I had deep vein thrombosis six years ago. What can I do to get rid of the swelling I still have because my valves are shot? I was told there was a procedure to close off that vein. Could endovenous laser ablation help?
An evaluation with a specialist would determine whether endovenous laser ablation is right for you and your condition.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, endovenous laser ablation can help if you have valvular reflux. The swelling is most likely due to what is called post-thrombotic syndrome. Wearing a compression stocking immediately and for at least one year can help. You should discuss this with the physician treating you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Ablation of the superficial veins would help the swelling in your legs; however, you can only ablate the superficial veins. If there are problems in the deep veins, that is a more invasive surgery and would require hospitalization and a surgeon that would actually perform the bypass. An ultrasound and consultation is required. Search for an interventional radiology clinic to have the ultrasound and get information on the procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Endovenous laser ablation is only used on the saphenous veins, not the deep veins. If you have swelling post-DVT and the saphenous vein is incompetent, EVLT may help. Remember that the deep vein still requires compression stockings, as valve repair is still experimental.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs within the veins located in the deepest part of our legs. Endovenous laser ablation only treats surface veins. If you have leaky valves in your superficial veins, treating them with endovenous laser ablation may improve your swelling, but not resolve it completely. Your swelling is probably related to post-thrombotic syndrome, which likely resulted from valve damage that occurred from your DVT. Compression therapy is the only known treatment for this condition.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Endovenous laser ablation would not work for deep vein problems. Compression stockings might help with the swelling you are experiencing.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should definitely have a consultation with an experienced vascular surgeon. Endovenous laser ablation is NOT for the deep veins in which you had a clot. There are no valve transplants at the present time for the deep veins. Laser ablations are limited to the superficial saphenous veins in the presence of HEALTHY functioning deep veins. You may be developing post-thrombotic syndrome, which causes swelling and possibly ulceration. The simplest treatment to reduce the swelling is a good quality compression hose that is measured and fitted. If the blood clot was above the knee, then a thigh-length compression hose would be best. If the swelling is limited to the lower leg, you may be able to wear a knee-length hose. Elevating the legs frequently, weight loss, smoking cessation and regular exercise also help.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Endovenous laser ablation would not help unless the problematic valves were in superficial veins, not deep veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Endovenous ablation is used for superficial venous insufficiency. If you had a deep vein thrombosis, you need to have an ultrasound to accurately determine which veins are leaking and if both the deep and superficial systems are insufficient. Try to determine which is contributing most to your swelling. Conservative treatment with elevation, ambulation and compression should be the first steps in your treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Endovenous laser ablation will help if the valves in the greater saphenous vein or lesser saphenous vein are incompetent. It will not help if your problem is in the deep venous system. Also, you require a full evaluation of your entire venous system before undergoing ablation, especially if you have had a prior deep vein thrombosis. You need to be evaluated by a vascular surgeon or an experienced vein specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Unfortunately, endovenous laser ablation is not right for deep veins, only superficial veins Ultrasound can determine if superficial veins are functioning poorly or if it is just the deep veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You would need to be evaluated by a vein specialist first. Then, based on the information
gathered, the appropriate treatment plan can be discussed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012