The Evaluation of the Saphenofemoral Junction after Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins and Its Clinical Significance

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the anatomy of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) after endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) with using a duplex scan and to assess its clinical significance. METHODS: Thirty two limbs of 26 patients who underwent EVLT between 2004 and 2006 were examined with duplex ultrasound scanning. The mean follow-up time was 25.9 months. We evaluate the presence of reflux, the patency of the proximal great saphenous vein and the number of the remaining patent tributary veins. RESULTS: The occlusion of the SFJ was classified into four categories 1) complete obstruction in 7 (21.9%), 2) complete obstruction with only one patent tributary vein in 6 (18.8%), 3) near complete obstruction (the patent length of the greater saphenous vein 5 cm) in 1 case. A patent SFJ with one or more intact tributaries was present in 25 (78.1%) limbs. However, there was no reflux in all the cases. CONCLUSION: EVLT is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. Although the SFJ tributaries and the patency of the proximal great saphenous vein after endovenous laser treatment were present, there was no reflux or recurrence of varicose veins.