I had an endovenus laser ablation on both legs 2 weeks ago, and 5 days ago I started suffering from a constant cramp in my left calf which was just diagnosed as a deep vein thrombosis blood clot. Could the EVLT procedure be responsible for this clot?
It's possible but rare. I can't really answer the question correctly without knowing your medical history and which veins were treated, where the clot is exactly, and if you have had a previous history of DVT.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
DVT can occur after EVLT, but it's not common. As for responsibility, your medical condition, height, weight, adequacy of compression and walking afterwards, smoking, inactivity and thrombophilia history are suspect.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You did not mention if you had the long or short saphenous veins ablated, or both on one leg and if performed at the same setting. Any invasive procedure can carry the risk of a DVT, but in the hands of an experienced surgeon, these risks can be minimized.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, it is possible. There is about a one in a thousand chance of a blood clot/DVT from a single endovenous laser ablation procedure. If two are done together, that may increase the risk. This is very much a known risk
of the procedure. Wishing you a fast recovery.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, it is possible for a DVT blood clot to form after ELA. Discuss this with your treating physician and work with him/her to determine the next steps of care.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Getting a DVT from a vein ablation procedure is one of the inherent risks associated with the procedure. It is exceedingly rare. However, my opinion here should not be taken as gospel, as I do not have all the information. DVTs happen for many other reasons and in your case, I cannot prove with any certainty that your DVT was caused by EVLT. It could be coincidence. As long as you are being treated with anticoagulant therapy, things should be fine.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
While it is possible, the two should not be related.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Having an EVLT procedure can put you at risk of developing a DVT, although normally very infrequently. That said, it is still a potential complication arising from the EVLT procedure. Whether your DVT was actually caused by the EVLT, can be up for debate since having vein disease in general actually puts you at a higher risk of developing a random blood clot anywhere you have abnormal vein structure. This is due to the dysfunctional/stagnant flow that is a direct result of having vein disease. Stagnant blood tends to clot.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
DVT following EVLT is a rare occurrence. Most often the location is at the level of the junction of the saphenous vein with the femoral vein at the groin, and when this occurs, in many instances the clot resolves spontaneously within 2 weeks. A calf DVT is rare with EVLT. I would make sure that what is being called a DVT is truly DVT and not the clotted saphenous vein being called a DVT. You need to have your treating physician review the sonogram.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A deep vein thrombosis rarely occurs after endovenous laser ablation. That said, it is a known complication that a DVT could possibly develop following the procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, thermal ablation may occasionally cause either superficial or deep vein thrombosis. The ultrasonographer who diagnosed your DVT should have insight into this possibility, but a frank discussion with your treating physician would be most appropriate.
Published on Jul 11, 2012