Endovenous laser ablation in patients with wide diameter of the proximal segment of the great saphenous vein: Comparison of methods

Abstract

Objective To estimate the safety and efficacy of using the laser 1560 nm wavelength for treatment of chronic venous disease in patients with wide diameters of the proximal segment of the great saphenous vein. Methods In the study 88 patients with lower limb varicose veins were included. Maximum diameter of the great saphenous vein proximal segment varied from 15 to 34 mm (22 ± 2.3) in all patients. In the 1st group in 34 cases crossektomy and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) were performed. In the 2nd group in 30 cases EVLA regardless diameter of the great saphenous vein proximal segment was performed. In the 3rd group in 34 cases EVLA taking into account the diameter of the great saphenous vein proximal segment was performed. The laser 1560 nm wavelength was used. Linear endovenous energy density in the 1st and 2nd groups was 90 J/cm for the proximal segment and trunk of great saphenous vein. Linear endovenous energy density in the 3rd group was personalized on the size of the veins: 100 J/cm for diameter of great saphenous vein proximal segment 15–20 mm, 150 J/cm for diameter 20–30 mm, 90 J/cm for middle and distal segments of great saphenous vein. Results In the 1st group obliteration of the trunk of the great saphenous veins and accessory great saphenous veins in all cases without additional interventions was reached. In the 2nd group at four cases (13.3%) the second procedure EVLA was carried out, after which the obliteration of the trunk was achieved. In the 3rd group the obliteration of the trunk of great saphenous vein was achieved without additional interventions. Conclusion Our experience of using the laser 1560 nm wavelength for the treatment of the chronic venous disease in patients with wide diameter of the proximal segment of great saphenous vein shows the safety and efficacy of this technique. EVLA has to be personalized on the size of the segments of vein in patients with wide proximal segment of great saphenous vein.