BACKGROUND:
Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat superficial venous insufficiency. We believe that using a longer wavelength will reduce the frequency of the most common adverse effects associated with the use of shorter wavelengths.
OBJECTIVES:
To report the results of an initial series of patients with chronic superficial venous insufficiency treated using a 1470 nanometer diode laser and to compare results using linear and radial laser fibers.
METHODS:
We conducted an observational cohort study. Seventy-four patients, for whom at least two postoperative Doppler ultrasonography scans were available, were recruited with a total of 121 saphenous veins treated (92 great and 29 small saphenous veins). There were 57 patients in Group A (treated with the linear fiber) and 17 in Group B (radial fiber). Follow-up ideally comprised clinical consultation and Doppler ultrasonography at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after the procedure. Success was defined as total occlusion of the venous segment that had been treated.
RESULTS:
Success rates at mean follow-up of 13.4 months (range 7 - 27) were 83% for great saphenous veins and 89% for small saphenous veins. Patients treated with the radial fiber required less energy to achieve occlusion of the small saphenous vein and exhibited fewer adverse reactions, with statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Treatment of great and small saphenous vein insufficiency using the 1470 nm diode laser is safe and effective. The radial fiber was associated with fewer intercurrent conditions than the linear fiber, although success rates were similar.
venous insufficiency; varicose veins; laser treatment
