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2 weeks post EVLT, doctor said I needed to redo the procedure?

Dr. Thomas Wright — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:24:44 +0000

I had EVLT 3 weeks ago. When I went for the 2-week follow-up, it showed that the vein was still open. My doctor said he needed to redo the procedure. I thought this was a one-time procedure, and am confused as to what my options are.

An EVLT is usually, 98% to 99% of the time, a one-time treatment. That is 98-99% that after treatment, the vein is closed and it stays closed for at least several years. Since our data only goes back years, that is all we can demonstrate, though it’s possible we may learn the vein stays closed forever.

Redo procedures do occur, but they should be uncommon after a treatment.

- Dr. Wright

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What are the restrictions after an ELA?

Dr. Thomas Wright — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:10:14 +0000

Q: Can you please detail some of the restrictions after an Endovenous Laser Ablation?

A: Normal activity should be ok, including walking, standing, and house chores. Activity can essentially be resumed right away. Rigorous exercise and heavy lifting (<20lbs) will need to be delayed by 1 week. Typically showering is ok immediately as well. I advise compression stocking use on the leg for 1 week after the procedure.

- Dr. Wright

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Can I have developed ulcers after an EVLT?

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:42:36 +0000

After having the endovenous laser ablation on both legs, I have developed large ulcers on one of my legs. What could have caused this? This has been a very long and painful experience.

EVLT is very unlikely to cause leg ulcers, unless the vein treated was very superficial and a skin burn was caused which is theoretically possible, although I have never seen this.

- Dr. Wright

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I’ve heard that ELA hurts more than RO. Is this true?

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:42:33 +0000

I’ve heard that ELA hurts more than RO. Is this true? They sound like sort of the same thing; why would one hurt more than the other?

As to pain during the procedure, there should be absolutely no difference. No pain should be felt during the ablation if the local anesthesia is administered correctly. Generally there is minimal to mild pain after these procedures treated with, at most, ibuprofen being taken as needed. There are no head-to-head studies that have compared what laser and radio frequency ablation patients experience. However the mild discomfort experienced for a week or two after the treatment is certainly very similar.

- Dr. Wright

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I’ve heard that ELA can result in deep vein thrombosis.

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:42:29 +0000

How common is this complication? Is there any way to prevent it?

Yes, Endovenous Laser Ablation can cause a deep vein thrombosis. Studies show that this is an uncommon occurence happening in less than .5% of cases; or less than 5 in 1000 treatments.

- Dr. Wright

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After an EVLT I have a lot of numbness, what’s going on?

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:42:25 +0000

I had EVLT done back in may all of the sudden just recently my leg has a lot of aching and pain where it was done. Its sore to touch and its tender. There is also numbness in that spot of leg, very achy, where the surgery was performed. What could be the issue?

Numbness can be from cutaneous or skin nerve damage that will improve over time. Soreness this far out is likely associated with a hard, but closed vein, or an open vein near the closed area. It is difficult to answer this question adequately without seeing how much of the Saphenous was ablated or what additional treatment was done. There may still be more work to do on that leg. So it is important to follow up with the physician who performed the procedure and to be checked with an ultrasound.

- Dr. Wright

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Am I at risk of circulatory problems?

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:42:22 +0000

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

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.

- Dr. Wright

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Is it possible for EVLT to make your legs look worse?

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:42:18 +0000

Is it possible for EVLT to make your legs look worse after the procedure?

Not usually if you are referring to the bulging veins, as the EVLT is used to cut off the source of these bulging veins. Some people do get darkened skin, which usually fades over time

- Dr. Wright

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What is recovery like after a vein procedure with a laser?

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:30:03 +0000

What is recovery like after a vein procedure with a laser?

Recovery is generally quick and almost pai- free. The doctor will apply a compression garment and ask the patient to walk around the office for about 20 minutes before leaving. Patients may return to normal activities other than strenuous exercise, but compression stockings must be worn for about a week. A pulling feeling may be felt but can be resolved with over-the-counter pain medication.

- Dr. Wright

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How long does the procedure itself take?

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:23:05 +0000

How long is recovery for EVLT and how long does itself take?

It depends on the procedure. An endovenous laser ablation takes less than 20-30 minutes. Microphlebectomy (removal of the superficial veins) can take an additional 30-40 minutes depending on how many veins. The old way of treating veins (stripping and ligation) is no longer necessary which took even longer. There is no downtime for the current procedures. Some bruising is to be expected.

- Dr. Wright

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