I have a bad hip/peripheral neuropathy and can only walk a few feet at a time. Since I am severely limited in my ability to walk, am I at greater risk for blood clots following endovenous laser ablation?
You are at greater risk for blood clots due to your immobility. I would recommend a second opinion regarding having the ablation and if the benefits outweigh the risks. See a vascular surgeon, preferably hospital-based to assess this. Normally we would not perform this procedure on someone with limited mobility.
I would recommend conservative therapy. Compression hose, elevating your legs during the day, drinking lots of fluids and perhaps using some limited exercises for your circulation. Talk with your doctor about adding Aspirin 81 mg daily if you are not on this already.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, you shouldn't concern yourself. Do the best you can, and regularly perform calf pumps while seated to help drain your leg veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Patients with limited mobility are poor risks for ambulatory venous treatment and at higher risk for blood clots. You should seek an expert in this type of treatment with the experience and knowledge to reduce these risks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Relative to the limited ability to walk, then yes you are. But, the risk of having a deep vein blood clot after endovenous laser ablation is so low that it usually isn't a concern for anyone, even for those that are not able to walk for long periods of time, unless there is a significant history in a patient of previous blood clots (usually for than 1) or the stopping of anticoagulants.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Any significant decrease in mobility with or without any laser procedure inherently puts a person at risk for blood clots. In my office, the prerequisite for performing a laser procedure is mobility. Following a laser procedure or any vein procedure, the lack of mobility only increases the potential for pain and blood clots. Now, if your hip/leg pain and neuropathy is vein related, then you may actually find your pain getting better after treating your veins. Keep in mind that treating your veins does not just mean having a laser procedure, it means addressing all aspects of your vein structure that is dysfunctional from the larger vessels deep inside the leg all the way out to the spiders. Failure to do this will limit that improvement you may see out of the treatment. I have had patients that could barely walk prior to treatment and are now walking around malls without any problems. Hopefully you are one of these people who can benefit this much from their vein treatments.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, you are probably are at an increased risk for blot clots. How much of an increased risk is hard to say. If your overall risk is still low, you will probably be fine. I would discuss this with your doctor, He/She should help you determine if it's best to wait or take something to reduce your risk.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, you are at increased risk of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). That being said, the risk can be lowered if you force yourself to get up and ambulate (walk) frequently, even if it's only for short distances. Your condition is certainly something that should be discussed with your doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, you should not be at greater risk for blood clots. That said, you should discuss this matter with your treating physician prior to having treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Likely yes, but precautions can limit this risk. If endovenous laser treatment is truly needed it will improve your venous circulation and should be done. If it is minor and more cosmetic, then I would avoid.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Overall, you are at higher risk for blood clots due to your limited mobility. This goes for endovenous laser ablation and any other procedure, as well as on a daily basis. This, however, is not a contraindication to doing the procedure. Be sure to find a board-certified physician who is skilled at performing this procedure and who has successfully treated patients with your condition. Discuss your risk for blood clots with that physician. He or she should be able to tell you what can be done to decrease your clotting risk post-procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Even though the procedure is minimally invasive, it is recommended that patients walk and wear compression stockings. If you are not walking as much, your doctor can give a blood thinner for one day before procedure and one week after the procedure for prophylaxis to decrease chance of blood clot.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, because you have limited mobility you may be at increased risk for clots in the deep veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012