title: Endovenous laser ablation for saphenous vein insufficiency: short- and mid-term results of 230 procedures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of endovenous laser ablation with a 1470-nm laser and to analyze the short- to mid-term results of endovenous laser ablation procedures to treat great saphenous vein insufficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this retrospective study, 200 patients (230 limbs) with symptomatic varicose veins secondary to great saphenous vein insufficiency treated with 1470-nm endovenous laser ablation were studied. Patients were evaluated clinically on the first day, first week, first month, and sixth month after the operation. Treated limbs were evaluated as separate treatment events.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The short-term occlusion rate was 99% and mid-term occlusion rate was 100%. Induration or swelling was the most common minor complication (13%). No major complication such as deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus occurred. Preoperatively documented mean venous clinical severity score significantly reduced from 4.9±2.3 to 2.5±1.1 (p<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endovenous laser ablation procedure of great saphenous vein with a 1470-nm diode laser is a minimally invasive, safe, and efficient treatment option in all-suitable patients with high short- and mid-term success rate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey firat3534@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Firat H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Altin
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Selim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aydin
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Kamuran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Erkoc
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Tevfik
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gunes
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Bortecin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Eygi
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Diyarbakir Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Baris H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Kutas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Endovenous laser ablation; chronic venous insufficiency; great saphenous vein; short- and mid-term results