title: Update on endovenous laser ablation: 2011.
abstract: In 2001, the use of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) was introduced to the United States to treat superficial venous insufficiency. EVLA has subsequently undergone a rapid rise in popularity and usage with a concomitant decrease in traditional operative saphenectomy. Since its inception, the use of EVLA to treat superficial venous insufficiency has advanced significantly. The efficacy of treatment has been validated using both hemoglobin-specific laser wavelength and water-specific laser wavelength lasers. Currently, laser optimization is focusing on reducing postprocedural sequelae. The clinical parameters that correlate best with improved postoperative recovery use lower power/energy settings, water-specific laser wavelength lasers, and jacket or radial-emitting tips. Future study is still required to assess the durability of treatment at lower power and energy settings coupled with jacket or radial-emitting tip fibers. Long-term follow-up using duplex imaging is recommended to ensure persistent treatment success.
authors: New York University Langone Medical Center, Division of Vascular Surgery, 530 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors: Mikel
authors: M
authors: Sadek
authors: Lowell S
authors: LS
authors: Kabnick
authors: Todd
authors: T
authors: Berland
authors: Neal S
authors: NS
authors: Cayne
authors: Firas
authors: F
authors: Mussa
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Maldonado
authors: Caron B
authors: CB
authors: Rockman
authors: Glenn R
authors: GR
authors: Jacobowitz
authors: Patrick J
authors: PJ
authors: Lamparello
authors: Mark A
authors: MA
authors: Adelman
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D007834:Lasers; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*