Can EVLT cause nerve damage?

I had EVLT done about three months ago..right after the EVLT procedure i started feeling weird sensations in my ankle and now the pain seems to get worse every day? Could this pain be associated with the procedure?

Answers from doctors (5)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 07, 2010

The saphenous nerve is very close to the great saphenous vein from the knee down to the ankle and can be injured during a closure procedure. Numbness or tingling around the medial ankle and sometimes pain can be signs of a saphenous nerve problem. Fortunately, most of these symptoms improve over about a year. Follow up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The saphenous nerve is very close to the great saphenous vein from the knee down to the ankle and can be injured during a closure procedure. Numbness or tingling around the medial ankle and sometimes pain can be signs of a saphenous nerve problem. Fortunately, most of these symptoms improve over about a year. Follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Dec 09, 2009

EVLT can be the cause of nerve damage, especially of the small sensation nerves. If this occurs, healing can be expected, however patience is required as nerve tissue is the slowest type of human tissue to heal. It can take up to a year for nerve damage to heal.
The sensory nerve is particularly close to the greater as well as the short saphenous veins at the ankle level. Thus, if the vein is treated this far down the leg, the incidence increases.
The fact that your discomfort is worsening may actually not be a negative factor. As sensory nerves regenerate, they can create uncomfortable sensations but may represent healing.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

EVLT can be the cause of nerve damage, especially of the small sensation nerves. If this occurs, healing can be expected, however patience is required as nerve tissue is the slowest type of human tissue to heal. It can take up to a year for nerve damage to heal.
The sensory nerve is particularly close to the greater as well as the short saphenous veins at the ankle level. Thus, if the vein is treated this far down the leg, the incidence increases.
The fact that your discomfort is worsening may actually not be a negative factor. As sensory nerves regenerate, they can create uncomfortable sensations but may represent healing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Dec 08, 2009

Nerve damage is a possible complication of EVLT. Usually it resolves by 6 months. I do recommend that you discuss it with your treating physician however.

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Answered by Miller Vein

Nerve damage is a possible complication of EVLT. Usually it resolves by 6 months. I do recommend that you discuss it with your treating physician however.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Dec 07, 2009

It is theoretically possible to have neuralgia after a procedure, but usually this resolves spontaneously. This is generally very rare however. Contact your surgeon for further information.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

It is theoretically possible to have neuralgia after a procedure, but usually this resolves spontaneously. This is generally very rare however. Contact your surgeon for further information.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Dec 07, 2009

EVLT can cause thermal injury to nervers. Most commonly the injury is to small cutaneous sensory nerves that can cause skin numbness in a small area overlying the area of vein that was ablated. Injury to motor nerves is much less common, but can occur. However, the pain in your ankle is likely due to an altered gait related to the post-procedure soreness and pain and less likely a nerve injury. In either case, you should f/u with your treating physician.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

EVLT can cause thermal injury to nervers. Most commonly the injury is to small cutaneous sensory nerves that can cause skin numbness in a small area overlying the area of vein that was ablated. Injury to motor nerves is much less common, but can occur. However, the pain in your ankle is likely due to an altered gait related to the post-procedure soreness and pain and less likely a nerve injury. In either case, you should f/u with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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