IPL laser - what keeps clot from embolizing?

With IPL laser it heats the small vericose vein and destroys the vein by clotting. What keeps that clot it made, from entering the blood stream and causing Embolism?

Answers from doctors (3)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 07, 2017

IPL is not a laser. The vessels are too small to be a source of emboli.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

IPL is not a laser. The vessels are too small to be a source of emboli.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Feb 17, 2012

Firstly, IPL isn't the appropriate application for small varicose veins. It is generally used for very fine spider veins, diffuse redness and rosacea and pigmentation.

Topical laser commonly used for spider veins which are so small/fine with the lumen of the vein being minute. Typically any coagulated blood in these veins is sealed to the damaged vein wall and are of insignificant size.

In the extremely unlikely instance of one of these very small particles breaking loose it would be unlikely to cause any problems.

Sclerotherapy is a more appropriate treatment for small varicose veins or possibly microphlebectomy.

Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Firstly, IPL isn't the appropriate application for small varicose veins. It is generally used for very fine spider veins, diffuse redness and rosacea and pigmentation.

Topical laser commonly used for spider veins which are so small/fine with the lumen of the vein being minute. Typically any coagulated blood in these veins is sealed to the damaged vein wall and are of insignificant size.

In the extremely unlikely instance of one of these very small particles breaking loose it would be unlikely to cause any problems.

Sclerotherapy is a more appropriate treatment for small varicose veins or possibly microphlebectomy.

Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Feb 17, 2012

When the vein clots there is no flow. No flow means there is nothing to carry it into the deeper veins. Any clot that could go into the deeper veins would generally be very very small and not an issue in most circumstances.

David A. Engleman M.D.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

When the vein clots there is no flow. No flow means there is nothing to carry it into the deeper veins. Any clot that could go into the deeper veins would generally be very very small and not an issue in most circumstances.

David A. Engleman M.D.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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