title: Endovenous laser ablation with 980-nm diode laser: early and midterm results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is an efficient method to treat incompetent great saphenous veins (GSV) with high occlusion rates. The aim of this prospective study is to demonstrate the treatment outcomes of EVLA of incompetent GSV with a 980-nm diode laser in an ambulatory setting.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  EVLA of the incompetent GSV with a 980-nm diode laser appears to be an extremely safe technique. There are several treatment alternatives available. Among the emerging techniques, EVLA is one of the most promising.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety eight patients (103 limbs) with symptomatic varicose veins secondary to GSV insufficiency treated with 980-nm EVLA were prospectively studied. In all patients, laser energy was administered with constant pullback of fiberoptic laser catheter under tumescent anesthesia. The patients were assessed and followed by clinical examination and venous duplex ultrasonography. Pain scores of the patients from discharge to their first follow-up visit (7 days) were recorded by using visual analog scale (VAS). Patient satisfaction was assessed and recorded at 6 month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients tolerated EVLA procedure well, and were discharged from hospital on the same day with ablation procedure. The overall success rate was 97.5% in 98 patients. Mean length of measured treated vein segment was 29.93±6.36 cm. Mean applied total energy was 2006.24±480.16 J. Major complications such as deep vein thrombosis and skin burns were not seen. Most of the complications were minor and improved quickly. All patients returned to daily activities within 2 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EVLA of the GSV insufficiency using 980-nm diode laser is an effective and safe technique with a high patient satisfaction rate. The advantages of the procedure are that it is performed as an outpatient procedure, provides early mobilization, causes minimal cessation of daily activities, and avoids classic surgical complications.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yeditepe University, Devlet Yolu Ankara Cad. No: 102/104, Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey. mergenoglu@yeditepe.edu.tr
authors.forename: Mehmet Umit
authors.initials: MU
authors.lastname: Ergenoglu
authors.forename: Mehmet Murat
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Sayin
authors.forename: Deniz Suha
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Kucukaksu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*