Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for the saphenous reflux and varicose veins: a follow-up study.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study is to report our experience about endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for lower extremity varices in our centre which was followed by ultrasonography during the 6-month period.

METHODS:

During a 1-year period, 46 patients who were treated by EVLT with the 940-nm diode laser for venous insufficiency enrolled in the study. The diagnosis of greater saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence with reflux was made by clinical evaluation and duplex Doppler examinations. Clinical outcomes, complications and duplex ultrasound of the GSV were assessed within 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, after the endovascular laser treatment.

RESULTS:

The mean age of our patients was 44 ± 11 years (24-70), and among them, 23 (50%) were male. Improvement in visible varicosity was seen in 39 (84.8%) patients after 6 months (P value = 0.011). The baseline mean diameter of GSV was 4.9 ± 1.6 mm and it dropped to 3.5 ± 1.3 after 6 months (P < 0.0001). After 6 months, 95.7% of our patients were satisfied and recommended this procedure to others.

CONCLUSIONS:

Endovascular laser ablation seems to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of lower limb varices.

• Authors: Kavous Firouznia, Hossein Ghanaati, Mahsa Hedayati, Madjid Shakiba, Amir Hossein Jalali, Rasoul Mirsharifi, Abbas Dargahi
• Journal: Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology (J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol) Vol. 57 Issue 1 Pg. 15-20 (Feb 2013) ISSN: 1754-9485 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 23374548 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology © 2012 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Endovascular Procedures (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Saphenous Vein (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography
• Varicose Veins (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Venous Insufficiency (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Young Adult