You should not have any elective surgery for at least 6 months from the time of your heart problem and your cardiologist should know what you are planning. Your problem comes up frequently in treating varicose veins in patients with heart problems. In general, if you have symptomatic varicose veins, they should be treated. However, if you may require coronary bypass surgery, and your saphenous vein is usable, then you may need to not have the vein treated. If you have other sources of potential bypass alternatives such as radial or mammary arteries, then you possibly can sacrifice the saphenous vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I would recommend speaking to both your cardiologist as well as your vein physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The answer depends upon your precise cardiac condition and the procedures needed for treatment of the varicose veins. The best approach is to see a phlebologist for an evaluation.
Stephen F. Daugherty, MD, FACS, RVT, RPhS

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Difficult question I depends what kind of clot, and whether you will need further cardiac surgery. Your local specialist should be able to help you further with this potentially complicated question.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Not in general. If you have severe leg pain, swelling, ulceration or history of bleeding from the veins externally you might want to consider having your venous insufficiency fixed. If you have uncomplicated varicose veins I would recommend conservative therapy with compression hose as the first line of therapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012