title: Endovenous laser treatment: is there a clinical difference between using a 1500 nm and a 980 nm diode laser? A multicenter randomised clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We compared the use of two different laser wavelengths in the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux: the 1500 nm versus the 980 nm diode laser. We studied the occlusion rates and noted possible side-effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  In three centers 180 great saphenous veins were treated with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). By random selection half of the patients were treated with a 980 nm laser and half with a 1500 nm laser. A Duplex scan was scheduled at one month and six months postoperatively. Ecchymosis was measured at one week using a calculated scale. In addition the need for analgesics, the induration around the treated vein and patient satisfaction rate were noted. At two weeks postoperatively a quality of life score (CIVIQ2) was obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The complete occlusion rates at six months were not statistical significant different between both groups (95.5% for 980 nm and 93.1% for 1500 nm). Most of the non-occluded veins had a filiform internal lumen and did not show reflux. There was no significant difference in the postoperative appearance of ecchymosis (P=0.09). Patients treated with a 1500 laser had less induration around the treated vein (P=0.002), less need to take analgetics (1.8 days versus 2.9 days) and had a better postoperative quality of life (P=0.018). The patient satisfaction rate did not differ in the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using a 1500 nm diode laser in the treatment of an incompetent GSV, compared to the use of a 980 nm laser, results in similar occlusion rates at six months, but somewhat less side-effects.
authors: Department of Vascular Surgery, Sint-Andriesziekenhuis, Tielt, Belgium. marc.vuylsteke@me.com
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Vuylsteke
authors: T H
authors: TH
authors: De Bo
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Dompe
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Di Crisci
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Abbad
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Mordon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004438:Ecchymosis / Q000209:etiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics