Does the Venefit procedure pose a risk for an 88-year-old man?
He has diabetes and heart problems. Is it safe for an elderly person to undergo the Venefit procedure?
Answers from doctors (10)
As with any procedure, risks for DVT (blood clots) increase with age. Keeping active after the procedure should reduce this risk. As long as his diabetes and heart disease are stable, he can proceed with treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Venous ablations are typically performed on symptomatic patients. Risks and benefits must always be discussed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No risk due to age, but conservative treatment would be better.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, it is a very small procedure...Less than dental work.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
My main concern is how active he is. It is important that patients who undergo radiofrequency or laser procedures be able to walk regularly. I would not do this procedure unless he met this criteria and his other conditions are stable. He should have a clearance from his cardiologist and internist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Venefit is a safe procedure in old age. Old age is no contraindication for venous ablation procedure. As long as his diabetes and heart disease are well-managed they should not pose a risk for doing vein treatments.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The procedure can be done with simple local anesthetic, so the risk is not much different from a dental procedure. However, the blood sugar should be controlled, no unstable angina, and adequate pedal pulses ( foot circulation).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is a very safe operation if he truly needs it, such as if he has significant swelling, leg pain, bleeding from varicose veins, or venous ulcers on his ankle.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If he is a very active, healthy 88 year old with lots of symptoms it might be safe. However, at 88, it may just be enough for him to wear compression hose, elevate his leg(s) and implement other conservative measures.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Closure procedures are done in the office under local anesthesia called tumescent. In my office, all patients are fully monitored. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the risks to the patient should be minimal and the procedure should be well-tolerated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
