Answers

Replied on 10/28/2009

By: Vein Specialists Institute  |  Kenneth H. Jesser, M.D.
Palm Desert, CA

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an uncommon complication of ELA, though it remains a risk. Risk of DVT in the hands of an experienced provider is less than 1%.

Replied on 10/20/2009

By: VeinSolutions - Austin  |  Emery W. Dilling, M.D.
Jeffrey M. Apple, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Austin, TX

DVT is seen in approximately 1% of patients after ablation of the saphenous vein. This usually requires 6 months of anticoagulation to be safe, but after that period, the anticoagulation can be stopped. It is highly unusual for ablation of the saphenous vein to result in a severe DVT with further complications, but it can rarely happen.

Replied on 10/15/2009

By: Vein Specialists at Royal Palm Square  |  Joseph G. Magnant, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Fort Myers, FL

Deep vein thrombosis is probably the single most important potential (but rare) complication that may occur after endovenous ablation (whether radiofrequency or LASER). There are established guidelines to minimize this complication as well as to diagnose the presence of a DVT early in its course. Assuming your indication for endovenous ablation is severe enough to consider the procedure (pain, severe swelling, aching, skin discoloration, bleeding or ulceration), the potential upside and benefit
from the procedure should far outweigh the minimal risk of DVT related to the endovenous closure procedure. When compared to the higher risk of DVT after formal ligation and stripping of the great saphenous veins years ago, the incidence of significant DVT following endovenous ablation is minimal. Our high resolution duplex technology and close post-op follow-up protocol of rechecking the proximal margin of the closed vein 5-7 days post procedure enables the identification of DVT much earlier and allows us to monitor more
closely those thought to be at higher risk for DVT. If a DVT is detected it may be treated with anti-coagulants and clot dissolution usually occurs within 2-4 weeks.

Replied on 10/14/2009

By: Vein and Laser Specialist  |  Edward G. Mackay, M.D.
St. Petersburg, FL

Any treatment of veins by any method carries a risk of DVT. For that matter, any procedure on the extremities like knee surgeries, carries a risk of DVT. The way to prevent it is walking and wearing the compression stockings.

Replied on 10/14/2009

By: The Boca Vein Center in Boca Raton, FL  |  Dr. Richard Kimmel
Boca Raton, FL

Yes, one of the know complications of EVLA is DVT, however this is very rare (<1%) and usually can be avoided with meticulous technique. The best way to prevent DVT during the procedure is to make sure your doctor is highly qualified in the skills required to perform vascular interventions. If the laser fiber is too close to the deep vein, then a clot can form.

Less likely, but still possible, is if a clot from the vein that is being closed breaks off and travels to the deep system. Unfortunately, this means that it is also possible to get a blood clot into your lungs (pulmonary embolism). If either of these complications occur, you may need to be on a blood thinner (anticoagulant) for 3-6 months. The good news is that it
almost always resolves without a problem.

Replied on 10/14/2009

By: Novi Vein  |  Jeffrey H. Miller, M.D.
Novi, MI

It is a potential complication but very rare. Careful technique combined with early ambulation after the procedure minimizes the chance of it occurring. The rare patients reported in the literature with this complication have done well with short term anticoagulation (blood thinners).

Replied on 10/13/2009

By: Heart and Vein Center  |  Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD
Royal Oak, MI

There is a potential for DVT. The incidence is very small. It can avoided by careful positioning of the laser fiber away from the femoral vein.

Replied on 10/13/2009

By: General Vascular Surgery Group  |  Michael D. Ingegno, M.D.
San Leandro, CA

Deep vein thrombosis isa rare complication of vein ablation. Our incidence has bee less than 1% in about 600 cases of laser and radiofrequency ablation. reported incidences of this complication have been in that range to a bit higher in some series with more elderly
patients. Generally careful technique will minimize this risk however I doubt it can be completely eliminated. It is generally standard to check for DVT routinely with an ultrasound 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. If a DVT is discovered early, when asymptomatic, it can be treated, potentially minimizing the adverse complications.

Replied on 10/13/2009

By: The Vein Treatment Center of NJ  |  Dean H. Wasserman, MD, FACS, RVT, FACPh
Paramus, NJ

The incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis following Endovenous Laser Ablation is less than 1% currently. Early experience was associated with a more significant number of cases as well as a more clinically significant extent of thrombosis.

Overall, the incidence of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis is very much lower than the risk of untreated varicose veins, which carry a risk of thrombosis simply by their existence.

The best appropriate prevention is the experience of the individual performing the procedure, and immediate resumption of activity, specifically walking combined with post procedure leg compression in the form of compression hose.

Replied on 10/13/2009

By: Mountain View Dermatology Cosmetic Surgery and Vein Center in Boulder, CO  |  Richard Levine, M.D.
Boulder, CO

Deep vein thrombosis is a potential side effect and can occur in up to 0.5% of procedures. If you healthy and physically active it is highly unlikely. Knock on wood, I have never had it happen to anyone who has had endovenous laser in our office.

Replied on 10/13/2009

By: Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center  |  David A. Engleman MD, FACC
Dallas, TX

Very rarely does it cause DVT. EVLT is a very safe procedure. Much safer than vein stripping or other older treatments. Endothermal ablation of the greater saphenous vein is the standard of care.

Replied on 10/13/2009

By: Laser Lipo and Vein Center  |  Thomas Wright M.D. F.A.C.P.
St. Peters, MO

Yes, Endovenous Laser Ablation can cause a deep vein thrombosis.
Studies show that this is an uncommon occurrence happening in less than .5% of
cases; or less than 5 in 1000 treatments.

Replied on 10/13/2009

By: Innovative Vein  |  Paul Cheatum, M.D.
Wichita, KS

DVTs are a potential side effect, however they are very rare. In our practice we have never seen that complication with thousands of completed procedures. The quoted risk of ELT or EVLT is in the neighborhood of 0.5% risk. There is nothing to do to prevent this complication other than completing the procedure precisely as intended, and screening patients prior to the the procedure who may be at higher risk for clots due to family history, etc.

Replied on 10/13/2009

By: Vein Centers for Excellence of Kansas City  |  Craig I. Schwartz, D.O., FACOS, FICS
Kansas City, MO

DVT is a reported potential complication of EVLT, although its occurrence is exceedingly rare, with most reported studies showing < 0.5% incidence.
The event is rare because the EVLT procedure is performed in the superficial veins of the leg, and does not involve the deep veins.
Proper technique for the procedure using peri-operative ultrasound-guidance to ensure treatment is limited to the superficial veins is the best way to prevent, although for patients with high risk factors for DVT, short term treatment with a blood thinner such as Lovenox can be used.

More Questions on Endovenous Laser Ablation

Do Spider Veins lead to Leg Ulcers? (26 answers)
I heard that spider veins cause leg ulcers and skin cancer. Is this true?

Does endovenous laser ablation remove veins? (18 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?

Is endovenous laser ablation more painful than radiofrequency occlusion? (17 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?

Can endovenous laser ablation treat spider and varicose veins? (17 answers)
I have both spider veins and varicose veins. Will endovenous laser ablation treat both of these problems?

What kind of laser is used for endovenous laser ablation? (16 answers)
The idea of a laser in my leg sounds a little scary. Is there a risk of getting burned during the procedure?

Can endovenous laser ablation treat my venous insufficiency? (16 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 techniques be used on any vein? (15 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 can i do about difficulties associated with undergoing Endovenous Laser Ablation? (15 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

Is it true that there is little pain associated with the Endovenous Laser Ablation procedure? (13 answers)
It seems like the laser would hurt.

Is there an age limit with Endovenous Laser Ablation? (13 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?

Should I take ibuprofen after Endovenous Laser Ablation, or not? (13 answers)
I’ve heard conflicting recommendations.

Why do I need to wear eye protection during Endovenous Laser Ablation? (13 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.

Does endovenous laser ablation require multiple treatments? (12 answers)
Or will just one treatment do the trick? Could the varicose veins come back?

Is there an age restriction with endovenous laser ablation? (12 answers)
Is it better to get the procedure when you're young? I'm 68. Are there more risks involved as you get older?

Can endovenous laser ablation cause Leg Ulcers? (11 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.

I have pain after EVLT, is that normal? (11 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?

Why doesn't Endovenous Laser Ablation laser the lower leg? (11 answers)
If the evlt procedure doesn't alleviate problems in the lower leg do /can you laser the lower leg?

Will Endovenous Laser Ablation improve my circulation? (11 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 kind of anesthesia is used during EVLT? (11 answers)
Is local, topical, or general anesthesia typically used during this procedure?

Will I be able to drive home after endovenous laser ablation? (11 answers)
What is recovery like for the first 24 hours after the procedure?

Should I still have bruises (that never disappear) on the leg that had Endovenous Laser Ablation 10 months ago? (10 answers)
Is this normal?

Is EVLT or RFO the same as Vein Ligating? (10 answers)
I want to know if the 2 procedures listed above is technically the same as ligating?

Can one have EVLT done while pregnant or trying to get pregnant? (10 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?

What can be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis? (10 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.

Is vein mapping done with Endovenous Laser Ablation? (10 answers)
Is the vein mapping procedure done with Endovenous Laser Ablation?



What complications are involved with Endovenous Laser Ablation? (9 answers)
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?

What is the recurrence rate of varicose veins after endovenous laser ablation? (9 answers)
What are the odds the veins will come back after treatment?

Can varicose veins come back after endovenous laser ablation? (8 answers)
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?

Will endovenous laser ablation really destroy the greater saphenous vein? (8 answers)
Is that going to affect my circulation?

Can EVLT make your legs look worse? (8 answers)
Is it possible for EVLT to make your legs look worse after the procedure?

Can EVLT cause nerve damage? (8 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 surgery really necessary for varicose veins? (7 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?

What qualifications are required for a specialist performing endovenous laser ablation? (7 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?

How is veinwave different from endovenous ablation? (7 answers)
What makes this product unique?

Does endovenous laser ablation damage the saphenous vein? (6 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?

Can endovenous laser ablation improve Pelvic Congestion Syndrome? (5 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.

All Procedures