Was my deep vein damaged during thermal ablation?

I had a thermal ablation 4 days ago. I went for an ultrasound yesterday and the tech saw the main deep vein was too close to the affected vein. I have to see the doctor in 2 days. She said I might need medication and to watch my leg for swelling and shortness of breath. She did not tell me why. Could they have damaged my deep vein during the procedure?

Answers from doctors (1)


More About Doctor Physicians Vein Clinics

Published on Sep 19, 2019

I would assume that you have something called an EHIT. This stands for Endothermal Heat-Induced Thrombus. This is a clot (thrombus) at the top of the vein where your physician started treatment of your great saphenous veins. The thrombus to a large degree is of little concern unless it extends into the deep system which is extremely rare. I would recommend that you stay active and walk a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes per day to prevent progression.

I have completed over 5,000 endovenous thermal ablations and I have NEVER had an EHIT progress to a blood clot in the deep veins. I do not do follow-up ultrasounds any longer, as studies show that it is not necessary.

Answered by Physicians Vein Clinics (View Profile)

I would assume that you have something called an EHIT. This stands for Endothermal Heat-Induced Thrombus. This is a clot (thrombus) at the top of the vein where your physician started treatment of your great saphenous veins. The thrombus to a large degree is of little concern unless it extends into the deep system which is extremely rare. I would recommend that you stay active and walk a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes per day to prevent progression.

I have completed over 5,000 endovenous thermal ablations and I have NEVER had an EHIT progress to a blood clot in the deep veins. I do not do follow-up ultrasounds any longer, as studies show that it is not necessary.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation -4 answers
What else can be done? I am tired of losing sleep and feeling pain at all hours of the day.
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -8 answers
What could happen if I lift anything heavier than 10lbs?
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -3 answers
I had RF ablation 2 years ago, followed with 2 treatments of sclerotherapy. After the procedures, I was pain-free for 2 years. 3 months ago, however, the pain came back. It's constant and in the other leg. Went back to doctor and had ultrasound, which showed no blood clots and great circulation. They did say I had a tiny varicose vein in one leg and reflux in the other newly hurting leg. When I saw the doctor, all he said he could do was sclerotherapy, which might help with the pain.
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -1 answer
My radiofrequency ablation was performed on a deep superficial vein before 20 days. Is it safe to smoke weed now?
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -4 answers
I had bilateral venous ablations done to my greater and lesser saphenous veins. My right leg feels fine, but my left calf has been really bothering me the past few days. It is tender and feels like I had a terrible Charlie horse in it. Is this normal?
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -7 answers
I'm 28 with a 4 month old and severe reflux in both small and large saphenous veins, bilaterally. I had this condition before becoming pregnant. The doctor says we can do RFA, but I will have to pump and dump for 1 week, and then I can resume breastfeeding. Is it definitely safe to resume nursing my child after 1 week?
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -2 answers
Three weeks after having a greater saphenous vein ablation and phlebectomy of my right leg, I am now having painful muscle spasms in my posterior calf muscle, just below the calf midline. Dorsiflexion of the foot helps alleviate the spasms. Doppler studies show no DVT and indicates the vein was ablated in its entirety. The pain is very much like the pain I experienced prior to the surgery, except more frequent. My doc seems to think everything is fine. Should I be concerned and what would help?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Radiofrequency Ablation -3 answers
The incisions around my knee area feel hot and hard, but there don't seem to be any other signs that would lead my to think they are infected. The incisions are almost fully healed and there's no redness that isn't linked to my bruising, no pus oozing, and no fever. I just noticed today that they feel hotter than the same area on my other leg, and can't see my regular doctor until Friday. So, I'm just wondering if this should be evaluated earlier, or if it's OK to wait until Friday.
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -6 answers
Will this cause any complications?
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -9 answers
My doctor isn’t planning on doing the Phlebectomy at the same time. He said later if needed.
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -8 answers
I was diagnosed with venous insufficiency via an ultrasound last Oct. I have reflux of the GSV and some other veins. I constantly have heaviness and aches in my leg, but no swelling or varicose veins. Elevation, compression stockings & walking help some, but I'm still suffering. My legs feel best when I wake up in the morning due to elevation all night. I'm looking into vein ablation, but am scared of the risks. Should I be? Should I proceed with a vein ablation?
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -2 answers
I have a vein on the inside of my calf that bulges after exercise. An ultrasound found that I have reflux of 7. I don't have heaviness or swelling or other symptoms, just the one varicose vein. The doctor wants to do RFA and foam sclerotherapy. Is it better to have the RFA, or just get the one vein taken care of then see if I develop other symptoms later? How likely are future problems vs how big a deal is ablation? I guess I am asking if the RFA is really necessary/worth it.
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -8 answers
I am 51 with no varicose veins, no pain. But my feet will turn red throughout the day. I have been staying away from sandals and flip flops because of this and want to have the treatment. I have read that I may need these veins in the future for heart surgery?
See More
Radiofrequency Ablation -5 answers
I know injections are given to insulate the vein from the heat during the closure procedure. This has me concerned about the injections I must endure during the procedure. How far apart are they and how painful are these injections?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR