Abstract
Purpose
This study was done to determine the suitable level of energy for the elimination of saphenous veins.
Methods
A randomized comparative study was done to determine the optimal linear endovenous energy density (LEED) for EVLT of incompetent great saphenous veins. Between October 2009 and September 2010, in 268 (173 women, 95 men) patients with a mean age of 43.1 (range 20~80) were treated, using a 1,470 nm diode laser at 10 watts in continuous mode. Patients were randomized to undergo EVLT with 100 J/cm (Group A) or 80 J/cm (Group B), respectively. They were evaluated clinically and by duplex at 1, 3, and 6 months and 1 year.
Results
There was no significant difference concerning gender, age, C of CEAP or diameter of the treated veins. Successful occlusion rates of the GSV, defined as the absence of flow on color doppler imaging, were 92% in Group A and 91% in Group B. There was no deep vein thrombosis, superficial burns or thrombophlebitis. In group A, visual analog scale was 3.7.6, which was higher than group B (2.3.2). The area of ecchymosis was 37.5% in group A, but 12.5% in group B.
Figures and Tables
References
1. Navarro L, Min RJ, Bone C. Endovenous laser a new minimally invasive method of treatment for varicose veins - preliminary observations using an 810 nm diode laser. Dermatol Surg. 2001. 27:117–122.
2. Agus GB, Mancini S, Magi G. IEWG. The first 1000 cases of Italian Endovenous-laser Working Group (IEWG). Rationale, and long-term outcome for the 1999-2003 period. Int Angiol. 2006. 25:209–215.
3. Min RJ, Khilnani N, Zimmet SE. Endovenous laser treatment of saphenous vein reflux: long-term results. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2003. 14:991–996.
4. Desmyttère J, Grard C, Wassmer B, Mordon S. Endovenous 980nm laser treatment of saphenous veins in a series of 500 patients. J Vasc Surg. 2007. 46:1242–1247.
5. Kang SH. The principle of the endovenous 980-nm laser treatment of saphenous veins. J Korean Soc Phlebol. 2008. 7:13–17.
6. Kang SH. Small saphenous vein treated by ultrasound guided foam scleratherapy. J Korean Soc Phlebol. 2009. 8:9–11.
7. Mordon SR, Wassmer B, Zemmouri J. Mathematical modeling of 1470-nm and 1320-nm endovenous laser treatment. Lasers Surg Med. 2007. 39:256–265.
8. Theivacumar NS, Dellagrammaticas D, Beale RJ, Mavor AI, Gough MJ. Factors influencing the effectiveness of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in the treatment of great saphenous vein reflux. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2008. 35:119–123. Epub 2007 Nov 1.
9. Pannier F, Rabe E, Maurins U. First results with a new 1470-nm diode laser for endovenous ablation of incompetent saphenous veins. Phlebology. 2009. 24:26–30.