Endovascular laser treatment of incompetent saphenous veins using the 1470 nm diode laser and radial fiber

OBJECTIVES: To assess the technical success, complications, and patients' quality of life (QoL) after treatment of chronic venous disease (CVD) using the 1470 nm radial fiber laser. METHODS: A total of 170 patients with chronic venous disease, classified as C2 to C4 according to CEAP classification, were treated for incompetent greater (GSV) and small (SSV) saphenous veins, using the 1470 nm radial fiber laser and application of tumescent anesthesia. Additional phlebectomies were performed through stab microincisions, while 11 patients further underwent sclerotherapy intraoperatively. Patients' QoL was recorded using a CIVIQ-20 questionnaire pre and post-operatively. RESULTS: Technical success regarding GSV vein occlusion was recorded at 100% and 98% during 12 and 24 month follow up respectively. SSV occlusion rates were recorded at 100% for the same period. 55% of patients were classified as C2. Mean laser application time was 401.1 ± 92.6 s and 169.4 ± 56.8 s, while an average of 3986.6 ± 934.9 and 1643.5 ± 534.1 J were applied during ablation of GSV and SSV respectively. Three incidents of postoperative pain were recorded. Two patients exhibited partial proximal GSV recanalization, while two patients reported mild post-operative temporal paresthesia. No major complications were observed post-operatively. A significant improvement in patients' QoL was demonstrated through the CIVIQ-20 questionnaires. Mean pre-operative CIVIQ-20 total score was recorded at 77 ± 3.9, with a total score of 32.8 ± 2.8 being observed during 12 month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular laser treatment using the 1470 nm radial fiber laser constitutes an effective and safe modality for treatment of CVD.