Long-term results of endovenous laser ablation of saphenous vein reflux: Up to nine years of follow-up

Abstract

Introduction Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) has become the gold standard for the treatment of saphenous vein reflux. We report the long-term clinical and ultrasound results of EVLA. Methods This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent EVLA of saphenous vein over four years. Clinical results were assessed using venous clinical severity score (VCSS), and ultrasound results were classified according to Bush classification. Results Over a median follow-up time of 4.4 years, 168 EVLA-treated patients showed a drop in VCSS from 4.38 to 1.39. Ultrasound results of 140 treated great saphenous veins showed that 64% had one or more cause of recurrence. The presence of neovascularization correlated well with the lack of improvement of VCSS. Conclusion EVLA resulted in drop in VCSS from 4.38 to 1.39. Among 140 treated great saphenous veins, reflux in the anterior accessory saphenous vein was the primary cause (23.5%) of recurrence.