I have peripheral arterial disease and my ankle-brachial index is < 0.7 in both legs, can I have endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation?

Answers from doctors (11)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 21, 2013

Your ankle-brachial index of <0.7 is right on the borderline of whether or not to treat. For this reason, to treat or not to treat depends on what your overall medical condition would dictate. For instance, why do you have peripheral arterial disease? Do you have any other medical problems? Diabetes mellitus? Coronary artery disease? Kidney problems? And so on. Whether you are a candidate for laser or radiofrequency ablation will be a doctor/patient decision based on all of the above factors.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Your ankle-brachial index of <0.7 is right on the borderline of whether or not to treat. For this reason, to treat or not to treat depends on what your overall medical condition would dictate. For instance, why do you have peripheral arterial disease? Do you have any other medical problems? Diabetes mellitus? Coronary artery disease? Kidney problems? And so on. Whether you are a candidate for laser or radiofrequency ablation will be a doctor/patient decision based on all of the above factors.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 20, 2013

You never want to remove the artery because there would be significant risk of tissue damage from lack of blood flow, which could lead to possible amputation. A physician would first recommend any lifestyle changes to help. This may include altering your diet or quitting smoking. Additionally, treatment would probably consist of an angioplasty, whereby a stent is placed to keep the artery open. Or, treatment could include a bypass. Either way, all treatments would be focused on keeping the artery open or keeping blood flow to that part of the body.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

You never want to remove the artery because there would be significant risk of tissue damage from lack of blood flow, which could lead to possible amputation. A physician would first recommend any lifestyle changes to help. This may include altering your diet or quitting smoking. Additionally, treatment would probably consist of an angioplasty, whereby a stent is placed to keep the artery open. Or, treatment could include a bypass. Either way, all treatments would be focused on keeping the artery open or keeping blood flow to that part of the body.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on May 16, 2013

Technically yes, it can be done. However, there might be a bit of concern with the use of compression stockings after the procedure.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Technically yes, it can be done. However, there might be a bit of concern with the use of compression stockings after the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on May 16, 2013

Yes, both form of treatments can be used, but it is best to consult with your treating physician.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Yes, both form of treatments can be used, but it is best to consult with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on May 16, 2013

Yes, you can have ELA or RFA. However, you should consult with your treating physician to determine which procedure is best based on your individual case.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Yes, you can have ELA or RFA. However, you should consult with your treating physician to determine which procedure is best based on your individual case.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on May 16, 2013

Thermal ablation procedures are safe in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as long as the proper compression stocking strength is used.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Thermal ablation procedures are safe in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as long as the proper compression stocking strength is used.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 15, 2013

This question is difficult to answer without seeing you. In general, with an ankle-brachial index of .7, I would be reluctant to do endovenous laser ablation. There are, however, other factors to consider. If you have bad varicose veins and sings of venous insufficiency, then you would benefit from venous ablation. I would also like to know what symptoms, if any, you have related to peripheral vascular disease. Another point is that if your saphenous veins have varicosities, then it would not be usable for future bypass surgery, if necessary. You should get an opinion from a vascular surgeon.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This question is difficult to answer without seeing you. In general, with an ankle-brachial index of .7, I would be reluctant to do endovenous laser ablation. There are, however, other factors to consider. If you have bad varicose veins and sings of venous insufficiency, then you would benefit from venous ablation. I would also like to know what symptoms, if any, you have related to peripheral vascular disease. Another point is that if your saphenous veins have varicosities, then it would not be usable for future bypass surgery, if necessary. You should get an opinion from a vascular surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on May 14, 2013

It's possible, but there is no way to determine if endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation is appropriate until you've been seen by a specialist who understands and treats both conditions.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

It's possible, but there is no way to determine if endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation is appropriate until you've been seen by a specialist who understands and treats both conditions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on May 14, 2013

You are a borderline case and it depends on your ability to wear compression hosiery. You should be seeing a vascular surgeon or board certified phlebologist for care.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

You are a borderline case and it depends on your ability to wear compression hosiery. You should be seeing a vascular surgeon or board certified phlebologist for care.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on May 14, 2013

I usually think long and hard before I close the saphenous vein on a patient with peripheral arterial disease. You might need that vein some day for a bypass. On the other hand, if it very diseased it might not be suitable for bypass and would therefore be OK to close. An experienced surgeon can perform a full evaluation and determine which treatment option is best for you.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

I usually think long and hard before I close the saphenous vein on a patient with peripheral arterial disease. You might need that vein some day for a bypass. On the other hand, if it very diseased it might not be suitable for bypass and would therefore be OK to close. An experienced surgeon can perform a full evaluation and determine which treatment option is best for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on May 14, 2013

Probably, but this is a matter you should be discussing with your surgeon.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Probably, but this is a matter you should be discussing with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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