After 2 weeks post EVLT, the doctor said I needed to redo the procedure?

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.

Answers from doctors (7)


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

95% closure rate. May want to discuss with the treating physician.
David A. Engleman M.D.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

95% closure rate. May want to discuss with the treating physician.
David A. Engleman M.D.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

An EVLT is usually, 98% to 99%, a one time treatment . That is 98-99% the
vein is closed and stays closed for at least several years, that is as long
as we have data for, maybe for ever.
Redo procedure do occur but they should be uncommon.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

An EVLT is usually, 98% to 99%, a one time treatment . That is 98-99% the
vein is closed and stays closed for at least several years, that is as long
as we have data for, maybe for ever.
Redo procedure do occur but they should be uncommon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2012

While this possible, it is very rare. Using enough laser energy for the size of the vein will seal a saphenous vein.
It is critical to ensure, using ultrasound, that the fiber is the vein and the catheter An experienced board certified surgeon is essential. I would recommend waiting for 6-9 weeks.
Norman N Bein MD FACS

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

While this possible, it is very rare. Using enough laser energy for the size of the vein will seal a saphenous vein.
It is critical to ensure, using ultrasound, that the fiber is the vein and the catheter An experienced board certified surgeon is essential. I would recommend waiting for 6-9 weeks.
Norman N Bein MD FACS

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

EVLT is a very highly succesful procedure. However as with anything else in medicine, occasionally does not work as predicted. There is a small number of patients in which the procedure needs to be done again. There is a number of factors that can produce a failure of the original procedure and that includes: the size of the vein, the amount of energy delivery, patient compliance with stockings post-procedure, etc.
The good thing is that it is a relatively easy procedure and it can be re-done safely. With some extra precautions and changes on the technique, the second time around it is possible to secure a succesful procedure.
Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

EVLT is a very highly succesful procedure. However as with anything else in medicine, occasionally does not work as predicted. There is a small number of patients in which the procedure needs to be done again. There is a number of factors that can produce a failure of the original procedure and that includes: the size of the vein, the amount of energy delivery, patient compliance with stockings post-procedure, etc.
The good thing is that it is a relatively easy procedure and it can be re-done safely. With some extra precautions and changes on the technique, the second time around it is possible to secure a succesful procedure.
Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Very rarely does this procedure fail but when it does in the first month or
2 (especially in the first 2 weeks) I attribute it to a bad laser fiber. I
will redo the procedure (at no extra cost to the patient or insurance) and
increase the wattage on the laser and retract the laser a slower rate
(delivering more energy/cm to the vein).

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/740_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialists

Very rarely does this procedure fail but when it does in the first month or
2 (especially in the first 2 weeks) I attribute it to a bad laser fiber. I
will redo the procedure (at no extra cost to the patient or insurance) and
increase the wattage on the laser and retract the laser a slower rate
(delivering more energy/cm to the vein).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Rarely the ablated vein does not close. Options for treatment are reclosure with laser or radio frequency ( or even surgical ligation) I generally try the other modality when a vein doesn't close, but reclosure with laser is a reasonable option.
Michael D. Ingegno

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Rarely the ablated vein does not close. Options for treatment are reclosure with laser or radio frequency ( or even surgical ligation) I generally try the other modality when a vein doesn't close, but reclosure with laser is a reasonable option.
Michael D. Ingegno

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 28, 2011

This is not a clear cut answer. Certainly, the treated vein should be closed at the 2 week point. I would like to know if the entire treated vein is open or only certain areas. Also, is it partially or totally open? Sometimes ultrasound guided sclerotherapy may help to close the remainder of the vein and sometimes the veins may close over more time. I would consider ultrasonic guided sclerotherapy and allowing another 4 weeks before rushing to redo the closure. If, after 6 weeks, the vein is still open, then reconsider another closure procedure.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is not a clear cut answer. Certainly, the treated vein should be closed at the 2 week point. I would like to know if the entire treated vein is open or only certain areas. Also, is it partially or totally open? Sometimes ultrasound guided sclerotherapy may help to close the remainder of the vein and sometimes the veins may close over more time. I would consider ultrasonic guided sclerotherapy and allowing another 4 weeks before rushing to redo the closure. If, after 6 weeks, the vein is still open, then reconsider another closure procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 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?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
Can you please detail some of the restrictions after EVLT?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 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?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
It has been a week since my EVLT procedure, and I am wondering if I should continue wearing the compression stocking?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -11 answers
I had swelling in my left foot and my doctor confirmed that the valves in two of my veins were not working properly. I had these veins closed with endovenous laser ablation, but four weeks later I still have swelling in my foot that doesn't go away. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I have burning pain at my incision site 3 weeks after endovenous laser ablation. It isn't constant, just when it is touched or rubbed. Could this be nerve damage or a hair follicle that is irritated from the incision?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment and sclerotherapy performed on both the greater and lessor saphenous veins of my legs. It was done on the same day. After a couple of weeks I started feeling numbness and tingling in my legs, mostly below the knee and through my feet. Will the feelings ever go away?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 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?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 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.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -13 answers
I had my GSV ablation done 13 days ago and still have intense pain in a segment on the inner thigh just above the knee. Is this level of pain normal and, if so, for how long? I have to take Advil for relief, but my stomach is sensitive to NSAIDS.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 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?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -7 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?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
What are the side effects of drinking alcohol after my evla?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -4 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?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -12 answers
Does this procedure hurt?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR