Technical review of endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins

Background. In the last decade, several new treatments of truncal varicose veins have been introduced. Of these new therapies, endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is one of the most widely accepted and used treatment options for incompetent greater and lesser saphenous veins. Objective. The objective of this report is to inform clinicians about the EVLT procedure and to review its efficacy and safety in treatment of truncal varicose veins. Also, we discuss some of the underlying theoretical principles and laser parameters that affect EVLT. Methods. We carried out a literature review of EVLT's efficacy and safety. We included reports that included 100 or more limbs with a follow-up of at least 3 months. The principals and procedure of EVLT are described. Of the laser parameters, mode of administration, wavelength, fluence, wattage and pullback speed are discussed. Conclusion. EVLT appears to be a very effective and safe option in the treatment of varicose veins but large randomized comparative studies are needed. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of European Society for Vascular Surgery.