Are there any downsides to endovenous laser ablation?

I have chronic venous insufficiency and just learned I need a greater saphenous vein (GSV) ablation. Other than blood clots, are there any downsides or side effects associated with endovenous laser ablation treatment? Is the leg compromised in any way? Where does the blood go after the vein is closed off?

Answers from doctors (12)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 07, 2013

With chronic reflux in the greater saphenous vein (GSV), there really wouldn't be any downsides to having it treated. The symptoms are only going to get worse until that vein is ablated, including tissue damage which may result in ulceration. Having the incompetent vein ablated will help your circulation by relieving the pressure off other veins that have to compensate for the bad vein. Other veins take over for that GSV, but 80-90% of blood flow is done by the deep veins, therefore circulation can function properly without all the saphenous veins.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

With chronic reflux in the greater saphenous vein (GSV), there really wouldn't be any downsides to having it treated. The symptoms are only going to get worse until that vein is ablated, including tissue damage which may result in ulceration. Having the incompetent vein ablated will help your circulation by relieving the pressure off other veins that have to compensate for the bad vein. Other veins take over for that GSV, but 80-90% of blood flow is done by the deep veins, therefore circulation can function properly without all the saphenous veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on May 06, 2013

You should already have been told this information by your doctor. When the problematic vein is ablated, blood is diverted from that malfunctioning vein directly into the deep vein system which facilitates an exit from the leg, exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen in the lungs, and filters waste products in the kidneys. These are all upsides. That said, endovenous laser ablation is a procedure that, like any, has potential side effects including bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and recurrence. However, if the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced vein specialist, the chances of those downsides occurring become very slim. Best of luck.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

You should already have been told this information by your doctor. When the problematic vein is ablated, blood is diverted from that malfunctioning vein directly into the deep vein system which facilitates an exit from the leg, exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen in the lungs, and filters waste products in the kidneys. These are all upsides. That said, endovenous laser ablation is a procedure that, like any, has potential side effects including bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and recurrence. However, if the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced vein specialist, the chances of those downsides occurring become very slim. Best of luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on May 02, 2013

The endovenous laser ablation procedure is safe and effective. Aside from the small risk of blood clot, there is a small risk of injury to the saphenous nerve. The latter could cause temporary numbness on a part of
the leg. However, the net effect of the procedure is to allow blood to circulate efficiently through existing veins so that previous symptoms that were once experienced are relieved.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

The endovenous laser ablation procedure is safe and effective. Aside from the small risk of blood clot, there is a small risk of injury to the saphenous nerve. The latter could cause temporary numbness on a part of
the leg. However, the net effect of the procedure is to allow blood to circulate efficiently through existing veins so that previous symptoms that were once experienced are relieved.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on May 01, 2013

While I could provide general answers to your questions, this is a discussion that is best had one-on-one with your treating physician and/or a trained phlebologist.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

While I could provide general answers to your questions, this is a discussion that is best had one-on-one with your treating physician and/or a trained phlebologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on May 01, 2013

With the right indication and right diagnosis, there are essentially no downsides associated with endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein. In fact, circulation should improve since the blood will be re-directed to healthy veins found in the deep system of the leg.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

With the right indication and right diagnosis, there are essentially no downsides associated with endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein. In fact, circulation should improve since the blood will be re-directed to healthy veins found in the deep system of the leg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 30, 2013

In general, there are very few downsides to endovenous laser ablation. The chances of clot formation is extremely low and, when done by an experienced physician, the chances of this happening are far less than 1%. A common side effect of the procedure is bruising, which almost everyone gets. This may be followed by areas of hardness that last around two weeks. The latter is particularly true if microphlebectomies are done at the same time. Lastly, and very infrequently, numbness will occur due to nerve irritation from the laser. All of these downsides are temporary in most instances. I have found in some patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency, that they may get residual swelling. This may last for 6 to 8 weeks, but this too should resolve. When the superficial system of veins is closed, blood is then pushed into the deeper system of veins, especially through muscular contraction. The bottom line is that the leg should not be compromised in any way.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

In general, there are very few downsides to endovenous laser ablation. The chances of clot formation is extremely low and, when done by an experienced physician, the chances of this happening are far less than 1%. A common side effect of the procedure is bruising, which almost everyone gets. This may be followed by areas of hardness that last around two weeks. The latter is particularly true if microphlebectomies are done at the same time. Lastly, and very infrequently, numbness will occur due to nerve irritation from the laser. All of these downsides are temporary in most instances. I have found in some patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency, that they may get residual swelling. This may last for 6 to 8 weeks, but this too should resolve. When the superficial system of veins is closed, blood is then pushed into the deeper system of veins, especially through muscular contraction. The bottom line is that the leg should not be compromised in any way.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Apr 30, 2013

There are risks with every procedure, but endovenous laser ablation is a safe and effective treatment when done properly and under the right circumstances.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

There are risks with every procedure, but endovenous laser ablation is a safe and effective treatment when done properly and under the right circumstances.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Apr 30, 2013

Endovenous laser ablation is a low-risk procedure. The blood that once traveled through the diseased vein(s) are redirected to normal veins that are deeper in the system. The procedure is very well tolerated. See your vein specialist for further details.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Endovenous laser ablation is a low-risk procedure. The blood that once traveled through the diseased vein(s) are redirected to normal veins that are deeper in the system. The procedure is very well tolerated. See your vein specialist for further details.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 30, 2013

Endovenous laser ablation is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon. Because the incompetent refluxing saphenous vein is being sealed, you may experience minor discomfort or bruising in the thigh area. Still, there is little "downtime." Many of my patients return to work within a day or two. There may be some lumps and rope-like areas for a up to 3 weeks, but massage will speed up this resolution. Your blood flow is already being directed to your healthy vein or deep veins, for your affected vein isn't able to return the blood because the valves have failed.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Endovenous laser ablation is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon. Because the incompetent refluxing saphenous vein is being sealed, you may experience minor discomfort or bruising in the thigh area. Still, there is little "downtime." Many of my patients return to work within a day or two. There may be some lumps and rope-like areas for a up to 3 weeks, but massage will speed up this resolution. Your blood flow is already being directed to your healthy vein or deep veins, for your affected vein isn't able to return the blood because the valves have failed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lubbock Vein Specialists

Published on Apr 30, 2013

There are risks to every operation, and EVLA is no exception. The biggest risk is deep venous thrombosis (blood clots in the deep veins). Reaction to the tumescent anesthesia, burns to the skin, numbness, paresthesias(tingling), and bleeding are all potential complications as well. The venous circulation to the leg should not be compromised,. In fact, it should be improved, as the blood should circulate more efficiently after EVLA. It does this because without the incompetent vein, the venous blood must travel through the remaining veins, which presumably are competent.

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Answered by Lubbock Vein Specialists

There are risks to every operation, and EVLA is no exception. The biggest risk is deep venous thrombosis (blood clots in the deep veins). Reaction to the tumescent anesthesia, burns to the skin, numbness, paresthesias(tingling), and bleeding are all potential complications as well. The venous circulation to the leg should not be compromised,. In fact, it should be improved, as the blood should circulate more efficiently after EVLA. It does this because without the incompetent vein, the venous blood must travel through the remaining veins, which presumably are competent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 30, 2013

Endovenous laser ablation corrects the leaking valve, and all the blood going through your main deep vein returns to the heart normally rather than pouring back into your leg through the leaking saphenous vein valve.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Endovenous laser ablation corrects the leaking valve, and all the blood going through your main deep vein returns to the heart normally rather than pouring back into your leg through the leaking saphenous vein valve.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Apr 30, 2013

Leg circulation is improved after ablation, with blood flowing to the many normal alternative veins.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Leg circulation is improved after ablation, with blood flowing to the many normal alternative veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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