Endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins.

UNLABELLED: Readily available non-invasive diagnostic tests now allow physicians to accurately map out abnormal venous pathways and identify all sources of reflux. Minimally invasive alternatives to surgical removal of incompetent truncal veins have been developed with impressive RESULTS: Endovenous laser treatment can be performed in the office under local anesthesia and is associated with virtually no recovery period. Better understanding of the primary mechanism of energy transfer by direct contact between the laser fiber tip and vein wall has underscored the importance of vein emptying. Improved utilization of tumescent anesthesia has helped facilitate circumferential laser fiber to vein wall contact and virtually eliminated the incidence of heat-related complications. Further refinements in the technique and optimization of laser energy parameters have improved success rates of vein closure from 90% to nearly 100%. Compared to surgery, endovenous laser has also demonstrated lower rates of recurrence largely due to the absence of neovascularity. This review of endovenous laser treatment should validate this exciting technique as a scientifically acceptable option for eliminating truncal vein reflux. If measured by patient acceptance and satisfaction, endovenous laser and other minimally invasive methods have already supplanted traditional surgery as the treatment of choice for superficial venous insufficiency.

Endovenous laser treatment of the incompetent greater saphenous vein.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), a novel percutaneous technique for occlusion of the incompetent greater saphenous vein (GSV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety GSVs in 84 patients with reflux at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) into the GSV were treated endovenously with pulses of laser energy and evaluated in a prospective, nonrandomized, consecutive enrollment multicenter study. Patients were evaluated at 1 week and at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months to determine efficacy and complications. RESULTS: Eighty-seven of 90 GSVs (97%) were closed 1 week after initial treatment with endovenous laser. The remaining three GSVs were closed after repeat treatment. Eighty-nine of 90 GSVs (99%) remained closed for as long as 9 months according to serial duplex ultrasonography. Sonographic evaluation demonstrated 73% reduction in GSV diameter at 6 months (61 patients) and 81% reduction in GSV diameter at 9 months (26 patients) after EVLT. One patient developed a transient localized skin paresthesia. There have been no other minor or major complications. CONCLUSIONS: EVLT of the incompetent GSV appears to be an extremely safe technique that yields impressive short-term results. Long-term follow-up is awaited.

Endovenous laser: a new minimally invasive method of treatment for varicose veins--preliminary observations using an 810 nm diode laser.

BACKGROUND: Long-term success in the treatment of truncal and significant branch leg varicosities, when the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) and the greater saphenous vein (GSV) are involved, depends on the elimination of the highest point of reflux and the incompetent venous segment, and is best achieved by surgical ligation and stripping. Minimally invasive alternatives in the treatment of varicose veins with SFJ and GSV incompetence have been tried over the years to increase patient comfort, reduce cost and risk, and allow implementation by a wide variety of practitioners resulting in varying degrees of success depending on the fulfillment of the above two premises and the effectiveness of the method used. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a novel way to use laser energy through an endoluminal laser fiber for the minimally invasive treatment of truncal varicosities that eliminates the highest point of reflux and the incompetent segment. METHODS: Patients were treated with 810 nm diode laser energy administered endovenously through a bare-tipped laser fiber (400-750 microm). Vein access for endoluminal placement of the fiber through a catheter was achieved by means of percutaneous or stab wound incision under ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia. Exact placement of the fiber was determined by direct observation of the aiming beam through the skin and by ultrasound confirmation. RESULTS: Preliminary short-term postprocedure results (up to 1 year, 2 months after treatment) in the endovenous laser treatment of 40 greater saphenous veins in 33 patients indicate a 100% rate of closure with no significant complications. In addition, a 2-year experience of 80 cases of isolated branch varicosities (Giacomini, anterolateral branch, etc.) also shows a 100% rate of closure. CONCLUSION: Early results of our endoluminal laser methodology indicate a very effective and safe way to eliminate SFJ incompetence and close the GSV. With proper patient selection, the ease of methodology and the reduced risk and cost associated with endovenous laser treatment may make it a successful minimally invasive alternative for a wide group of patients that previously would have required ligation and stripping.

Transcatheter duplex ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for treatment of greater saphenous vein reflux: preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Surgical ligation and stripping of the greater saphenous vein has been the gold standard for treatment of saphenofemoral junction incompetence for several years. Although sclerotherapy of the greater saphenous vein has also been advocated by some phlebologists, the procedure can be technically challenging and has resulted in inadvertent nontarget injection. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of transcatheter duplex-guided sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins due to saphenofemoral junction reflux. METHODS: Fifty-one greater saphenous veins in 50 patients were treated with transcatheter sclerotherapy. Using local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance, the greater saphenous vein was entered 15-45 cm below the saphenofemoral junction. An infusion catheter was placed over a guidewire and positioned under ultrasound guidance, and 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate was administered below the saphenofemoral junction and along the course of an "empty" greater saphenous vein via the catheter. RESULTS: Catheter placement and treatment was possible in all patients, with 2-5 ml of 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate administered per session. At the 24-hour and 1-week follow-ups, all treated greater saphenous vein segments were closed following initial treatment, with no flow detectable by continuous wave or color Doppler interrogation. No patients required re-treatment, with all veins remaining closed at 2- to 12-months follow-up. There have been no adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter duplex ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy should improve both the safety and efficacy of treatment compared to conventional ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and offers an alternative to surgical ligation and stripping for those patients wishing to avoid surgery.