Follow-up results of laser saphenous ablation

Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to evaluatethe efficacy and durability of endovenous laser ablationwith 940 nanometer wavelength with at least one-yearfollow-up.Materials and methods: Between December 2009 andFebruary 2012, a total of 68 incompetent great saphenousveins and 4 small saphenous veins were treated byendovenous laser ablation, using 940 nanometer wavelengths.Patients underwent standard clinical and duplexfollow-up examinations with a mean of 18 months (range12 to 26 months) after endovenous laser ablation. Patientsatisfaction regarding the procedure was assessed withthe use of a visual analog scale (range 1 to 100).Results: Post-procedural duplex scans showed total occlusionof the treated great saphenous veins in 56 patients(97%) and sub-total occlusion in 2 (3%) patients.For small saphenous veins, post-procedural duplex scansshowed total occlusion in 4 (100%) patients.The average pre-procedure modified clinical picture, etiology,anatomic distribution and pathophysiology clinicalscore improved significantly after 12 months. Complicationsfrom our series included swelling and induration in3 patients (5%), skin pigmentation in 3 patients (5%). Patientsatisfaction with the surgical outcome was 83.2 %(±11.8, n=58).Conclusions: Our results seem to be satisfying, and thisstudy has reaffirmed the effectiveness and durability ofendovenous laser ablation with 940 wavelengths in thetreatment of great saphenous vein insufficiency.Key words: Duplex ultrasound, endovenous technique,saphenous vein, venous insufficiency.