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Updated: May 31, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Noninterruption of warfarin therapy is safe and does not compromise outcome in patients undergoing endovenous laser
Paul J Riesenman1, Dorian J de Fritas, Steve G Konigsberg
1Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Objective:
To assess the need for cessation of oral anticoagulation with warfarin for patients undergoing endovenous laser therapy (EVLT).
Methods:
Between September 2004 and July 2010, 518 patients underwent 770 EVLT procedures on the lower extremity, at our institution. Of these patients, 5 underwent a total of 12 separate lower extremity EVLT procedures for the treatment of symptomatic reflux without interruption of warfarin therapy.
Results:
No bleeding complications were observed during the procedure or in early follow-up. None of the patients developed a deep venous thrombosis. Complete ablation of the target vessel was observed in all patients on follow-up Duplex ultrasounds at 1 and 8 weeks postintervention.
Conclusion:
Endovenous laser therapy can be safely performed and does not compromise target vessel ablation in patients receiving oral anticoagulation warfarin therapy. Warfarin therapy should not be routinely interrupted in patients undergoing this procedure.
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