Can endovenous laser ablation give me deep vein thrombosis?

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?

Answers from doctors (9)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 08, 2010

DVT is a risk of endoduminal vein ablation but is a very, very low risk.I don't have an exact percentage of occurrence, but i have not seen it in over 12,000 ablations. Good technique, early ambulation and careful follow up all help to prevent this potential complication.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

DVT is a risk of endoduminal vein ablation but is a very, very low risk.I don't have an exact percentage of occurrence, but i have not seen it in over 12,000 ablations. Good technique, early ambulation and careful follow up all help to prevent this potential complication.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 15, 2009

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.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

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.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Kimmel Institute

Published on Oct 14, 2009

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.

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Answered by The Kimmel Institute

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.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Oct 14, 2009

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).

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Answered by Miller Vein

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).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Oct 13, 2009

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.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

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.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Oct 13, 2009

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.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

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.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Oct 13, 2009

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.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

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.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 13, 2009

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.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

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.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Oct 13, 2009

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.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

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.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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