Is it safe to get sclerotherapy if I have been diagnosed with a patent foramen ovale?

Answers from doctors (4)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 06, 2015

It is generally safe to perform sclerotherapy on a person with a PFO. That said, I generally just limit the amount drug being delivered in a given sitting. If the doc is injecting a liquid, then there is not concern at all. If the doc is injecting a foam, then the foam can cause you to have a headache afterward. The drug in the foam, however, is already deactivated well before reaching your heart.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

It is generally safe to perform sclerotherapy on a person with a PFO. That said, I generally just limit the amount drug being delivered in a given sitting. If the doc is injecting a liquid, then there is not concern at all. If the doc is injecting a foam, then the foam can cause you to have a headache afterward. The drug in the foam, however, is already deactivated well before reaching your heart.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 06, 2015

Yes, liquid sclerotherapy is probably safe.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes, liquid sclerotherapy is probably safe.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


West Coast Medicine and Cardiology

Published on Oct 06, 2015

Yes, it is. Almost 25% of patients have this issue. Depends on the size.
Also, type and quantity of agent used. Technique of creating micro-bubbles would be key as well.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6356_1433266764.jpg
Answered by West Coast Medicine and Cardiology

Yes, it is. Almost 25% of patients have this issue. Depends on the size.
Also, type and quantity of agent used. Technique of creating micro-bubbles would be key as well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 06, 2015

You can have sclerotherapy with a patent foramen ovale, but you should not have foam sclerotherapy. There are some vein specialists who feel that foam can be used with a patent foramen ovale as long as the foam is made with co2. I would not use foam with a patent foramen.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You can have sclerotherapy with a patent foramen ovale, but you should not have foam sclerotherapy. There are some vein specialists who feel that foam can be used with a patent foramen ovale as long as the foam is made with co2. I would not use foam with a patent foramen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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