Is it safe to have VNUS surgery if I have PAD and claudication of both legs?

Is this safe?

Answers from doctors (4)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 20, 2010

Before you undergo VNUS surgery you should see a vascular surgeon to evaluate the extent of your PAD. PAD with claudication can sometimes progress to limiting claudication or, even worse, compromised blood flow to the legs. In these cases the saphenous vein may be necessary for a bypass. Also if you have heart disease along with the PAD then this would be another reason to preserve the saphenous vein. There are no general answers for vein procedures and arterial problems. Each person has to be evaluated individually.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Before you undergo VNUS surgery you should see a vascular surgeon to evaluate the extent of your PAD. PAD with claudication can sometimes progress to limiting claudication or, even worse, compromised blood flow to the legs. In these cases the saphenous vein may be necessary for a bypass. Also if you have heart disease along with the PAD then this would be another reason to preserve the saphenous vein. There are no general answers for vein procedures and arterial problems. Each person has to be evaluated individually.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Jan 28, 2010

An ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) will be necessary which is a non-invasive test. It depends on the results. It is not recommended to have endovenous ablation if you demonstrate severe PAD on the ABI. If you have severe PAD, it would be recommended to have the arterial disease treated first.

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Answered by Miller Vein

An ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) will be necessary which is a non-invasive test. It depends on the results. It is not recommended to have endovenous ablation if you demonstrate severe PAD on the ABI. If you have severe PAD, it would be recommended to have the arterial disease treated first.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Kimmel Institute

Published on Jan 25, 2010

This is a good question because many patients have both arterial and venous disease, and it highlights why it is so important to choose your doctor correctly. For someone like you, it is imperative that a qualified, experienced and board certified vascular surgeon be the one who manages both your arterial and venous problems. Too many doctors treat veins because they want to make money doing it, but a vascular surgeon has the knowledge
to appropriately evaluate all of your vascular problems.
So, for many patients, EVLA is safe and effective, but for some, the true indications to intervene must be weighed against the potential risks of doing so. Consult with your local vascular surgeon to see what the best management option is for you.

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Answered by The Kimmel Institute

This is a good question because many patients have both arterial and venous disease, and it highlights why it is so important to choose your doctor correctly. For someone like you, it is imperative that a qualified, experienced and board certified vascular surgeon be the one who manages both your arterial and venous problems. Too many doctors treat veins because they want to make money doing it, but a vascular surgeon has the knowledge
to appropriately evaluate all of your vascular problems.
So, for many patients, EVLA is safe and effective, but for some, the true indications to intervene must be weighed against the potential risks of doing so. Consult with your local vascular surgeon to see what the best management option is for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Jan 25, 2010

This should be decided on a case-by-case basis by a physician experienced in radiofrequency ablation (VNUS) who has also evaluated lower extremity arterial blood flow. Conservative treatment of venous insufficiency with preservation of the saphenous vein IF it is satisfactory for an arterial bypass should be considered in selected cases. This decision would be best made by a vascular surgeon to sort out whether or not the patient is likely to need arterial reconstructive surgery in the future.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

This should be decided on a case-by-case basis by a physician experienced in radiofrequency ablation (VNUS) who has also evaluated lower extremity arterial blood flow. Conservative treatment of venous insufficiency with preservation of the saphenous vein IF it is satisfactory for an arterial bypass should be considered in selected cases. This decision would be best made by a vascular surgeon to sort out whether or not the patient is likely to need arterial reconstructive surgery in the future.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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