Endovascular laser for the treatment of great saphenous varicosity / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the short term results of endovascular laser for the treatment (ELVT) of great saphenous varicosity. Methods Twenty one cases (a total of 27 lower extremities) were enrolled. Treatment included EL combined with ligation and resection of communicating branches. One patient underwent high ligation and resection of the great saphenous vein for the purpose of pathology after ELVT treatment. Result Twenty patients were followed-up for a period of 2～6 months. Color Duplex ultrosonography was conducted 2 weeks,4 weeks,and 6 mos,respectively. Thrombotic obliteration was found in all cases. Pathology study showed perforation of the vein with intimal injury and thrombosis. Conclusion The short term efficacy of EL treatment is definite with insignificant side-effect,and quick patient recovery. The mechanism is related to direct thermal injury of laser to the venous intima resulting in thrombotic obliteration.