My saphenous vein was treated with endovenous laser ablation at the knee, is it normal to get a superficial clot? How long do they take to reabsorb? Can anything besides blood thinners speed the healing process? Are compression stockings useful?
A superficial clot, as you put it, can present following an ablation procedure. Depending on the size of the vein, it may take up to 2-4 months to get absorbed. Blood thinners are not indicated for the treatment of superficial blood clots (thrombophlebitis) unless it involves the great saphenous vein at the junction without any procedures. I recommend an evaluation and ultrasound, followed by compression stockings and conservative measures. If the clotted off vein segment is causing pain and is relatively new, then a clot extraction may be warranted.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It can be common to develop superficial venous thrombosis after an ablation. You can keep wearing 20-30 mmHg compression stockings, but give it about 6 months to resolve completely.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Most veins treated by endovenous laser contain unclotted trapped blood, often mistaken for "blood clots." This is normal and will dissipate over time. Stockings can diminish the volume of blood, but blood thinners are not needed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is not uncommon at all to develop a superficial blood clot/superficial
phlebitis after endovenous laser ablation. It happens in a healthy minority of treatments. It usually takes 4- 6 weeks for that to reabsorb, but it can take up to 12 weeks for others. Compression stockings aid a bit, as do anti-inflammatory medications. You should not, however, take blood thinners.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is not normal to have blood clots. You did not say if the clot is in a varicose vein or in the saphenous vein below the ablation, or at the saphenofemoral junction. If the clot is close to a junction with the deep vein, anticoagulation may be indicated. If in a varicose vein, local low heat, anti-inflammatory drugs and compression will help. You should be evaluated by a vascular surgeon, including ultrasound studies.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sometimes the varicosities that are connected to the GSV or SSV get
occluded and cause superficial blood clots. Anti-inflammatory medications, compression stockings, warm compresses and sometimes aspiration of trapped blood might help. Follow up with your doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, it is very common to develop blood clots after laser ablation. They can take up to several months to fully resolve. Compression stockings, warm compresses and NSAIDs will all help speed the process of healing.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Superficial blood clots can occur after EVLT. Advil is all you need, and most small clots disappear within 6 weeks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, superficial blood clots can form after endovenous laser ablation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Endovenous ablation itself causes the saphenous vein to clot. This is an induced clot caused by the procedure itself. If microphlebectomies are also done, then bleeding below the areas treated by the micro incisions will form hematomas (hard areas). These are not clots but trapped blood under the skin. Neither of these so called "clots" require blood thinners. Warm compresses, heat and compression hose will help, and they will resolve your symptoms over a period of 2 to 6 weeks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012