Can abdominal exercises reopen a closed vein after ten days?

I had the VNUS closure procedure on the greater saphenous vein of my left leg. After a week, an ultrasound confirmed the vein was closed. My doctor said that I could resume all activities and exercises. Is this true? Are sit ups and leg lifts okay?

Answers from doctors (5)


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Feb 21, 2013

Any activity that induces Valsalva (increased pressure on the diaphragm due to a forceful attempt to exhale against a closed airway) may theoretically disrupt the delicate bridge of scar tissue serving to close the treated vein after thermal ablation. This could cause it to re-open. That is why some physicians restrict activities including sit-ups, leg lifts, and weight lifting for several weeks after ablation. However, your own physician knows best.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Any activity that induces Valsalva (increased pressure on the diaphragm due to a forceful attempt to exhale against a closed airway) may theoretically disrupt the delicate bridge of scar tissue serving to close the treated vein after thermal ablation. This could cause it to re-open. That is why some physicians restrict activities including sit-ups, leg lifts, and weight lifting for several weeks after ablation. However, your own physician knows best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Feb 20, 2013

Although we typically recommend that a patient undergoing a VNUS closure not perform high impact aerobics or strenuous physical activity for 7- 10 days post- procedure, exercises after the vein is closed will not jeopardize the result. Partial or incomplete closure can lead to significant blood-trapping in the closed vein, and recanalization rates can be affected.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Although we typically recommend that a patient undergoing a VNUS closure not perform high impact aerobics or strenuous physical activity for 7- 10 days post- procedure, exercises after the vein is closed will not jeopardize the result. Partial or incomplete closure can lead to significant blood-trapping in the closed vein, and recanalization rates can be affected.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 19, 2013

Yes, it is OK. I advise my patients similarly.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Yes, it is OK. I advise my patients similarly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 19, 2013

Your doctor is correct. There is no evidence to show that increasing abdominal pressure will reopen closed veins. However, this is only a theoretical impression.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Your doctor is correct. There is no evidence to show that increasing abdominal pressure will reopen closed veins. However, this is only a theoretical impression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 19, 2013

I don't think the vein will reopen after 10 days. Also, I agree with your doctor's guidelines.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I don't think the vein will reopen after 10 days. Also, I agree with your doctor's guidelines.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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