I plan to have endovenous laser ablation and scherotherapy. Over the years, I have had a few surface blood clots but no deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The doctor plans to have me take Lovenox injections for 5 days around the procedure. Does anticoagulation sound reasonable and will it affect the outcome?
No, there was a study that showed that anticoagulants do not affect the success of endovenous laser ablation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Anticoagulation is looked at as a protective measure if the patient is prone to blood clots. They will not affect the endovenous laser ablation procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Since you have had a few surface blood clots and may be at risk for deeper clots, it is reasonable for your doctor to place you on anticoagulants in preparation for the endovenous laser ablation procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Anticoagulation should be safe.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The doctor will probably stop your Lovenox the day before your procedure, so it should not have any affect on the success of your procedure. Lovenox is used routinely for anybody who is at increased risk for blood clots. Although you have never had any deep vein thrombosis, because of your phlebitis history, your risk is slightly increased. Anticoagulation would be a reasonable consideration given your condition.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would not use Lovenox if you only had superficial thrombophlebitis in the past. It is not necessary. The endovenous laser ablation procedure would be safe without it.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Usually not with superficial vein thrombosos (SVT). Most of the time, DVT is not a concern even with history of SVT, but if that is what your physician wants, then there is probably another reason for it other than the information you provided.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Great question. Anticoagulation should not affect the outcome of the endovenous laser ablation procedure. If a patient is on Coumadin, we typically do not ask them to stop taking it before their procedure. Patients with clotting disorders are routinely prescribed Lovenox before and after their procedures with no adverse effects. We do, however, have you wear your compression hose for a longer period of time post-operatively.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would not use Lovenox if you did not have a prior deep vein thrombosis. I also do not routinely use anticoagulation when doing endovenous laser ablation procedures.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Not sure why you would need Lovenox, unless you are at increased risk of DVT. Lovenox may decrease chances of closure, but it will likely still close.
Published on Jul 11, 2012