[Endovenous holmium laser treatment for varicose veins].
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the technical points, advantages, follow-up results and mechanism of endovenous holmium laser treatment for varicose veins.


METHODS
Endovenous holmium laser procedures were performed for 96 patients (99 legs) with primary varicosity of lower extremities. Perioperative Duplex was used for preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative guide and postoperative follow-up. The time of procedure and clinical results were observed. The mean follow-up time was 7 months.


RESULTS
Sixty-seven in 99 legs with saphenous vein occluded immediately during operation. All saphenous veins were confirmed to be occluded 7 days after the procedure. There was no recanalization with Duplex finding during the follow-up period. No wound complications. Two cases were with minor skin burn. One case was with saphenous nerve injury. Three cases were with thigh ecchymosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary results show endovenous holmium laser treatment for varicose veins is safe and effective in treating varicose veins with cosmetic appearance and quicker recovery.
Zhang
Qiang
Q
Department of Vascular Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hangzhou, Zhejiang College of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China.
Huang
Shi-ming
SM
Meng
Lu-yang
LY
Wang
Xiao-dong
XD
Ding
Ji-qing
JQ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006695:Holmium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
D006695:Holmium