Varicose veins and A Fib

[F-M-C-MM]

Am now 2 years post ablation which has up to now been a great success. Nevertheless, I am always mindful of the possibility of going back into AFib at any time. Am in my mid 60's and have had very prominent varicose veins since my early 30s, but was reluctant to opt for a procedure as many people said that they tend to reappear in time. I asked my EP a short time post ablation if he would approve, and he said to give it a bit more time. At my last visit he said it would be ok, but I waited a bit longer.

I would be keen to hear from people in our community who have had a procedure to remove these unsightly and bulging veins following an ablation. I remember reading once that veins are used from the legs sometimes if one is undergoing a heart procedure so is it a mistake to have them stripped.

I should add that the only medication I take presently is vitamin D, so that should be an advantage as anti coagulation and other medication are not a problem.

[CDreamer]

I had my varicose veins attended to in my 30’s - way before I had AF - and they have never reappeared.

The vein they use in a catheter ablation is in the right groin, which is the same leg I had the veins removed from but as the veins were in my calf and behind the knee the highest cut was about 6ins above the knee there was absolutely no problem. I had 5 cuts to remove the offending vein.

[BobD Volunteer]

I'm sure I read recently that varicose vein ablation was no longer offered electively under NHS . Maybe that is only some CCGs?

[Finvola]

My situation may not be of much help as I haven’t had a PVI ablation, but I have had varicose vein ablation. Long saphenous vein ablated to remove large lumpy veins at the back of my knee nearly three months ago. It really was a straightforward procedure with minimal disruption to normal life and I didn’t have to stop Apixaban.

The detailed questions regarding future vein use and recurrence are better answered by a vascular consultant who would be able to advise, based on your history.

Incidentally, as BobD says above, I couldn’t have my procedure done on the NHS as the condition ‘wasn’t serious enough’ and was therefore deemed to be elective.

Glad I did it though as my leg and foot feel much more comfortable, no swollen ankle and no ‘cherry tomatoes’ at the back of my knee.

[F-M-C-MM in reply to Finvola]

Thanks for all your replies, I guess a visit to a vascular surgeon would be the first step as you day Finvola. I understand there are new methods used whiich are somewhat less invasive apart from stripping the veins from the legs. Has anyone had a procedure done by schlerotherapy or laser? I would be Interested in hearing your experiences with same. Thanks.

[Finvola in reply to F-M-C-MM]

Yes, mine was similar to laser ablation, except radio frequency was used. It took 30 minutes and I had only a small wound where the catheter was inserted. My surgeon said that schlerotherapy was unsuitable as there was too much vein to be closed off. My husband had schlerotherapy to close small veins in his ankle and was pleased with the result - he has no AF, though.

[Barb1]

If your CCG allow varicose vein ops, then grab the opportunity. I had mine done almost 20 years ago. They haven't reappeared but some new ones have developed. I would have them done if the NHS said yes.