I had endovenous laser ablation on my left leg yesterday (the right leg will be treated in 5 days). During the laser portion of the procedure there was intense intermittent burning in my foot. I am curious as to whether this experience is common.
This should not occur as it indicates that a large nerve was irritated. These should be protected during the procedure with the local anesthetic and are avoided by experienced vascular-trained surgeons I would recommend not going on with further procedures at this time. Massage with a little pressure the areas of burning and wear the hose. It will be a matter of waiting to see when it will resolve Perhaps a second opinion from an experienced vascular-trained surgeon who specializes in treating these vein problems would be recommended
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Was your foot burning during the entire treatment? There might not have been enough anesthetic in the fibrous sheath of the vein being ablated. There are nerves that run along the saphenous veins which are very often irritated during the procedure and which could explain the burning in your foot. I would say there wasn't enough anesthetic around the vein. The doctor should've put more in.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, burning during the laser or radiofrequency procedure should not be experienced and if so, the heat source should be turned off immediately and more liquid (tumescent anesthesia) should be placed around the vein in that area. This is one of the primary reasons to perform this procedure in the outpatient setting with patients awake and responsive so they can give real-time feedback.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It sounds like the sural nerve was affected. I assume it was the small saphenous vein that was treated. I would discuss this with your vein specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is not uncommon to experience burning during endovenous laser ablation. This represents irritation of the nerve.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Speak to your MD about what you experienced. It is not unusual to feel an intense burning sensation if the leg is not fully anesthetized.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This is not normal and may indicate some proximity of the laser to nerves. If u have no residual symptoms at this point, you will likely be fine. If residual symptoms are present, then follow up with the treating physician and request a thorough evaluation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, it's not that common to experience a burning sensation during endovenous laser ablation. I recommend sharing your concern with the surgeon who treated you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
That is not normal. You should have reported that to your doctor the moment you felt the burning sensation. Most likely one of your nerves was affected by the treatment, and that could have long term effects.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
What vein did you have treated and where on the foot did it burn?
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Burning in the foot can occur during the EVLT procedure, but it does not occur often. The burning is due to nerve irritation from heat transfer during the lasering of the vein. Usually, either the saphenous nerve or sural nerve can have the heat transfer. In my experience, this occurs in about 2% of people having the procedure. This is one of the reasons why the procedure is done awake so that if burning of the foot is experienced, the patient tells us and we can reposition the catheter away from the nerve.
Published on Jul 11, 2012