I will be getting EVLT in a few months. Are there any long-term complications from this?

I'm concerned that these veins are needed and by removing them, will create lymphedema and decreased circulation in my legs.

Answers from doctors (8)


Comprehensive Interventional Care Centers

Published on Apr 14, 2015

Only dysfunctional veins are removed. These veins are usually abnormally enlarged with valves that no longer function. They will never be needed in the future. Normal superficial veins (that we do not remove and that are not causing problems) may be used for heart bypass in the future. We all have thousands of veins in our legs and by removing bad veins, the blood just continues to flow through normal deep veins. The veins closed by EVLT are considered superficial veins.

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Answered by Comprehensive Interventional Care Centers

Only dysfunctional veins are removed. These veins are usually abnormally enlarged with valves that no longer function. They will never be needed in the future. Normal superficial veins (that we do not remove and that are not causing problems) may be used for heart bypass in the future. We all have thousands of veins in our legs and by removing bad veins, the blood just continues to flow through normal deep veins. The veins closed by EVLT are considered superficial veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Everyone has innumerable veins in one's legs. The veins treated with EVLT are actually the culprit ones that can cause cause problems with the circulation and lymphedema, if left untreated. There have been no significant long-term complications reported from the vein ablative therapies. Hope that helps. Good luck with your treatments.

Answered by Dr. Syed Bokhari M.D., F.A.C.C. (View Profile)

Everyone has innumerable veins in one's legs. The veins treated with EVLT are actually the culprit ones that can cause cause problems with the circulation and lymphedema, if left untreated. There have been no significant long-term complications reported from the vein ablative therapies. Hope that helps. Good luck with your treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


New York Vein Treatment Center

Published on Apr 10, 2015

You do need those veins, just like you need your appendix. That is until you develop appendicitis: if your appendix is not being removed, peritonitis, sepsis and death will follow. Once veins become diseased, or incompetent, they lead to trophic ulcers, infection, bleeding, swelling, blood clots and other complications. In the case with EVLT, however, the diseased veins are not being removed, but simply sealed through a needle. Lymphedema is caused by removal of the lymph nodes and is unrelated.

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Answered by New York Vein Treatment Center

You do need those veins, just like you need your appendix. That is until you develop appendicitis: if your appendix is not being removed, peritonitis, sepsis and death will follow. Once veins become diseased, or incompetent, they lead to trophic ulcers, infection, bleeding, swelling, blood clots and other complications. In the case with EVLT, however, the diseased veins are not being removed, but simply sealed through a needle. Lymphedema is caused by removal of the lymph nodes and is unrelated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 07, 2015

Laser closure of refluxing valves for treatment of varicose veins is a very safe procedure but, as with any procedure, there is a potential for untoward problems such as leg swelling, hardness in the areas of the layered vein or microphlebectomies, bruising and occasionally lymphocele or even DVT. Fortunately all of these problems resolve with time. I have been doing closure procedures for over 15 years and I cannot recall any long-term complications. See a vein specialist for your treatment.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Laser closure of refluxing valves for treatment of varicose veins is a very safe procedure but, as with any procedure, there is a potential for untoward problems such as leg swelling, hardness in the areas of the layered vein or microphlebectomies, bruising and occasionally lymphocele or even DVT. Fortunately all of these problems resolve with time. I have been doing closure procedures for over 15 years and I cannot recall any long-term complications. See a vein specialist for your treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 07, 2015

Long-term effects are rare in the hands of an experienced board certified surgeon, vascular trained and specializing in varicose veins. Lymphedema would be an extremely rare possibility. If your diagnosis of venous insufficiency (reflux) is correct, your circulation will improved by closing the malfunctioning veins, reducing chances of superficial clots and ulceration. The blood is pooling in these veins. It will be re-routed to your deep veins thereby improving circulation and symptoms.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Long-term effects are rare in the hands of an experienced board certified surgeon, vascular trained and specializing in varicose veins. Lymphedema would be an extremely rare possibility. If your diagnosis of venous insufficiency (reflux) is correct, your circulation will improved by closing the malfunctioning veins, reducing chances of superficial clots and ulceration. The blood is pooling in these veins. It will be re-routed to your deep veins thereby improving circulation and symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Clinic

Published on Apr 07, 2015

The veins treated with EVLT are destroyed, technically not removed. If they are malfunctioning veins then the leg circulation works better afterwards! The risk of lymphedema long term is extremely low – <1% with the procedure.

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Answered by The Vein Clinic

The veins treated with EVLT are destroyed, technically not removed. If they are malfunctioning veins then the leg circulation works better afterwards! The risk of lymphedema long term is extremely low – <1% with the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cleveland Clinic

Published on Apr 07, 2015

A potential long-term complication could be some numbness from potential nerve damage. The veins that are treated are not needed and will not create lymphedema or decreased circulation in your legs.

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Answered by Cleveland Clinic

A potential long-term complication could be some numbness from potential nerve damage. The veins that are treated are not needed and will not create lymphedema or decreased circulation in your legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Destin Vein Center

Published on Apr 07, 2015

The backward flow of blood in varicose veins and the main superficial trunks, the great saphenous vein (GSV) and the small saphenous vein (SSV) actually interfere with the normal venous return of blood. Removal of these areas of abnormal circulation actually improves circulation of blood in the treated limb. It is this improvement in limb circulation that causes improvement of symptoms of tiredness and heaviness in the limb.

These abnormal veins are not needed and by removing them, this will not create lymphedema and decreased circulation in your legs.

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Answered by Destin Vein Center

The backward flow of blood in varicose veins and the main superficial trunks, the great saphenous vein (GSV) and the small saphenous vein (SSV) actually interfere with the normal venous return of blood. Removal of these areas of abnormal circulation actually improves circulation of blood in the treated limb. It is this improvement in limb circulation that causes improvement of symptoms of tiredness and heaviness in the limb.

These abnormal veins are not needed and by removing them, this will not create lymphedema and decreased circulation in your legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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