Endovenous laser ablation of the incompetent small saphenous vein with a 980-nm diode laser: our experience with 3 years follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the long-term treatment outcomes of endovenous laser ablation (EVA) of incompetent small saphenous veins (SSV) with a 980-nm diode laser.


METHODS
Eighty-four patients (96 limbs), with varicose veins and reflux in the SSV on duplex ultrasound examination, were treated with a 980-nm diode laser under ultrasound- or fluoroscopy-guidance. Patients were evaluated at 1 week and 1, 3, 6 months, 1 year and yearly thereafter.


RESULTS
In the 96 limbs, the technical success rate was 100%. The SSV remained closed in 89 of 93 limbs (96%) after 1 month, all of 82 limbs after 6 months, 77 limbs after 1 year, 71 limbs after 2 years and 55 limbs after 3 years. In four limbs where recanalisation was observed, repeat EVA was done resulting in successful obliteration of the SSV. No major complication occurred however bruising (27%), tightness or pain (13%) and paraesthesia (4.2%) were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Endovenous laser ablation with a 980-nm laser wavelength is an easy and safe procedure in incompetent SSVs. After successful treatment, there is a very low rate of recanalisation of the SSV, which suggests that the procedure will provide lasting results.
Department of Radiology, Konkuk University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
S W
SW
Park
J J
JJ
Hwang
I J
IJ
Yun
S A
SA
Lee
J S
JS
Kim
S H
SH
Chang
H K
HK
Chee
S J
SJ
Hong
I H
IH
Cha
H C
HC
Kim
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016342:Angioplasty, Laser; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult