Endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins

PurposeTo assess the value of endovenous laser ablation as a treatment of varicose veins.Materials and methodsStudy included 30 patients (22 females, 8 males) with a mean age of 38.4 years (age range from 25 to 55 years) presented with varicose vein caused by saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) incompetence with Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) reflux. Patients underwent Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) with 980-nm diode laser as an outpatient procedure. Patients were re-examined one week, 1, 2 and 3 months postprocedure.ResultsImmediate postoperative successful occlusion that is defined as absence of flow by duplex ultrasound, was achieved in 29 GSVs (97%). Failure occurred in one case with large vein (GSV diameter > 0.8 cm). The procedure was well tolerated by all patients. The mean GSV diameter measured in upright position, was 6.5 mm (range from 4 to 9 mm). The mean length of treated GSV was 44.2 cm (range from 38 to 50 cm). Ecchymosis was seen in 18 patients (72%). Indurations were observed in 2 patients (6%) and resolved within two weeks. No paresthesia, superficial burns or DVT was detected.ConclusionEndovenous laser ablation for GSV reflux is a safe, feasible and efficient outpatient technique.