I am getting ready to have a varicose vein treatment but am afraid that I may develop blood clots and die. What should I do? Thanks.
This is a rare risk, but it is a risk nonetheless.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The risk of getting a deep vein blood clot is very low after varicose vein treatment, unless you have had multiple DVT in the past. Superficial blood clots are typical with varicose vein treatment, but those clots are not a health risk and don't move to the lungs/brain. The treatments and procedures for varicose veins have come a long way so that death is prevented.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is a very small risk of developing blood clots after varicose vein treatment, but you should talk to your MD if you are concerned.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The risk of developing blood clots after vein treatment is very small. One in 1,000 to 110,000 people will develop a clot of any kind. The chance of that clot leading to death from the procedure is one in a million. There is greater risk crossing the street and getting struck by lightning. I think you should do the procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A blood clot can develop after any kind of surgery (and even without surgery). The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after laser surgery is extremely low, and the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism is even lower. In the 13 years that I've been doing laser vein procedures, I have seen only two DVT's and one pulmonary embolism. I have not seen one patient die in over 12,000 procedures. I would recommend that you proceed with the procedure you have scheduled.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is rare to have any problems with deep vein clots, and it's even more rare to have a pulmonary embolism or die from endovenous ablation. In my practice, we perform a routine post-operative ultrasound to check for a defect at the junction of the closed vein and the deep vein. The chance of finding a small thombus at the top of the closed vein is 1 percent or less. If found, we aggressively treat the patient with one month of anticoagulation and recheck with ultrasound before discontinuing anticoagulation. If you have symptoms or signs of venous insufficiency which are significant and you have severe superficial venous insufficiency, then endovenous ablation is the accepted therapy. Sounds like you need more dialogue and a better understanding of your disease and the treatment options.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A person can die from blood clots in a deep vein if they travel to the lungs and occlude the blood vessels there. Varicose vein treatments are only on superficial veins. Deep vein thrombosis can occur from inactivity, trauma, birth control pills, smoking, as well as any surgery, cancer, vein treatments, vein inflammation, and other causes. Wearing compression hose, keeping active and walking, and having the treatment by an expert will help to prevent such occurrences.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is a risk to any procedure, but vein treatments are very safe overall. There is more risk driving to the doctor's office.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Laser and radiofrequency procedures are extremely safe.
Published on Jul 11, 2012