Endovenous laser treatment: a morphological study in an animal model.
OBJECTIVE
The destruction induced during endovenous laser treatment (ELT) of the saphenous vein and the perivenous tissue in an animal model (goats) was analysed. Differences in vein wall destruction produced by two laser types, the 980 and 1500 nm diode lasers, were evaluated histologically.


METHODS
In 14 goats, 28 lateral saphenous veins were treated with ELT. In 14 veins we used the 980 nm diode laser and in the remnant a 1500 nm laser. Postoperatively the veins were removed at different stages and sent for histological examination.


RESULTS
Immediately removed veins after ELT show an uneven destruction of the vein wall. Veins harvested one week postoperatively show inflammatory tissue at their periphery. Two and three weeks postoperatively, organization is very extensive. In some cases, recanalization begins in a semi-lunar manner at the contralateral side of the laser hit. Veins treated with a 980 nm laser show deeper ulceration with more perivenous tissue destruction compared with veins treated with a 1500 nm diode laser.


CONCLUSIONS
The ELT of veins produces an unevenly distributed damage. The cell necrosis is far more extensive than expected. Uneven vein wall destruction can lead to recanalization. Using a 1500 nm laser correlates with less penetrating ulcerations and more circumferential damage.
Vuylsteke
M
M
Department of Vascular Surgery, Sint-Andriesziekenhuis, Krommewalstraat 11, 8700 Tielt, Belgium. marc.vuylsteke@mac.com
Van Dorpe
J
J
Roelens
J
J
De Bo
T
T
Mordon
S
S
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology; D006041:Goats; D007249:Inflammation; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D007834:Lasers; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000473:pathology; D009336:Necrosis; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014680:Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*