The patient was unaware she was pregnant. Also is it protocol to do pregnancy tests on everyone prior to laser?
As far as i know there is no reported fetal risk with endovenous laser ablation if done during pregnancy. The laser is used on the leg and not any where near the abdomen or mid pelvis. The tumescent anesthesia also should not affect the fetus. However, I would not recommend doing any elective vein procedure during pregnancy. I am not aware of routine pregnancy screening done before venous ablation as protocol.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Generally elective procedures are not advised during pregnancy, however ,I am not aware of any risk to fetus by endovenous ablations.
Deep vein thrombosis is a rare but serious complication of endovenous ablation . The simple state of pregnancy raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis 18 times higher than in the non pregnant state. this is a risk to the mother.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Since the procedure is elective, I do not recommend having an endovenous ablation during pregnancy. The risk of blood clot is elevated. It is not a standard protocol to do pregnancy tests on all women. If a woman had an ablation during pregnancy, it probably would not cause harm, but it would be helpful to obtain more frequent ultrasound follow ups and continue to wear graded compression stockings. It would also be helpful to speak with patient's OB/Gyn.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
As a rule we do not do the elt on pregnant patients. However there is no evidence that it is harmful. My policy is simply to postpone any treatment until after known pregnancy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No one could be totally sure but it is not recommended that these procedures be done on pregnent patients. I generally recommend waiting at least 6 months post delivery to treat Varicose veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Not a protocol to do pregnancy tests prior to the procedure as there is no specific threat.
It is usually most prudent though to do not any elective procedure after pregnancy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I am not aware of any data regarding endovenous ablation during pregnancy, but it seems very unlikely that endovenous ablation with local anesthesia would be a problem during pregnancy. I doubt that pregnancy testing prior to endovenous ablation with local anesthesia is done by many physicians. Many physicians would prefer to avoid treatment during pregnancy unless there is a special reason to do so.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Our doctors won't recommend a procedure while pregnant due to the patient being over dilated which causes the veins to increase in size. Better to wait until after the pregnancy. The patient should discuss this with her OB or the person who did the procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012