Endovenous laser surgery of the incompetent greater saphenous vein with a 980-nm diode laser.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the minimal endoluminal invasive alternatives against surgical ligation and stripping for the treatment of incompetent greater saphenous vein (GSV) have been explored. Endovenous laser surgery is one of these endoluminal alternatives, and its clinical results are being reported at up to 3 years.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 980-nm diode laser for the elimination of the incompetent GSV.

METHOD: Fifteen limbs in 12 patients with incompetent GSV were treated via an endovenous route with a 980-nm laser under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The effects were evaluated clinically along with duplex ultrasound at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the treatment to determine efficacy and possible complications.

RESULTS: Complete occlusion and retraction of treated GSV in all patients were observed during the 12 weeks of the postoperative period. There have been no significant complications to be concerned.

CONCLUSION: The endovenous 980-nm diode laser surgery is a relatively simple, safe, office-based procedure that is expected to promise favorable results while a long-term follow-up is awaited.