Endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein using a bare fibre versus a tulip fibre: a randomised clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the clinical results of the use of a tulip fibre versus the use of a bare fibre for endovenous laser ablation.


METHODS
In a multicentre prospective randomised trial 174 patients were randomised for the treatment of great saphenous vein reflux. A duplex scan was scheduled 1 month, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Ecchymosis was measured on the 5th postoperative day. In addition, pain, analgesics requirement, postoperative quality of life (CIVIQ 2) and patient satisfaction rate were noted.


RESULTS
Patients treated with a tulip fibre had significantly less postoperative ecchymosis (0.04 vs. 0.21; p < 0.001) and pain (5th day) (1.00 vs. 2.00; p < 0.001) and had a better postoperative quality of life (27 vs. 32; p = 0.023). There was no difference in analgesic intake (p = 0.11) and patient satisfaction rate (p = 0.564). The total occlusion rate at 1 year was 97.02% and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.309).


CONCLUSIONS
Using a tulip fibre for EVLA of the great saphenous vein results, when compared with the use of a bare fibre, in equal occlusion rates at 1 year but causes less postoperative ecchymosis and pain and in a better postoperative quality of life.
Department of Vascular Surgery, Sint-Andriesziekenhuis, Krommewalstraat 11, 8700 Tielt, Belgium. marc.vuylsteke@me.com
M E
ME
Vuylsteke
S
S
Thomis
P
P
Mahieu
S
S
Mordon
I
I
Fourneau
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001530:Belgium; D004438:Ecchymosis / Q000209:etiology; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; 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*
D000700:Analgesics