Answers

Replied on 10/8/2010

By: Vanish Vein and Laser Center  |  Dr. John Landi, FACS, RPVI, RPhS
Medical Director, Diplomate Am. Board of Phlebology
Naples, FL

ELA heats the leaking saphenous or accessory veins causing them to shrink, clot and ultimately be reabsorbed by the body. If there are associated varicose veins, these may or may not resolve. and may need to be removed by microphlebectomies. There are no ill effects from leaving the lasered vein in the body to reabsorb.

Replied on 11/23/2009

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

ELA or catheter laser ablation of the saphenous vein does not physically remove the saphenous vein. It does cause the vein to shrink, clot, and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. It does remove or alleviate many of the side branches that are coming off of the vein, though the veins are not actually removed. Remember that a lot of the large varicose veins coming off of the saphenous vein are depressurized once the saphenous vein is sealed. It is not harmful or dangerous to have the varicose vein left in the leg after treatment.

Replied on 10/29/2009

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

The varicose veins coming of the leaky vein that we seal often collapse and
are barely noticeable as soon as one month post-op. The vein that is sealed
off gradually is reabsorbed by the body and poses no threat or harm to you
to leave this in place. Patients will often feel as though there is a band
or cord under the skin or fat, but this is more of a nuisance than something
to be concerned about.

Replied on 10/22/2009

By: Laser Vein Center  |  Thomas Wright M.D. F.A.C.P. RVT
O'Fallon, MO

No , Endovenous Laser Ablation does not remove veins. The cells of the veins or tissue are replaced with healing tissue. Think about a scratch on your skin. A scab develops then as the healing process continues the scab cells are replaced with healthy new tissue over the following weeks. After a couple of months it is hard to even tell where the scratch was. Usually, after a year, there is no detecting where the scratch was. The same healing process goes on with your veins. So after a year it is usually impossible to tell where the treated veins were.

Replied on 10/22/2009

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

We don't like to use the term "dead" in describing medical procedures, and this would not be correct anyway. EVLT uses laser energy to seal closed the abnormal problem vein, most commonly the saphenous vein. Once this vein is sealed shut, the body begins to contract it, fibrose it, and essentially scar it down. Over a period of 6-12 months, the vein will shrivel up and eventually disappear. This is a normal process, and is not bad for the body.
This procedure treats the underlying cause of varicose veins, but does not specifically treat the varicose veins themselves, if this is what you meant by "problem veins". They may decompress and "disappear" just by doing the EVLT, but often they have to be treated as well, which can be done either by injection sclerotherapy, or they can be removed at the same time as the EVLT, using a special procedure called a micro-incisional resection, or phlebectomy.

Replied on 10/22/2009

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

The veins are not removed by EVLT. They just close. They become a sort of scar, but is not "dead" tissue. It is not harmful to the body.

Replied on 10/22/2009

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

The EVLA treats the underlying cause of the varicose veins which is typically a "leaking" saphenous vein. This leaking vein connects to and causes the varicose veins. The varicose veins are usually treated my removing them (microphlebectomy) or injecting them. Sometimes, treating only the underlying cause and leaving the varicose veins will cause them to shrink, but that is not a problem.

Replied on 10/22/2009

By: Dr. Edward G. Mackay, Vein & Circulation Specialist  |  Edward G. Mackay, M.D.
St. Petersburg, FL

No the laser doesn't remove veins just closes veins with cauterization.
The body absorbs the vein and with several hundred thousand of these
performed every year and very few complications reported it appears to
be an extremely safe procedure.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

EndoVenous vein ablation only removes (eliminates) the particular
vein, (usually the saphenous) which comes directly in contact with the
catheter procedure itself.
There exists a false impression that other connected varicose
branches and tributaries are also eliminated. While it is true that
such veins may become less symptomatic and less visual due to the
resulting reduced pressure, these varicose structures remain and due to
the general progression of the venous insufficiency, many of these will
regain their original prominence.
Also, the body processes "dead tissue" continuously, such as
internal scars following both disease processes as well as following
surgery, and is not of concern when relating to destroyed leg veins.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

The veins treated by laser are left in place. They harden, and then the body simply absorbs them just like any other dead tissue. It is not dangerous or unhealthy because our bodies are continually turning over tissue. Dead tissue is always being absorbed in our bodies.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

The body absorbs the treated vein after the EVLA seals it off.

Replied on 10/21/2009

By: Makris MD Interventional Radiology Center  |  Angelo N. Makris, M.D.
Oak Brook, IL

Commonly an ambulatory microphlebectomy is performed after an ablation procedure to remove the varicose veins. However, this is not always necessary. The varicose veins get smaller over time after an ablation procedure. They aren't per se dying, just getting smaller.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

The target vein treated with ELA is left in the leg, and the body's natural healing processes absorb the vein over 6 months - one year. The vein basically shrinks into scar tissue, and does not actually remain in its damaged state. There does not appear to be deleterious effects on the body from the process.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

Endovenous thermal ablation with either laser or radio frequency heats the vein causing it to clot off and become scar tissue. There is no harm in "leaving" this tissue behind. This is the safest and best way to fix the problem.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

Endovenous laser seals veins, and there is no problem leaving the
sealed vein in place.

Replied on 10/21/2009

By: Vein Center Houston  |  Mario O. Kapusta, M.D., RVS, RPVI, ABPh
Houston, TX

ELAS does not remove veins. Laser energy closes the vein and the vein
eventually shrinks and becomes a scar. The closed vein is like any other
injury to the body: a inflammatory reaction surrounds the vein and over time
it becomes a scar as stated above.

Replied on 10/21/2009

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

No, it is not a problem.
The vein is closed from the inside, and over time, shrinks to a tiny string
size. this does not cause any significant long term problems.

More Questions on Endovenous Laser Ablation

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I heard that spider veins cause leg ulcers and skin cancer. Is this true?

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What kind of laser is used for endovenous laser ablation? (17 answers)
The idea of a laser in my leg sounds a little scary. Is there a risk of getting burned during the procedure?

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What can i do about difficulties associated with undergoing Endovenous Laser Ablation? (16 answers)
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Should I wait until after pregnancy to treat a venous insufficiency in the lower leg? (15 answers)
I have had two prior pregnancies but am planning another soon, so should I wait to have EVLT until after? My insufficiency is in a small saphonous vein in the left calf area. I have minor pain and varicose veins that actually bulge.

Laser Ablation vs Radiofrequency (15 answers)
What is the difference between Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency?Which one is better to have done?

Can this surgery be done without a catheter fast closure? (15 answers)
CATHETER FAST CLOSURE 7F 60CM. Can this surgery be done without a catheter fast closure? My medical aid will not pay for this item.

Should I take ibuprofen after Endovenous Laser Ablation, or not? (14 answers)
I’ve heard conflicting recommendations.

Why do I need to wear eye protection during Endovenous Laser Ablation? (14 answers)
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Does Endovenous Laser Ablation hurt? (14 answers)
Does this procedure hurt?

Is there an age restriction with endovenous laser ablation? (14 answers)
Is it better to get the procedure when you're young? I'm 68. Are there more risks involved as you get older?

Is it true that there is little pain associated with the Endovenous Laser Ablation procedure? (14 answers)
It seems like the laser would hurt.

Is there an age limit with Endovenous Laser Ablation? (14 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?

Is Endovenous Laser Ablation better long term than Radiofrequency Occlusion? (14 answers)
Is it true that radiofrequency occlusion is associated with a higher recurrence rate of varicose veins than endovenous laser ablation? I heard that there's a greater chance the vein would re-open with RO.

Does endovenous laser ablation require multiple treatments? (13 answers)
Or will just one treatment do the trick? Could the varicose veins come back?

Should I wait to have Endovenous Laser Ablation until I'm finished having kids? (13 answers)
I have varicose veins that get worse when I'm pregnant. I want to have endovenous ablation, but should I wait until I'm finished having children (my husband and I want at least one more)?

Why doesn't Endovenous Laser Ablation laser the lower leg? (13 answers)
If the evlt procedure doesn't alleviate problems in the lower leg do /can you laser the lower leg?

Is this varicose vein treatable? (13 answers)
I have nerve damage from endovenous ablation. Around my ankle is highly sensitive and it hurts to touch. I had this treatment in June 2010 and still having a lot of problems. Is this treatable?

Can you do both legs at the same time? Is it advised? Why? (13 answers)
My wife (age 26) has post pregnancy (1.5 years ago) bad veins with:
Rt leg:
great saphenous- moderate reflux
popliteal - light reflux
Lt leg:
great saphenous- Sever reflux
Superficial Femoral - light reflux
Can you do both legs at same time?

Is Microphlebectomy always needed after EVLT ? (12 answers)
How long should I wait to see if the veins in my calf will diminish after EVLT? I would like to avoid Microphlebectomy if possible, but will have it done if necessary ?

Do I need a general practitioner referral to have Endovenous Laser Ablation? (12 answers)
I'd like to have the treatment for my varicose veins. Will I need a referral? Will insurance cover the treatment if my GP isn't involved?

Lasers for perforators? (12 answers)
Is it is possible for ablating perforators by endovenous lasers?

I have bruising from an EVLT treatment from a year ago, is this normal? (12 answers)
It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?

I have pain after EVLT, is that normal? (12 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?

How should I choose my Endovenous Laser Ablation provider? (12 answers)
I'm pretty sure I want to have my moderate varicose veins treated with ELA. What should I base my choice of a specialist on? Degrees earned, years of experience, before-and-after pictures, equipment used? What's truly important to a good result?

Will Endovenous Laser Ablation improve my circulation? (12 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? (12 answers)
Is local, topical, or general anesthesia typically used during this procedure?

Will I be able to drive home after endovenous laser ablation? (12 answers)
What is recovery like for the first 24 hours after the procedure?

Can endovenous laser ablation cause Leg Ulcers? (12 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.

What can be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis? (11 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? (11 answers)
Is the vein mapping procedure done with Endovenous Laser Ablation?



How long before I will see an improvement in the ropey appearance of the treated varicose veins? (11 answers)
I have just had the endovenous laser ablation procedure. A lot of the leg discomfort I had before the procedure is gone. How long after treatment will I see an improvement in the ropey appearance of the varicose veins?

How do you treat perforator problems with Endovenous Laser Ablation? (11 answers)
I have distended, ropey veins on the anterior surface of my left calf and have been told that my problem involves the perforator veins. How would you treat this? Would you use traditional laser or "cold" laser?

Is EVLT or RFO the same as Vein Ligating? (11 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? (11 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?

How much bleeding is expected after ELA? (11 answers)
I just had Endovenous laser ablation and some of my bandages are blood soaked. Is this normal or is something wrong?

Can Endovenous Laser Ablation be used on a Vulvar Vericosity? (11 answers)
Can Endovenous Laser Ablation be used on a Vulvar Vericosity?

Can veins come back after Endovenous Laser Ablation? (11 answers)
I had a prominent but otherwise normal blue vein under my right eye removed, and the results were great. I only got one treatment, and then a few weeks later it seems like the blue vein is getting darker, as I can see it again. Is it coming back?

Should I still have bruises (that never disappear) on the leg that had Endovenous Laser Ablation 10 months ago? (11 answers)
Is this normal?

I had EVLT nearly 2 yrs ago on my left GSV. I now have pain & swelling in my left calf. Why? (11 answers)
Could my surgeon have performed surgery on the wrong vein, or has it reopened or do I now have a new insuff.? I am 44, active, slender, healthy, and lately my left calf has begun to swell toward the end of the day. It causes brief stabbing pain occasionally.

How long does pain after EVLT last? (11 answers)
I am just over 2 weeks post EVLT and still have pain. As long as I take an anti-inflammatory the pain subsides. Visually the inner thigh looks good. How much longer will the pain last?

How long should I wait after the procedure before I start lifting weights and running? (10 answers)
I had the procedure done on one leg 2 weeks ago and the other leg 1 week ago. I usually go to the gym 3 times a week but I haven't gone since I had the 1st procedure done. When is it safe to begin heavy exercising again?

Will vein reappear with a second pregnancy? (10 answers)
After my first child, I suffered from varicose veins. I didn't gain much weight during the pregnancy, but it was mostly due to hormones.
After having EVLA and sclero treatment, I am afraid to have a second child. Will my varicose veins reappear?

Is the endovenous ablation a good alternative to correct poor circulation in the legs after having a DVT? (10 answers)
I am on Coumadin and since I had the DVT in June 09, my quality of life has diminished. If I sit down for an hour and intend to stand u I look like very old lady. It is painful and so tired of my legs and feet, the heel hurts very much.

Is Endovenous Laser Ablation effective in treating lipodermatosclerosis? (10 answers)
Is EVLT recommended for lipodermatosclerosis (LDS)?

Is it safe to have VNUS surgery if there is a blockage in the groin area? (10 answers)
Is it adviseable to have VNUS surgery when there is blockage in the groin area? I am very healthy, not overweight & not diabetic.

Is there a risk to the fetus if we did endovenous ablation while patient was 4-5 weeks pregnant? (10 answers)
The patient was unaware she was pregnant. Also is it protocol to do pregnancy tests on everyone prior to laser?

What is the recurrence rate of varicose veins after endovenous laser ablation? (10 answers)
What are the odds the veins will come back after treatment?

What complications are involved with Endovenous Laser Ablation? (10 answers)
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?

Vein removal with EVLA? (10 answers)
I have a bulging vein around my knee, and I have a beauty on my calf, plus a another around my groin area, can they be removed with EVLA?

Need to decide between VNUS closure and Endo Laser Ablation (10 answers)
I had my large saphenous vein removed and now I need my smaller saphenous vein removed in R/L and large saphenous in L/L. I Have 2 good doctors and have read that vnus has less bruising. Is it better than ELT?

My Dad is considering this procedure, but he is 87 yrs old. Should I be concerned with risks at his age? (10 answers)
My Dad is considering this procedure, but he is 87 yrs old. Should I be concerned with risks at his age?

When can I start running after I have this procedure? (9 answers)
I am 52 and 130 lbs. I have been running 2-3 times a week since 2006. I run between 5-26.2 miles at a time. I am healthy otherwise besides being on medication for high blood pressure.

ELA with Factor V Leiden disorder (9 answers)
Are there higher risks for a patient with Factor V Leiden during the endovenous laser ablation procedure?

Enlarged greater saphenous around ankle, is EVLT a good option? (9 answers)
I have a painful/enlarged greater saphenous vein along its course to my groin, however most painful near my ankle bone, does EVLT take care of this distal location since the procedure is only done from the knee to the groin for this vein?

Double Saphenous Vein and EVLT. (9 answers)
I had EVLT done in March. I have a double great saphenous vein. They only did one of them. Now my legs feel (and look) worse than they did before the EVLT. I'm switching docs, but what are the chances of EVLT working on the other vein in that leg?

EVLA during pregnancy (9 answers)
What is the risk of performing the procedure while pregnant. I am a surgeon pregnant (2nd tri) with my second. The pain is so great from LSV reflux that I cannot stand or operate. I am looking for answers as to what has been reported about complications.

Can EVLT make your legs look worse? (9 answers)
Is it possible for EVLT to make your legs look worse after the procedure?

Can EVLT cause nerve damage? (9 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?

Can varicose veins come back after endovenous laser ablation? (9 answers)
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?

Will endovenous laser ablation really destroy the greater saphenous vein? (9 answers)
Is that going to affect my circulation?

What qualifications are required for a specialist performing endovenous laser ablation? (8 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? (8 answers)
What makes this product unique?

Is surgery really necessary for varicose veins? (8 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?

Sapheno Femoral Junction? (8 answers)
Can a laser effectively occlude an incompetent Sapheno femoral Junction? If it does, which modality is better; Diode or NdYag?

Can you get bone irritation after the Endovenous Laser Ablation? (8 answers)
Is this a normal side-effect?

Is it normal for new veins to appear in my leg after endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy? (8 answers)
I had endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy but I keep spotting new veins appearing in my leg. Is this normal?

I should mention that I suffered from phlebitis in this leg following surgery and it has never felt the same since as it aches and feels heavy. I have new veins in my upper thigh and calf. What should I do?

Is it safe to have endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy on the same leg on the same day? (8 answers)
Is it safe to have endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy on the same leg on the same day?

Do two procedures carry more risk if carried out on the same day?

Is thera any chance of getting traveling blood clots after this procedure?? (8 answers)
Is there any chance of getting traveling blood clots after this procedure??

I had this procedure done in March. My leg feels better, even though I know I'm still healing. But the past couple of days I haven't been feeling well....tired, and my chest is achy..just afraid the pain may be the result of a traveling clot..


Thoughts on going to the tanning salon before this procedure? (8 answers)
Is it ok to go to a tanning salon before this procedure? I use the stand up bed, I have arthritis, and find that the tanning makes me feel a lot better.

Confused, not noticing improvement (8 answers)
I had minor reflux, but my reticular leg veins swell especially late in the day. I had 4 EVLTs, and the swelling is still there. The doc said I don't need sclero because the branches aren't open and don't need treatment. Why am I not seeing results?

Is it possible to only do a partial ablation of the greater saphenous vein? (8 answers)
Is it possible to only do a partial ablation of the greater saphenous vein?

Driving after having endovenous laser ablation? (8 answers)
When may I start driving after my venous procedure? I had ELA 10 days ago on right leg.

Is surgery going to help? (8 answers)
I have severe reflux on both saphenous veins and Femoral vein. Doctor says surgery on saphenous veins is going to help but I don't see how since I still have valve problem on femoral vein, and blood is still going to leak down. Please help me understand.

what is considered 'normal' bruising 5 days post EVLT (8 answers)
EVLT 5 days ago GSV. No serious pain yet. Compression stocking to come off tomorrow, but bruising seems excessive with dark patches and tenderness to touch. I was told to use heating pad, and now I'm reading not to do that. What should I do?

What's the maxium size vien allowed for this procedure? Using the laser at 12 watts. (7 answers)
Should we increase the watts to compensate for a big vien?

Will the general anesthesia used in laser vein surgery hurt my fetus? (7 answers)
I had a laser treatment done on a deep vein when I was 4 weeks pregnant and did not know I was. I am now 23 weeks and am nervous that the general anesthesia at such a early time in gestation will cause long term effects.

EVT after varicose vein surgery (7 answers)
I had varicose vein surgery (ligation and stripping) 10 years ago. My problems came back and I've had many rounds of sclerotherapy. Now my doctor recommends EVT. Is that OK?

After 2 weeks post EVLT, the doctor said I needed to redo the procedure? (7 answers)
I had EVLT preformed 3 weeks ago. When I went for the 2 week follow-up ultrasound it showed that the vein was still open and doctor said he needed to redo the procedure. Please advise - I thought this was a one-time procedure.

Sciatic issues? (7 answers)
Someone posted about buttock/leg/foot numbness after EVLT. In someone with venous hypertension is it possible that removing superf. veins can increase vein pressure in the deep veins, causing pressure against the sciatic nerve and numbness?

Is numbness in both feet caused by ELT and how long will this last? (7 answers)
I had ELT done on my left leg. At first it was quite painful for about 2 weeks post procedure a month later had the Right leg done 2 days after pocedure I developed numbness in buttocks that radiates down both legs into my feet, it is very annoying feeling.

Endovenous Ablation and subsequent pregnancies. (7 answers)
I developed varicose veins during my 2nd pregnancy and have consulted with a physician regarding endovenous laser ablation. We would like to try for another baby after the procedure. How long should I wait to get pregnant after the procedure?

Is it possible the procedure would fail because the vein is thin or curved? (7 answers)
Could it be possible to not get through the vein because of it being thin or curved?

Proceedure affected my large saphenus vein (7 answers)
I have the laser proceedure done on my small saphenus vein. The Ultrasound results shows there is reflux in my large saphenus vein which was not there prior to the proceedure. Should i have my large saphenus vein treated also. Is there a risk?

How many times can you do EVLT on same leg? (7 answers)
I had 3 laser surgeries done on left leg in 2006.It helped tremendously.I had much pain swelling etc. off and on for years until I did this.Well now I have some new vein problem in same leg.Right now I have superficial phlebitis in the left leg

What are the resrictions after Endovenous Laser Ablation? (7 answers)
Can you please detail some of the restrictions after EVLT?

Does endovenous laser ablation damage the saphenous vein? (7 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?

Are risks of complications during pregnancy higher after having endovenous laser ablation? (7 answers)
I had this surgery a year ago, then again 4 days ago because the first one was not successful. I would like to get pregnant in the next could of months, but an worried about clots. Should I be, or are there other risks?

Can endovenous laser ablation improve Pelvic Congestion Syndrome? (6 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.

Can you explain the cause of two phenomena that occur during the endovenous laser procedure? (6 answers)
What causes the "garlic taste" in your mouth during the endovenous laser ablation? What causes the "water dripping sensation" when the doctor is doing the tumescence?

Sharp stabbing pains in my leg! (6 answers)
I have sharp stabbing pains in my leg. It's very painful and the Motrin did not help. I was in tears! This went on for a couple of days. The pain is on my right leg and my left leg isn't painful at all. What could this be?

Sclerotherapy post ELA (6 answers)
I had endovenous laser ablation of saphenous vein, and now I'm told I need 3 sclerotherapy sessions. is this so? only one is covered by my insurance. I was told that only having 1 could be harmfull, is this true?

Does having EVLT for leg veins make dorsal superficial foot veins disappear as well? (6 answers)
Just wondering about this, since the greater and lesser saphenous veins seem to receive the superficial foot veins on top of the foot, and I have enlarged ones.Thank you!

Ankle redness and pain after EVLT (6 answers)
I had an ablation done on my right gr. saph. vein 1 month ago. Symptoms before were swelling with the gr.saph. vein and others. After having the ablation, I still have some swelling, pain, and also redness around the ankle upon standing I've never had before.

Ankle swelling and numbness (6 answers)
I had endovenous laser of my lower right leg on 4/28 and still have significant pain and swelling in my ankle. I also have the numbness, but I understand that the nerve is involved and hopefully it will heal.

Serious problems associated with EVLA (6 answers)
I recently have EVLA done 3 times and have had serious side effects and want to know is this normal? I had a hematoma on one leg and excessive swelling on the other leg and extreme pain in both and really need your advice?

How long before you see the results with ELA? (6 answers)
Had the procedure Friday. Removed the stocking Monday evening. I still see bumps in my leg. Will that get better?

Could I have endovenous laser ablation? (6 answers)
I recently had massive blood clots in the left leg, becasue of inactivity in the other leg, it was in cast. My body has now absorbed the blood clots and i am still on comadine/warfin until December 2011 this year.

Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (6 answers)
Does EVLT for superficial phlebitis also help with post-thrombotic syndrome in a deep vein? Is ultrasound of deep and superficial systems routinely performed before deciding on EVLT? Thanks.

Post Surgery (6 answers)
Is it OK to take Levitra after having this surgery?

I had a large vein in my leg ablated 8 months ago and it still is ropey and painful. Is this normal? (5 answers)
It hurts when I sit or stand and is tender to touch. I had a blood clot in the vein when the procedure was done.

Side effects of drinking after EVLA? (5 answers)
What are the side effects of drinking alcohol after my evla?

Outcomes with Microphlebectomy/EVLT? (5 answers)
I have dorsal foot varicosities, as well as varicose GSV and LSV's receiving these veins. Has anyone done microphlebectomy of the foot veins (with/out EVLT) and had more good than bad experiences with this procedure here? Thank you!

Different causes for bulging veins? (5 answers)
I had minor vein reflux. My veins stand out at the end of the day in several spots in front of thighs (look like cellulite but are not) After 4 EVLTs two months ago on both legs, the swelling is still there. What can cause them to swell other than reflux?

Is an interventional radiologist ok in my case? (4 answers)
I am a 54 year old female approximately 75 pounds overweight. Had a spontaneous dvt in my left leg 16 years ago. I had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus 1.5 yrs ago in my right leg, after that I had a small pulmonary embolism in my right lung. Now I am a "lifer" on Coumadin. Is it ok to have EVLA while on meds?

Numbness and Pain (4 answers)
I have pain in my calf ,numbness in my ankle, and also get sharp elecrical-like pains down my achilles tendon when I kick my leg. I had the procedure 3 weeks ago. I also have horrible discoloration on my calf, which resulted after post-injecions

Is this pain normal after EVLA and sclerotherapy? I have not been able to resume what I would consider normal activities. (4 answers)
Had EVLA on my right saphenous vein 3 1/2 weeks ago. After 1 week it started to feel good, then hurt for 2-3 days, then started to feel good again.I had foam sclerotherapy performed on the same leg/thigh 9 days ago and it's hurt on/off ever since.

Tendon pain after ablation. (4 answers)
I've had ELA on both legs. I have some tendon pain on going up from my feet to the insides of each leg. Is this a side effect?

What is the relationship between high blood pressure and endovenous laser ablation? (4 answers)
My blood pressure was normal until the endovenous procedure. Immediately following the procedure my blood pressure became very elevatated. My blood pressure has remained high ever since. Now taking high blood pressure medication since this procedure.

Can vena saphena magna and parva be ablated in one procedure? (4 answers)
can vena saphena magna and parva be ablated in one procedure? Or do they need to be treated separately?

A lot of pain after surgery on my calf. (3 answers)
I had my treatment done last week, and I have a lot of pain on my calf and tingling feeling from my lower calf to my ankle. Is this normal?

Karate & kickboxing after EVLA and Sclerotherapy (0 answers)
I had EVLA done on 3 veins recently. I know 1 was the small saph., the other two names I am not sure. Also had sclerotherapy on both legs. When can I go back to karate and kickboxing. We do kick pads pretty hard. Training for my black belt!

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