Is it normal for a vein not to respond to the ELA treatment?

After having my veins stripped four years ago, one of my veins came back in my left leg. I decided to go for the ELA treatment; however, the doctor couldn't get the catheter into the vein because it wasn't cooperating. Can this happen?

Answers from doctors (8)


Metro Vein Centers

Published on Dec 27, 2017

It is common for a vein to go into spasm. Sometimes waiting a week and retrying works.

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Answered by Metro Vein Centers

It is common for a vein to go into spasm. Sometimes waiting a week and retrying works.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Dec 27, 2017

I am sorry for your inconvenience. Yes this can happen that the guide wire or catheter may not get into vein. It's not common but does occur.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I am sorry for your inconvenience. Yes this can happen that the guide wire or catheter may not get into vein. It's not common but does occur.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 24, 2014

The only veins you would have ablated would be the saphenous veins and any big, straight accessory veins and perforator veins. Sometimes, the veins will spasm and close, and that could prevent the catheter from entering. It's just a matter of having the tech put a nitro patch on it to help keep it dilated, but even then, the vein could still spasm. If the vein has been treated before, it could have linear banding inside, which is just scar tissue. This could also prevent the catheter from entering, and at that point, sclerotherapy would be the suggested treatment.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

The only veins you would have ablated would be the saphenous veins and any big, straight accessory veins and perforator veins. Sometimes, the veins will spasm and close, and that could prevent the catheter from entering. It's just a matter of having the tech put a nitro patch on it to help keep it dilated, but even then, the vein could still spasm. If the vein has been treated before, it could have linear banding inside, which is just scar tissue. This could also prevent the catheter from entering, and at that point, sclerotherapy would be the suggested treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jun 09, 2014

Inability to access a vein is not common in the hands of an experienced vascular trained surgeon. However if the valves in the veins are "scarred" it may be somewhat difficult. I usually find I can access the vein a little higher up. Experience is the key. Stripping of veins is not the standard of care for the past 15 years and can cause "new" veins to develop (neovascularity).

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Inability to access a vein is not common in the hands of an experienced vascular trained surgeon. However if the valves in the veins are "scarred" it may be somewhat difficult. I usually find I can access the vein a little higher up. Experience is the key. Stripping of veins is not the standard of care for the past 15 years and can cause "new" veins to develop (neovascularity).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lone Star Vein Center

Published on Jun 08, 2014

After stripping, things get complicated and ELA can be difficult to perform. What you are describing is a portion of the vein closed and another segment open. These are 'other' veins by the way, not the old ones coming back.

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Answered by Lone Star Vein Center

After stripping, things get complicated and ELA can be difficult to perform. What you are describing is a portion of the vein closed and another segment open. These are 'other' veins by the way, not the old ones coming back.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jun 08, 2014

It is possible that the vein was tortuous or partially occluded. Or the physician did not have the expertise to cannulate the vein properly.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

It is possible that the vein was tortuous or partially occluded. Or the physician did not have the expertise to cannulate the vein properly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 07, 2014

Endovenous ablation requires a catheter to be inserted into a vein. Sometimes, for various reasons such as a too narrow vein or a very tortuous vein, the catheter cannot be advanced through the vein. This would prevent the procedure from being completed. Also, the doctor's experience with doing the procedure plays a role.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Endovenous ablation requires a catheter to be inserted into a vein. Sometimes, for various reasons such as a too narrow vein or a very tortuous vein, the catheter cannot be advanced through the vein. This would prevent the procedure from being completed. Also, the doctor's experience with doing the procedure plays a role.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Jun 06, 2014

Vein can collapse. Your doctor can apply a cream on the area to try to keep the vein open. But that is possible.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

Vein can collapse. Your doctor can apply a cream on the area to try to keep the vein open. But that is possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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