Endovenous laser treatment of varicose veins in lower extremities

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovenous laser treatment(EVLT). Methods The 282 lower extremities in 240 patients with varicose veins were treated endovenously with pulses of 810nm laser energy through a bare-tipped laser fiber.Vein access for endoluminal placement of the fiber through a catheter was achieved by means of percutaneous puncture.Exact placement of the fiber was determined by direct visualization of the infrared rays beam of the laser fiber through the skin.The clinical results of EVLT were analysed retrospectively. Results All the patients had excellent recovery after EVLT,and there was no recurrence in this group.At 1-12 months of follow-ups,all the 282 treated great saphenous veins (GSV) segments were closed (100%)by initial treatment with no flow detectable by Doppler interrogation.Conclusions EVLT of the incompetent GSVs and superificial varicose veins appears to be a very effective and safety way, and is less in expense.It may be a good alternative treatment to open traditional surgery.