What complications are involved with Endovenous Laser Ablation?

If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?

Answers from doctors (8)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 09, 2010

This is a commonly asked question. If the saphenous vein is incompetent,closing it with a laser should actually improve your circulation by allowing the venous blood to return to your heart through the deep system of veins rather than to pool in the leg veins and form varicose veins. There is a compromise, however, because the saphenous vein could no longer be used for a coronary bypass in the future. There are other options for bypass including the radial arteries, internal mammary arteries and arm veins.

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

This is a commonly asked question. If the saphenous vein is incompetent,closing it with a laser should actually improve your circulation by allowing the venous blood to return to your heart through the deep system of veins rather than to pool in the leg veins and form varicose veins. There is a compromise, however, because the saphenous vein could no longer be used for a coronary bypass in the future. There are other options for bypass including the radial arteries, internal mammary arteries and arm veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 26, 2010

Not likely since your closing an already disfunctional vein.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Not likely since your closing an already disfunctional vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay

Published on Oct 19, 2009

If you have an enlarged, incompetent saphenous vein, removing it will improve the return venous circulation. If you do not treat this vessel, it will become larger, more incompetent and further impair return venous flow. We routinely see advanced stages of venous disease where people present with skin ulcerations around the ankles, and we watch these resolve and heal after we remove the incompetent saphenous veins.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/744_1425924916.jpg
Answered by Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay

If you have an enlarged, incompetent saphenous vein, removing it will improve the return venous circulation. If you do not treat this vessel, it will become larger, more incompetent and further impair return venous flow. We routinely see advanced stages of venous disease where people present with skin ulcerations around the ankles, and we watch these resolve and heal after we remove the incompetent saphenous veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 15, 2009

As with any procedure, there can be complications, so it is important to have the procedure performed by a qualified physician.

The most serious complication is a clot in the deep system of veins. Another potential issue are the inadequate closure of the treated vein, leading to recurrent varicose veins. Overall the procedure is safe and successful in the majority of patients.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

As with any procedure, there can be complications, so it is important to have the procedure performed by a qualified physician.

The most serious complication is a clot in the deep system of veins. Another potential issue are the inadequate closure of the treated vein, leading to recurrent varicose veins. Overall the procedure is safe and successful in the majority of patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Oct 08, 2009

Most of the times there is no reason to be afraid.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Most of the times there is no reason to be afraid.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Jacksonville Vein Center

Published on Sep 30, 2009

Endovenous ablation is a remarkably safe & effective procedure for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency. All invasive procedures carry with them some associated risks. The risks of endovenous laser procedures can be broken down into those associated with the device: either laser or radiofrequency ablation , those associated with steps in the procedure i.e. vein access, application of anesthetic, and the long-term sequelae of the procedure.

1. Device related complications: Both Laser and Radiofrequency ablation work through the generation of heat. This heat can be transmitted through the vein wall and injure associated nerves and skin. A short-term sensory neeropathy can occur in 5-10% of cases. Thermal injury to the skin is much less common, but skin burns have been reported most frequently in the early use on the RF devices. A DVT (Blood Clot) can form related to trauma to the common femoral vein. This is why we get a venous ultrasound a few days after the procedure. This occurs < 3% of the time and will often require a short term treatment with systemic anticoagulation with coumadin.

2. Complications related to steps in the procedure: Allergic or toxic reactions to Lidocaine/epinephrine are very rare when used in appropriate doses, but can include seizures and heart arrythmias.

Difficulty accessing the vein can occur and rarely a small incision is required, this rarely occurs, but is more frequent in less experienced users. Sometimes the vein will be too tortuos or have segmental occlusions that will not allow the wire/catheters to pass and will require more than one vein puncture. This can usually be identified with good pre-procedural vein mapping.

3. Complications related to the long-term sequelae of ablation: The insufficient vein is functioning to "short-circuit" the normal function of the venous system. by the time these veins are treated they are usually thin-walled and dilated and would not be useful conduit for coronary or periphe

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/829_1408044079.jpg
Answered by The Jacksonville Vein Center

Endovenous ablation is a remarkably safe & effective procedure for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency. All invasive procedures carry with them some associated risks. The risks of endovenous laser procedures can be broken down into those associated with the device: either laser or radiofrequency ablation , those associated with steps in the procedure i.e. vein access, application of anesthetic, and the long-term sequelae of the procedure.

1. Device related complications: Both Laser and Radiofrequency ablation work through the generation of heat. This heat can be transmitted through the vein wall and injure associated nerves and skin. A short-term sensory neeropathy can occur in 5-10% of cases. Thermal injury to the skin is much less common, but skin burns have been reported most frequently in the early use on the RF devices. A DVT (Blood Clot) can form related to trauma to the common femoral vein. This is why we get a venous ultrasound a few days after the procedure. This occurs < 3% of the time and will often require a short term treatment with systemic anticoagulation with coumadin.

2. Complications related to steps in the procedure: Allergic or toxic reactions to Lidocaine/epinephrine are very rare when used in appropriate doses, but can include seizures and heart arrythmias.

Difficulty accessing the vein can occur and rarely a small incision is required, this rarely occurs, but is more frequent in less experienced users. Sometimes the vein will be too tortuos or have segmental occlusions that will not allow the wire/catheters to pass and will require more than one vein puncture. This can usually be identified with good pre-procedural vein mapping.

3. Complications related to the long-term sequelae of ablation: The insufficient vein is functioning to "short-circuit" the normal function of the venous system. by the time these veins are treated they are usually thin-walled and dilated and would not be useful conduit for coronary or periphe

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Endovenous laser ablation is minimally invasive and very safe. The
worst complication would be a blood clot in the leg. This is very rare
complication compared to any surgical procedure. In answer to your
second question, if the larger saphenous vein is refluxing, or non
functioning, the blood has already by- passed that vein. So when you
close it off, it will actually make your leg health improve and help
preserve the normal veins. The long term venous health will improve if
the vein is ablated, but if untreated, will only become worse.

Answered by California Vein Specialists (View Profile)

Endovenous laser ablation is minimally invasive and very safe. The
worst complication would be a blood clot in the leg. This is very rare
complication compared to any surgical procedure. In answer to your
second question, if the larger saphenous vein is refluxing, or non
functioning, the blood has already by- passed that vein. So when you
close it off, it will actually make your leg health improve and help
preserve the normal veins. The long term venous health will improve if
the vein is ablated, but if untreated, will only become worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Sep 29, 2009

No. The majority of blood is carried out of your legs by the deep venous system. The superficial system carries only a minority of blood. The saphenous veins are part of the superficial system. Also, if you have a leaking saphenous vein, closing it down (with laser) will actually improve your venous circulation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/873_1500663762.jpg
Answered by Miller Vein

No. The majority of blood is carried out of your legs by the deep venous system. The superficial system carries only a minority of blood. The saphenous veins are part of the superficial system. Also, if you have a leaking saphenous vein, closing it down (with laser) will actually improve your venous circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I had EVLT about 10 days ago , now I have a big knot on my inner thigh and when I touch it, it still hurts , I had a lot of pain the day after the surgery and I couldn't bend my leg. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
Can you please detail some of the restrictions after EVLT?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I am just over 2 weeks post EVLT and still have pain. As long as I take an anti-inflammatory the pain subsides. Visually the inner thigh looks good. How much longer will the pain last?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
It has been a week since my EVLT procedure, and I am wondering if I should continue wearing the compression stocking?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -11 answers
I had swelling in my left foot and my doctor confirmed that the valves in two of my veins were not working properly. I had these veins closed with endovenous laser ablation, but four weeks later I still have swelling in my foot that doesn't go away. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I have burning pain at my incision site 3 weeks after endovenous laser ablation. It isn't constant, just when it is touched or rubbed. Could this be nerve damage or a hair follicle that is irritated from the incision?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment and sclerotherapy performed on both the greater and lessor saphenous veins of my legs. It was done on the same day. After a couple of weeks I started feeling numbness and tingling in my legs, mostly below the knee and through my feet. Will the feelings ever go away?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
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?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I am about two months into treatment for chronic venous insufficiency? I have had laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy with very little results. Can anything be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis after the veins are treated. I wear compression hose.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -13 answers
I had my GSV ablation done 13 days ago and still have intense pain in a segment on the inner thigh just above the knee. Is this level of pain normal and, if so, for how long? I have to take Advil for relief, but my stomach is sensitive to NSAIDS.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
I've heard that ELA can result in deep vein thrombosis. Is this true, and how common is this complication? Is there any way to prevent it?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -7 answers
EVLT 5 days ago GSV. No serious pain yet. Compression stocking to come off tomorrow, but bruising seems excessive with dark patches and tenderness to touch. I was told to use heating pad, and now I'm reading not to do that. What should I do?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
What are the side effects of drinking alcohol after my evla?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -4 answers
I have sharp stabbing pains in my leg. It's very painful and the Motrin did not help. I was in tears! This went on for a couple of days. The pain is on my right leg and my left leg isn't painful at all. What could this be?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -12 answers
Does this procedure hurt?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I've heard that endovenous laser treatments actually remove or destroy the saphenous vein in the leg. Is this true, and will I still get enough blood circulation to the legs if this large vessel is removed?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR