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
The EVLT procedure is performed on any abnormal truncal vein. This would include the great saphenous vein, the anterior and posterior accessory great saphenous veins, the small saphenous vein, and the cranial extension of the small saphenous vein. After we treat the truncal veins, we usually remove the bulging varicose veins with an ambulatory phlebectomy. If the bulging veins are not treated they can get inflamed - superficial thrombophlebitis. Most of the time the truncal vein closes and disappears after the EVLT procedure. A duplex ultrasound could tell you what is the status of the truncal and branch varicosities. Then your physician can recommend a treatment plan.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is possible to need 3 veins treated in the same leg (long and short saphenous and Accessory saphneous veins, perforator veins etc.). Your condition is known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency and can have ongoing problems. It is typically an inherited condition. In some cases, the saphenous veins can re-open if there is a perforator vein which is still open. You can also develop superficial phlebitis in surface veins which should be treated conservatively (low heat often, compression hose, taking an NSAID [ibuprofen, etc] several times per day). Many people can develop varicose veins later on which have no direct underlying larger vein — these can be removed using micro-phlebectomy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is no limit to the times endovenous ablation can be done as long as the laser filament can be passed into the vein. With superficial phlebitis as you describe, the vein may be clotted and not accommodate the laser.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is no specific limit to the number of endovenous laser procedure that can be performed one one leg. There is no cumulative dosing such as in delivery of radiation procedures.
However, the indications for EVLT are limited to the characteristics of treatable veins. These include a significant length of vein that is straight enough to pass the laser catheter through the vein. This applies to the greater saphenous, short saphenous, and the occasional branch tributary veins..
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Endovenous laser ablations can be peformed as many times as necessary. Veins that have been treated in the past can "re-open" and veins that were previously normal can become abnormal. The main veins of the lower extremities are the deep veins. The superficial veins are where you are having your problems and can be treated as many times as needed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It depends on which veins are being treated. But if different veins are being treated, multiple procedures can be done on the same leg. Usually 2 branches are all that need to be treated with the laser, however this can vary from patient to patient.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Depends on many things but no specific limit.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Endovenous thermal ablation is useful for veins which are relatively straight over a long distance. Many other veins are better treated with other techniques. You need a clinical exam by a vein specialist and detailed color duplex ultrasound studies of your leg veins in order for your vein specialist to make appropriate recommendations to you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012