Endovenous 980-nm Diode Laser Treatment of Incompetent Great Saphenous Vein

Kim, Kun Il; Lee, Won Yong; Jo, Tae Jun; Lee, Jae Woong; Hong, Ki Woo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser treatment has recently been introduced as a less invasive technique, with many good results reported. A 980-nm diode laser was used on the great saphenous vein (GSV) occlusions in patients with varicose veins, due to GSV reflux, and the therapeutic effects analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between September 2003 and February 2006, 238 patients (332 cases) with GSV reflux underwent endovenous laser treatment with a 980-nm diode laser. Operative procedures were simultaneous endovenous laser treatment and ambulatory phlebectomy. The preoperative clinical findings, postoperative complications and postoperative duplex US follow up results at 1 and 3 months were reviewed. RESULT: Postoperative complications were ecchymosis in almost cases, paresthesia 68 cases (20.5%) and skin burn in 3 cases (0.9%). Follow up duplex US revealed 26 and 10 cases at 1 and 3 months of GSV reflux or partial recanalization, with therapeutic success rates of 91.3 and 87.9%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The treatment of GSV occlusion with an endovenous laser is less invasive than traditional GSV stripping, but relatively high recanalization was experienced, possibly due to inadequate laser power, laser fiber pullback speed or an extremely dilated GSV. However, continuous attempts will be required to reduce the recanalization after the procedure, with accurate follow up using duplex US.