Vein Ablation

Hey guys,  I recently found out that I need to have a vein ablation procedure on one of my legs.  I have done a lot of internet research on the procedure and it appears to be minimally invasive and relatively painless with a short few day recovery.  My tests indicated that 30% of the blood is not being returned to my heart from my left leg due to a defective valve in a vein.  The ablation procedure uses a heated catheter to collapse the bad vein and the blood is rerouted through other veins.  Have any of you had this procedure, or do you have any personal experiences to share?  I'm waiting for insurance approval before scheduling the procedure, but would like to hear from anyone who has any info to share.

Thanks,

Martin

   Have had this procedure done for problems with varicose veins in my leg. Initially was diagnosed with a femoral artery aneurysim. Went in and had surgery for that, once they got in no aneurysim but had a hernia so they fixed that. The swelling on my leg from the fake aneurysim remained. Long story short next diagnosis was a problem similar to what you describe. Local anesthesia no sedative that I can remember, very long catheter was inserted below the knee, pushed up to the problem area and the heat ablation began as they slowed pulled out the catheter. I dont recall any pain blood etc. Small bandage at catheter site. Had to rest horizontal for 24 hr with leg elevated and tightly wrapped. Several days later wrap was removed and then had to wear an elastic compression stocking to keep the burnt veins closed until they scared up, about a month. Prior to treatment I was having severe cramps on a regular basis between my knee and crotch that were paralyizing, now nothing..knock on wood. I was up and out walking the dog two days after the procedure. Hope this helps
Good luck,   
 

Good luck and speedy recovery with the procedure Martin 

Good luck and speedy recovery with the procedure Martin 

This ^

Thanks for the "well wishes" guys.

Hope everything goes smoothly and a speedy recovery for my LS brother.  No more racing speed with the Revo from now on OK

Martin, Hope all goes well and you have a quick recovery.

Al

 The wife had this about 5 yrs ago...      Forewarning,,,  You'll have to wear pantyhose for a while.       Being the good friend I am,,, I won't laugh.

Good luck, Martin.

Do you know what brand device they are going to use?

I work for Medtronic and love hearing about our products helping people!

The wife had this about 5 yrs ago...      Forewarning,,,  You'll have to wear pantyhose for a while.       Being the good friend I am,,, I won't laugh.

Fishnets are the only way to go while yaking 

The wife had this about 5 yrs ago...      Forewarning,,,  You'll have to wear pantyhose for a while.       Being the good friend I am,,, I won't laugh.

Don't disregard pantyhose. After a bike crash several years ago they were very effective in reducing swelling on my leg and they are cheap.

They're going to use Venefit by Covidien.

They're going to use Venefit by Covidien.

Right on. Medtronic owns Covidien.

Follow the doctors orders Martin!!!  Your speedy recovery is what i'm hoping for! 

Good luck and a speedy recovery to you.

 Steve