Can I take a long road trip after having ELA?

Can I drive for 9 hours a day for 2 days after having ELA, or would you advise against that?

Answers from doctors (13)


Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

Published on Dec 20, 2012

I would not recommend that you travel a long distance for at least a week after ELA. Sitting, especially for a lengthy period, is the worst position that you can be in following the procedure. Lying down and walking is OK.

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Answered by Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

I would not recommend that you travel a long distance for at least a week after ELA. Sitting, especially for a lengthy period, is the worst position that you can be in following the procedure. Lying down and walking is OK.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Nov 19, 2012

As long as you have your compression stockings on, you should be fine with that trip.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

As long as you have your compression stockings on, you should be fine with that trip.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

Published on Nov 16, 2012

As long as you get out of the car and walk around for several minutes each hour, the long car trip would be alright. If you are unable to stop this often, you should plan your procedure after the trip.

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Answered by The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

As long as you get out of the car and walk around for several minutes each hour, the long car trip would be alright. If you are unable to stop this often, you should plan your procedure after the trip.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Nov 14, 2012

I would advise waiting five to seven days before taking a two-day road trip.

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

I would advise waiting five to seven days before taking a two-day road trip.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Nov 13, 2012

I would advise against doing that.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

I would advise against doing that.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Nov 13, 2012

I advise against it, if less than four weeks after the procedure.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

I advise against it, if less than four weeks after the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 13, 2012

I would strongly advise you against a long trip within one week of an ablation. You are setting yourself up for development of a deep vein thrombosis.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

I would strongly advise you against a long trip within one week of an ablation. You are setting yourself up for development of a deep vein thrombosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Nov 13, 2012

I'd wait a week, if possible.
Answered by Michael D. Ingegno, MD

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

I'd wait a week, if possible.
Answered by Michael D. Ingegno, MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Nov 13, 2012

You would need to get out of the car and walk every 1.5 hours.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You would need to get out of the car and walk every 1.5 hours.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 13, 2012

If our patients need to travel (either by plane or car), we advise them to be in their compression hose, drink plenty if water and stop frequently to walk for a short time. If you drink enough water you will need to stop! Additionally, while sitting in the car stretch your legs and calf muscles to increase circulation.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If our patients need to travel (either by plane or car), we advise them to be in their compression hose, drink plenty if water and stop frequently to walk for a short time. If you drink enough water you will need to stop! Additionally, while sitting in the car stretch your legs and calf muscles to increase circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 13, 2012

I do not recommend flying or driving more than two hours for two weeks after venous ablation. Although the chance of developing a DVT post ablation is very low, the risk is increased by flying or driving long distances because of the decrease in the calf muscle pump. I have seen only 5 DVTs in over 13 years doing ablations and in over 13,000 procedures, and 4 of the 5 were associated with a recent long car trip or flight.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I do not recommend flying or driving more than two hours for two weeks after venous ablation. Although the chance of developing a DVT post ablation is very low, the risk is increased by flying or driving long distances because of the decrease in the calf muscle pump. I have seen only 5 DVTs in over 13 years doing ablations and in over 13,000 procedures, and 4 of the 5 were associated with a recent long car trip or flight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Nov 13, 2012

You can certainly take the trip, but make sure you wear your compression stockings. It would be advisable to stop every 2-3 hours and do at least 10 minutes of walking.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

You can certainly take the trip, but make sure you wear your compression stockings. It would be advisable to stop every 2-3 hours and do at least 10 minutes of walking.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 13, 2012

It is OK only if you wear a compression stocking and stop to walk 15 minutes 3-4 times daily (during trip). Of course your treating physician will make the recommendation that you should follow.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

It is OK only if you wear a compression stocking and stop to walk 15 minutes 3-4 times daily (during trip). Of course your treating physician will make the recommendation that you should follow.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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