Inflammation and blood clots around it after Endovenous laser Ablation. Will the clots dissolve when inflammation goes?

Question

I had great sphenus EVLA 25 days ago. My healing went well until 3 days ago when I started to have pain in my calf especially when stretching my leg upward and while walking. my surgeon performed ultrasound said there is unexpected inflammation with small blood clots but he has sealed the way to femur main vein so he is not worried about clots moving up, n prescribed anti-inflammatory. I’m traveling in 2 days should I cancel my trip? Will clots dissolve when inflammation go?

Rodolfo Farhy, MD · Answer

The question is where are the clots. Are in the deep veins of the calf, are they extended into the thigh? If the deep veins are involved, I would suggest a short course of oral anticoagulation. If only the superficial veins are involved, then anti-inflammatories would be just fine.

Brian Heeringa, MD, FACS · Answer

Presumably by your description and your treating physician's lack of concern, these are superficial clots.  Deep clots would warrant anticoagulation but superficial clots as described can be treated with anti inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)  and compression.  If the clots are close to the surface, you can also evacuate some of the clot via a needle puncture which will often relieve some of the pain and will also reduce your risk for hemosiderin staining.

Inflammation and blood clots around it after Endovenous laser Ablation. Will the clots dissolve when inflammation goes?

Answers (2)