If I have had a DVT in the past, can I still have RFA on that leg?

I had DVT in one leg in the past. Now my doctor tells me I have varicose veins and have reflux in that leg. Can I still have a RFA as he has suggested?

Answers from doctors (4)


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on Jul 01, 2019

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one option for treating venous reflux of the superficial venous system.

Healthy veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood back to the heart. When these valves, which keep blood flowing out of the lower extremities and back to the heart, are not working well, the condition is called venous reflux.

Reflux makes the blood pool in the legs, and this can lead to signs and symptoms like varicose veins and other symptoms such as pain and swelling.

Looks like your vein specialist evaluated your legs using ultrasound to check for venous patency and for venous reflux.

Even If you have a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but you are presenting venous reflux in your superficial veins now, you can be treated with a few options, including RFA.

Without treatment of venous reflux, you may experience progressive symptoms such as swelling, skin damage and/or ulcers. These can debilitate and impact quality of life a great deal. That outcome is preventable with proper treatment. Treating venous reflux can also decrease the risk of DVT as well.

According to the type of treatment, a patient may resume normal activities more quickly. Discuss with the specialist all available options for treatment.

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Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one option for treating venous reflux of the superficial venous system.

Healthy veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood back to the heart. When these valves, which keep blood flowing out of the lower extremities and back to the heart, are not working well, the condition is called venous reflux.

Reflux makes the blood pool in the legs, and this can lead to signs and symptoms like varicose veins and other symptoms such as pain and swelling.

Looks like your vein specialist evaluated your legs using ultrasound to check for venous patency and for venous reflux.

Even If you have a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but you are presenting venous reflux in your superficial veins now, you can be treated with a few options, including RFA.

Without treatment of venous reflux, you may experience progressive symptoms such as swelling, skin damage and/or ulcers. These can debilitate and impact quality of life a great deal. That outcome is preventable with proper treatment. Treating venous reflux can also decrease the risk of DVT as well.

According to the type of treatment, a patient may resume normal activities more quickly. Discuss with the specialist all available options for treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Jun 12, 2017

As long as there is no DVT in the leg, saphenous vein ablation may be performed for symptomatic superficial venous insufficiency.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

As long as there is no DVT in the leg, saphenous vein ablation may be performed for symptomatic superficial venous insufficiency.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 12, 2017

Prior DVT is not a contraindication to a closure procedure in the same leg. You require a full venous evaluation with a venous ultrasound. If your deep system of veins is well collateralized and not extensively occluded then you would be able to have a closure done of the refluxing veins in the superficial system. If you leg venous drainage was dependent on the superficial venous system then closure would not be possible. See a vein specialist for an evaluation.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Prior DVT is not a contraindication to a closure procedure in the same leg. You require a full venous evaluation with a venous ultrasound. If your deep system of veins is well collateralized and not extensively occluded then you would be able to have a closure done of the refluxing veins in the superficial system. If you leg venous drainage was dependent on the superficial venous system then closure would not be possible. See a vein specialist for an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jun 02, 2017

If your femoral vein is obstructed, the answer is no. The superficial saphenous vein is the return circulation in the leg. If the femoral vein is patent and functional, your varicose veins are symptomatic (pain, aching, cramping, etc.) you may get relief by RFA or laser ablation. Ensure you are being treated by a vascular trained surgeon who is experienced in these problems.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If your femoral vein is obstructed, the answer is no. The superficial saphenous vein is the return circulation in the leg. If the femoral vein is patent and functional, your varicose veins are symptomatic (pain, aching, cramping, etc.) you may get relief by RFA or laser ablation. Ensure you are being treated by a vascular trained surgeon who is experienced in these problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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