title: Early results of endovenous ablation with a 980-nm diode laser for an incompetent vein of Giacomini.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of endovenous ablation of the incompetent vein of Giacomini using a 980-nm diode laser.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 18 patients (18 limbs, 4%) had the incompetent vein of Giacomini. Retrograde reflux originating from the great saphenous vein was noted in sixteen limbs and paradoxical diastolic anterograde reflux from the saphenopopliteal junction was observed in two limbs. After tumescent anesthesia, laser ablation using a 980-nm wavelength laser fiber was performed under ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance. Patients were evaluated clinically and with duplex ultrasound at one week and at one, three, six and twelve months after laser ablation for the technical and clinical success.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the 18 limbs, the technical success rate was 100%. Continued closure of the vein of Giacomini was seen in 18 of 18 limbs after one month, in 12 of 12 limbs after three and six months and in six of six limbs after twelve months. No recanalization of the vein and no major complications occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endovenous laser ablation with a 980-nm wavelength is an effective and safe procedure for treating an incompetent vein of Giacomini.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Konkuk University Hospital, Konkuk University School of Medicine, 4-12 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Sang Woo
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Song Am
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jae Joon
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Ik Jin
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Yun
authors.forename: Jun Seok
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Seong-Hwan
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Hyun Keun
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Chee
authors.forename: Il Soo
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*