Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in patients with varicose great saphenous vein (GSV) and incompetent saphenofemoral junction (SFJ): an ambulatory single center experience.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate treatment results for varicose great saphenous vein (GSV) using endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in an ambulatory single center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We prospectively studied 77 limbs with varicose GSV in 74 patients who were treated using 980-nm EVL with a 600-mm laser fiber and the power settings of 10-25 Watts. The patients were followed using color Doppler ultrasound.

RESULTS

Continued closure of treated GSV was found in 98.3% of the legs evaluated at 3-week follow-up (n = 60). At 3- and 6-month intervals, 94.1% and 97% successful occlusion was achieved, respectively. The main complications of the procedure included prolonged leg pain (2 cases), hyperestheasia (one case) and lidocaine sensitivity (one case).

CONCLUSION

EVLA treatment of the GSV is a safe and highly effective method accompanied with few complications in midterm follow-up. It is feasible in ambulatory settings and the patients return to their daily activities early after intervention.