same time?
How long should I wait after the procedure before I start lifting weights and running?
(10 answers)
I had the procedure done on one leg 2 weeks ago and the other leg 1 week ago. I usually go to the gym 3 times a week but I haven't gone since I had the 1st procedure done. When is it safe to begin heavy exercising again?
How long does pain after EVLT last?
(11 answers)
I am just over 2 weeks post EVLT and still have pain. As long as I take an anti-inflammatory the pain subsides. Visually the inner thigh looks good. How much longer will the pain last?
Is this varicose vein treatable?
(13 answers)
I have nerve damage from endovenous ablation. Around my ankle is highly sensitive and it hurts to touch. I had this treatment in June 2010 and still having a lot of problems. Is this treatable?
Sapheno Femoral Junction?
(8 answers)
Can a laser effectively occlude an incompetent Sapheno femoral Junction? If it does, which modality is better; Diode or NdYag?
Lasers for perforators?
(12 answers)
Is it is possible for ablating perforators by endovenous lasers?
Laser Ablation vs Radiofrequency
(15 answers)
What is the difference between Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency?Which one is better to have done?
Can Endovenous Laser Ablation be used on a Vulvar Vericosity?
(11 answers)
Can Endovenous Laser Ablation be used on a Vulvar Vericosity?
Should I wait until after pregnancy to treat a venous insufficiency in the lower leg?
(15 answers)
I have had two prior pregnancies but am planning another soon, so should I wait to have EVLT until after? My insufficiency is in a small saphonous vein in the left calf area. I have minor pain and varicose veins that actually bulge.
Is it safe to have VNUS surgery if there is a blockage in the groin area?
(10 answers)
Is it adviseable to have VNUS surgery when there is blockage in the groin area? I am very healthy, not overweight & not diabetic.
How much bleeding is expected after ELA?
(11 answers)
I just had Endovenous laser ablation and some of my bandages are blood soaked. Is this normal or is something wrong?
What are the resrictions after Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(7 answers)
Can you please detail some of the restrictions after EVLT?
I have bruising from an EVLT treatment from a year ago, is this normal?
(12 answers)
It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?
Is Endovenous Laser Ablation effective in treating lipodermatosclerosis?
(10 answers)
Is EVLT recommended for lipodermatosclerosis (LDS)?
Can veins come back after Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(11 answers)
I had a prominent but otherwise normal blue vein under my right eye removed, and the results were great. I only got one treatment, and then a few weeks later it seems like the blue vein is getting darker, as I can see it again. Is it coming back?
Does Endovenous Laser Ablation hurt?
(14 answers)
Does this procedure hurt?
How many times can you do EVLT on same leg?
(7 answers)
I had 3 laser surgeries done on left leg in 2006.It helped tremendously.I had much pain swelling etc. off and on for years until I did this.Well now I have some new vein problem in same leg.Right now I have superficial phlebitis in the left leg
Do I need a general practitioner referral to have Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(12 answers)
I'd like to have the treatment for my varicose veins. Will I need a referral? Will insurance cover the treatment if my GP isn't involved?
Should I wait to have Endovenous Laser Ablation until I'm finished having kids?
(13 answers)
I have varicose veins that get worse when I'm pregnant. I want to have endovenous ablation, but should I wait until I'm finished having children (my husband and I want at least one more)?
Can you get bone irritation after the Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(8 answers)
Is this a normal side-effect?
Are risks of complications during pregnancy higher after having endovenous laser ablation?
(7 answers)
I had this surgery a year ago, then again 4 days ago because the first one was not successful. I would like to get pregnant in the next could of months, but an worried about clots. Should I be, or are there other risks?
Is there a risk to the fetus if we did endovenous ablation while patient was 4-5 weeks pregnant?
(10 answers)
The patient was unaware she was pregnant. Also is it protocol to do pregnancy tests on everyone prior to laser?
How do you treat perforator problems with Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(11 answers)
I have distended, ropey veins on the anterior surface of my left calf and have been told that my problem involves the perforator veins. How would you treat this? Would you use traditional laser or "cold" laser?
How long before I will see an improvement in the ropey appearance of the treated varicose veins?
(11 answers)
I have just had the endovenous laser ablation procedure. A lot of the leg discomfort I had before the procedure is gone. How long after treatment will I see an improvement in the ropey appearance of the varicose veins?
How should I choose my Endovenous Laser Ablation provider?
(12 answers)
I'm pretty sure I want to have my moderate varicose veins treated with ELA. What should I base my choice of a specialist on? Degrees earned, years of experience, before-and-after pictures, equipment used? What's truly important to a good result?
Is Endovenous Laser Ablation better long term than Radiofrequency Occlusion?
(14 answers)
Is it true that radiofrequency occlusion is associated with a higher recurrence rate of varicose veins than endovenous laser ablation? I heard that there's a greater chance the vein would re-open with RO.
Why doesn't Endovenous Laser Ablation laser the lower leg?
(13 answers)
If the evlt procedure doesn't alleviate problems in the lower leg do /can you laser the lower leg?
Why do I need to wear eye protection during Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(14 answers)
They’re treating the veins on my legs, nowhere near my face. I have severe claustrophobia and am hoping they can treat me without my needing to wear anything on my face.
Should I take ibuprofen after Endovenous Laser Ablation, or not?
(14 answers)
I’ve heard conflicting recommendations.
Will I be able to drive home after endovenous laser ablation?
(12 answers)
What is recovery like for the first 24 hours after the procedure?
What kind of anesthesia is used during EVLT?
(12 answers)
Is local, topical, or general anesthesia typically used during this procedure?
What is the recurrence rate of varicose veins after endovenous laser ablation?
(10 answers)
What are the odds the veins will come back after treatment?
How is veinwave different from endovenous ablation?
(8 answers)
What makes this product unique?
What qualifications are required for a specialist performing endovenous laser ablation?
(8 answers)
I'm interested in having the procedure done. What should I look for in a specialist? What kind of training and/or degrees are required to be qualified to perform vein procedures?
Will endovenous laser ablation really destroy the greater saphenous vein?
(9 answers)
Is that going to affect my circulation?
I have pain after EVLT, is that normal?
(12 answers)
I had EVLT about 10 days ago , now I have a big knot on my inner thigh and when I touch it, it still hurts , I had a lot of pain the day after the surgery and I couldn't bend my leg. Is this normal?
Is there an age limit with Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(14 answers)
My mother is 82 and she has varicose veins that have gotten progressively worse in the past 2 years. She complains that they are painful and make her legs feel heavy. She's in good health and active, but is there an upper age limit with ELA?
Can varicose veins come back after endovenous laser ablation?
(9 answers)
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?
Can one have EVLT done while pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
(11 answers)
Is it possible to have my veins treated with EVLT and phlebectomies and possible foam sclerotherapy now if I am planning to get pregnant again in the future? Do I have to wait until I decide not to have more children?
Is EVLT or RFO the same as Vein Ligating?
(11 answers)
I want to know if the 2 procedures listed above is technically the same as ligating?
Does endovenous laser ablation require multiple treatments?
(13 answers)
Or will just one treatment do the trick? Could the varicose veins come back?
Can EVLT cause nerve damage?
(9 answers)
I had EVLT done about three months ago..right after the EVLT procedure i started feeling weird sensations in my ankle and now the pain seems to get worse every day? Could this pain be associated with the procedure?
Is there an age restriction with endovenous laser ablation?
(14 answers)
Is it better to get the procedure when you're young? I'm 68. Are there more risks involved as you get older?
Will Endovenous Laser Ablation improve my circulation?
(12 answers)
I have perpetually cold feet and occasional tingling in my feet and ankles. I also have a number of large varicose veins in each leg, so do you think that my circulation in my feet will improve if I have ELA?
What can be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis?
(11 answers)
I am about two months into treatment for chronic venous insufficiency? I have had laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy with very little results. Can anything be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis after the veins are treated. I wear compression hose.
Can endovenous laser ablation cause Leg Ulcers?
(12 answers)
After having the endovenous laser ablation on both legs, I developed large ulcers on one of my legs.
What could have caused this? This has been a very long & painful experience.
Can endovenous laser ablation improve Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
(6 answers)
Can ELA or other vein treatments improve overall circulation, perhaps improving PCS symptoms? I have bad varicose veins in the legs and hemorrhoids and was hoping that treating them would improve my PCS symptoms as well.
Is endovenous laser ablation more painful than radiofrequency occlusion?
(18 answers)
I've heard that ELA hurts more than RO. Is this true? They sound like sort of the same thing; why would one hurt more than the other?
Does endovenous laser ablation remove veins?
(19 answers)
Are the problem veins removed after ELA or are they just left there? Is that bad for the body to have dead tissue laying around?
Can endovenous laser ablation treat my venous insufficiency?
(17 answers)
Is Endovenous Laser Ablation or VNUS Closure Fast a more effective way to treat a dilated greater saphenous vein with gross incompetence from the saphenofemoral vein down the lower leg, contributing to superficial venous hypertension?
Can endovenous laser ablation give me deep vein thrombosis?
(15 answers)
I've heard that ELA can result in deep vein thrombosis. Is this true, and how common is this complication? Is there any way to prevent it?
What can i do about difficulties associated with undergoing Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(16 answers)
I had evlt done back in may all of the sudden just recently my leg has a lot of aching and pain where it was done its sore to touch its tender. There is also numbness in that spot of leg very achy where the surgery was performed. What could be the is
Can endovenous laser ablation treat spider and varicose veins?
(18 answers)
I have both spider veins and varicose veins. Will endovenous laser ablation treat both of these problems?
Can endovenous laser ablation techniques be used on any vein?
(16 answers)
Can endovenous laser ablation be used to treat multiple veins, or only the greater saphenous vein? Will it take care of varicose veins that are closer to my ankles?
What kind of laser is used for endovenous laser ablation?
(17 answers)
The idea of a laser in my leg sounds a little scary. Is there a risk of getting burned during the procedure?
Do Spider Veins lead to Leg Ulcers?
(27 answers)
I heard that spider veins cause leg ulcers and skin cancer. Is this true?
What complications are involved with Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(10 answers)
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?
Is vein mapping done with Endovenous Laser Ablation?
(11 answers)
Is the vein mapping procedure done with Endovenous Laser Ablation?

Is surgery really necessary for varicose veins?
(8 answers)
Are endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation suitable for varicose veins in the upper part of the thigh? I consulted my surgeon for alternative techniques, he said sclerotherapy would not work. Would these other two methods be suitable?
Can EVLT make your legs look worse?
(9 answers)
Is it possible for EVLT to make your legs look worse after the procedure?
Does endovenous laser ablation damage the saphenous vein?
(7 answers)
I’ve heard that endovenous laser treatments actually remove or destroy the saphenous vein in the leg. Is this true, and will I still get enough blood circulation to the legs if this large vessel is removed?

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