Does an ablation of the heart and legs go hand in hand?

I have permanent afib even after an ablation and meds to correct it. My afib began after a violent gall bladder attack and surgery. My cardiologist wants to perform an ablation on my legs. I have venous insufficiency, swelling, pain, etc. Is my heart condition related to my leg problem? Also, based on what I've said, do you recommend a leg ablation?

Answers from doctors (7)


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on May 06, 2015

Atrial fibrillation has no relationship to venous insufficiency ablation.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Atrial fibrillation has no relationship to venous insufficiency ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Texas Vein And Cosmetic Specialists

Published on May 06, 2015

You should see a vascular surgeon. There is nothing in cardiology training that addresses venous insufficiency. Having the technical skills to perform a procedure, and determining who is a good candidate for a procedure, are two completely different issues. Obviously, the cardiologist is having difficulty treating disease processes for which he is trained, such as your afib. Why would you want him treating a disease process he wasn't trained in?

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Answered by Texas Vein And Cosmetic Specialists

You should see a vascular surgeon. There is nothing in cardiology training that addresses venous insufficiency. Having the technical skills to perform a procedure, and determining who is a good candidate for a procedure, are two completely different issues. Obviously, the cardiologist is having difficulty treating disease processes for which he is trained, such as your afib. Why would you want him treating a disease process he wasn't trained in?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


California Vascular and Vein Center

Published on May 06, 2015

You need to be seen by a vascular specialist for venous insufficiency evaluation and treatment.

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Answered by California Vascular and Vein Center

You need to be seen by a vascular specialist for venous insufficiency evaluation and treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on May 06, 2015

I suggest a vascular surgeon for your vein disease problems. Cardiologists are good at treating heart disease. Vascular surgeons, on the other hand, specialize in disease of blood vessels.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I suggest a vascular surgeon for your vein disease problems. Cardiologists are good at treating heart disease. Vascular surgeons, on the other hand, specialize in disease of blood vessels.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 06, 2015

Your heart condition is likely not related to your leg condition. As for the leg ablation, if you do need one (which is hard to truly know without having more information), then you should be ok to go through with it even if you are on blood thinners.

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Answered by Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center

Your heart condition is likely not related to your leg condition. As for the leg ablation, if you do need one (which is hard to truly know without having more information), then you should be ok to go through with it even if you are on blood thinners.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor St. Louis Vein Center

Published on May 06, 2015

No, the causes of atrial fibrillation and venous insufficiency are completely unrelated. I see no contraindication to getting your veins treated.

Answered by St. Louis Vein Center (View Profile)

No, the causes of atrial fibrillation and venous insufficiency are completely unrelated. I see no contraindication to getting your veins treated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 06, 2015

Your heart problem is not related to your leg problem. If you have venous insufficiency related to leg vein valvular insufficiency, then you would be a candidate for ablation of your leg veins.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Your heart problem is not related to your leg problem. If you have venous insufficiency related to leg vein valvular insufficiency, then you would be a candidate for ablation of your leg veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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