What would cause large ulcers on one leg after the VNUS treatment?

What would cause large ulcers on one leg after the VNUS treatment? One leg developed seven ulcers the size of quarters but the second leg had no ulcers, except for small blisters.

Answers from doctors (4)


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Jun 06, 2012

"Ulcers" after a VNUS closure would most like be due to burns that occured from using insufficient tumescent solution to protect the skin and soft tissues surrounding the treated vein, or the vein was initially too close to the skin to be treated by the closure method. Skin discoloration and blistering are less severe signs of the same condition. I'm assuming the ulcers and blisters are along the path of the treated vein. Although VNUS closure "seals" the vein through the use of radiofrequency causing "resistive heating" from inside the vein and has been shown to have much more stable delivery of energy than EVLT (and, thus, even temperatures outside the treated vein), adequate tumescent solution is a necessity as is awareness of the distance of the vein from the skin.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

"Ulcers" after a VNUS closure would most like be due to burns that occured from using insufficient tumescent solution to protect the skin and soft tissues surrounding the treated vein, or the vein was initially too close to the skin to be treated by the closure method. Skin discoloration and blistering are less severe signs of the same condition. I'm assuming the ulcers and blisters are along the path of the treated vein. Although VNUS closure "seals" the vein through the use of radiofrequency causing "resistive heating" from inside the vein and has been shown to have much more stable delivery of energy than EVLT (and, thus, even temperatures outside the treated vein), adequate tumescent solution is a necessity as is awareness of the distance of the vein from the skin.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 15, 2010

There could be several explanations for this-if the ulcers are along the course of the RF treatment this could be a thermal burn, if the ulcers are away from the thermal treatment this could be due to steri-strips or tape burns, if the area was wet when the dressings were applied this could also cause blisters or ulcerations.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There could be several explanations for this-if the ulcers are along the course of the RF treatment this could be a thermal burn, if the ulcers are away from the thermal treatment this could be due to steri-strips or tape burns, if the area was wet when the dressings were applied this could also cause blisters or ulcerations.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 16, 2009

I would guess that sclerotherapy was also performed at the same time. Ulcers are a potential complication of sclerotherapy. This should be evaluated by your treating physician.

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Answered by Miller Vein

I would guess that sclerotherapy was also performed at the same time. Ulcers are a potential complication of sclerotherapy. This should be evaluated by your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 10, 2009

If these developed in a line over the medial leg and thigh over the course of the great saphenous vein, they would most likely be related to thermal injury from the RF catheter. Some times the vein is very superficial and unless enough fluid is infused around the vein, the fat and skin can become necrotic. I never had this occur but I have seen patients who have suffered this complication.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

If these developed in a line over the medial leg and thigh over the course of the great saphenous vein, they would most likely be related to thermal injury from the RF catheter. Some times the vein is very superficial and unless enough fluid is infused around the vein, the fat and skin can become necrotic. I never had this occur but I have seen patients who have suffered this complication.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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