What could be done if my doctor possibly injected the wrong vein?

My Dr performed ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy on one of my great saphenous veins. It has been months and the vein hurts all the time. It feels like I have pitching inside my leg, and it is like I have a tight rubber band inside near the treated area. Is it possible he treated a good vein?

Answers from doctors (12)


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Mar 18, 2014

it is impossible to comment without seeing you, your ultrasound scans, the procedure notes, and knowing the experience level of the treating Dr. Return to your treating physician for another examination, or seek a second opinion. Physician training and skill set is very important when it comes to performing vein procedures.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

it is impossible to comment without seeing you, your ultrasound scans, the procedure notes, and knowing the experience level of the treating Dr. Return to your treating physician for another examination, or seek a second opinion. Physician training and skill set is very important when it comes to performing vein procedures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Mar 10, 2014

Did you follow up with the doctor and have another ultrasound? It is possible that the vein is not closed. A greater saphenous vein being treated with sclero is probably not going to close after the first treatment. It is not uncommon to have 2-3 sessions of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy to get the veins to close. Or, if it is closed, then your body just needs time to heal and absorb that vein. Always have a follow-up appointment scheduled; it just ensures there are no complications and that the treatment was successful.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Did you follow up with the doctor and have another ultrasound? It is possible that the vein is not closed. A greater saphenous vein being treated with sclero is probably not going to close after the first treatment. It is not uncommon to have 2-3 sessions of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy to get the veins to close. Or, if it is closed, then your body just needs time to heal and absorb that vein. Always have a follow-up appointment scheduled; it just ensures there are no complications and that the treatment was successful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Even if it was a healthy vein that was closed, it should not cause discomfort. It also should not cause you any problems either way if it was a saphenous vein. It is likely that you have phlebitis (inflamed vein) after sclerotherapy. This can be treated with NSAIDs or a medrol steroid dose pack to help eliminate inflammation and alleviate pain. With no treatment, it should go away within a year.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

Even if it was a healthy vein that was closed, it should not cause discomfort. It also should not cause you any problems either way if it was a saphenous vein. It is likely that you have phlebitis (inflamed vein) after sclerotherapy. This can be treated with NSAIDs or a medrol steroid dose pack to help eliminate inflammation and alleviate pain. With no treatment, it should go away within a year.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Mar 06, 2014

Without your medial records, it is hard to give the best advise. I can tell you that I had vein treatment in our office, and you are describing some of the different sensations I felt. Contact the physician who treated you and request a follow-up appointment so that you can be examined and air your concerns.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Without your medial records, it is hard to give the best advise. I can tell you that I had vein treatment in our office, and you are describing some of the different sensations I felt. Contact the physician who treated you and request a follow-up appointment so that you can be examined and air your concerns.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 06, 2014

I would ask your doctor. While it is possible, the only way to know is to check with an ultrasound.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I would ask your doctor. While it is possible, the only way to know is to check with an ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 04, 2014

A stretching or pulling sensation along the vein's length is usually a good sign the treated vein has responded and is shrinking, and not a sign of mistaken treatment. This usually lasts a few months, but I suggest you talk to or see your doctor for confirmation.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

A stretching or pulling sensation along the vein's length is usually a good sign the treated vein has responded and is shrinking, and not a sign of mistaken treatment. This usually lasts a few months, but I suggest you talk to or see your doctor for confirmation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 04, 2014

The sclerotherapy causes inflammation of the vein ( note, not infection), and it should subside. Try Ibuprofen for now. Also, go back to see the doctor for a repeat ultrasound.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The sclerotherapy causes inflammation of the vein ( note, not infection), and it should subside. Try Ibuprofen for now. Also, go back to see the doctor for a repeat ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Mar 04, 2014

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of the greater saphenous vein is an accepted modality used by some practitioners. There are however certain inherent risks with this procedure, not the least of which is the fact that the sclerosing of the vein triggers the body's normal inflammatory response and subsequently - in certain cases - a thrombophlebitis condition can develop. This can be quite painful and, while usually not life threatening, can take a good deal of time to resolve. This is precisely why we, in our practice, do not endorse or use the sclerotherapy technique on larger veins such as varicosities and the greater or lesser saphenous vein.

As to your specific question regarding the possibility of the wrong vein being injected, it is of course possible. I should think it unlikely though if your provider is a licensed vascular surgeon or perhaps phlebologist. In all event, I think it might be prudent for you to schedule a return post-op appointment with your provider and request a repeat ultrasound to confirm the proper vein have been ablated.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of the greater saphenous vein is an accepted modality used by some practitioners. There are however certain inherent risks with this procedure, not the least of which is the fact that the sclerosing of the vein triggers the body's normal inflammatory response and subsequently - in certain cases - a thrombophlebitis condition can develop. This can be quite painful and, while usually not life threatening, can take a good deal of time to resolve. This is precisely why we, in our practice, do not endorse or use the sclerotherapy technique on larger veins such as varicosities and the greater or lesser saphenous vein.

As to your specific question regarding the possibility of the wrong vein being injected, it is of course possible. I should think it unlikely though if your provider is a licensed vascular surgeon or perhaps phlebologist. In all event, I think it might be prudent for you to schedule a return post-op appointment with your provider and request a repeat ultrasound to confirm the proper vein have been ablated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 04, 2014

It is difficult to know what was injected without seeing you and your ultrasound. It may be possible that there was some extravasation of the solution causing some localized nerve inflammation, or you have areas of saphenous which are inflamed but possibly not sealed/or trapped blood.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is difficult to know what was injected without seeing you and your ultrasound. It may be possible that there was some extravasation of the solution causing some localized nerve inflammation, or you have areas of saphenous which are inflamed but possibly not sealed/or trapped blood.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Mar 03, 2014

He probably treated the right vein. Sclerotherapy by definition means hardening the vein. You have to wear your compression stockings. Also, you should do stretching exercises. It will help you to feel better. Additionally, use anti-inflammatory medications and follow up with your doctor to do an ultrasound to reassure you.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

He probably treated the right vein. Sclerotherapy by definition means hardening the vein. You have to wear your compression stockings. Also, you should do stretching exercises. It will help you to feel better. Additionally, use anti-inflammatory medications and follow up with your doctor to do an ultrasound to reassure you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Mar 03, 2014

Not very much

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Not very much

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 03, 2014

It is impossible to say if a wrong vein was injected. Ultrasonic-guided sclerotherapy is usually a very safe procedure which is done under direct vision. A follow-up ultrasound may help to see if there is a reason for your discomfort. You should follow up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is impossible to say if a wrong vein was injected. Ultrasonic-guided sclerotherapy is usually a very safe procedure which is done under direct vision. A follow-up ultrasound may help to see if there is a reason for your discomfort. You should follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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