These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Initial experience in endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of varicose veins due to small saphenous vein reflux.
    Author: Theivacumar NS, Beale RJ, Mavor AI, Gough MJ.
    Journal: Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg; 2007 May; 33(5):614-8. PubMed ID: 17227716.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: Conventional surgery for varicose veins due to small saphenous reflux is associated with high recurrence rates (up to 50%), many resulting from inadequate surgery. This prospective audit examines the safety and efficacy of EVLA in the treatment of this. METHOD: 65 patients (68 limbs) with varicosities due to primary or recurrent sapheno-popliteal junction (SPJ) and small saphenous vein (SSV) reflux underwent out-patient EVLA (810 nm diode laser). The SSV was ablated from mid-calf to the SPJ. Symptomatic improvement (Aberdeen Varicose Vein Severity Score [AVVSS]), time to return to normal activity, post-EVLA analgesic requirements, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Duplex ultrasound follow-up (median 6-months) confirmed abolition of SPJ/SSV reflux in all limbs following a median total laser energy delivery of 1131J (IQR 928-1364) at an energy density of 66.3 Joules/cm (IQR 54.2-71.6). AVVSS improved from 15.4 (IQR 11.8-19.7) to 4.6 (IQR 3.2-6.7) at three months (p<0.001). Median analgesia requirement was 3 days (23% [15/65] patients required none) and the median time to normal activity was 0 (0-4) days (65% [42/65] returning to normal daily activity immediately). There were no instances of skin burns or DVT but 3 patients (4.4%) developed transient cutaneous numbness (sural nerve). 98% (64/65) patients would undergo EVLT again. CONCLUSIONS: EVLA abolished SPJ/SSV reflux in all limbs. This is likely to be more effective than conventional surgery, although long-term follow up is required. Data from a randomised control trial would be desirable.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]