Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) in Patients With Varicose Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) and Incompetent Saphenofemoral Junction (SFJ): An Ambulatory Single Center Experience

Objectives: To evaluate treatment results for varicose great saphenous vein (GSV) using endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in an ambulatory single center. Material and methods: We prospectively studied 77 limbs with varicose GSV in 74 patients who were treated using 980-nm EVL with a 600-mu m laser fiber and the power settings of 10-25 Watts. The patients were followed using color Doppler ultrasound. Results: Continued closure of treated GSV was found in 98.3% of the legs evaluated at 3-week follow-up (n = 60). At 3- and 6-month intervals, 94.1% and 97% successful occlusion was achieved, respectively. The main complications of the procedure included prolonged leg pain (2 cases), hyperestheasia (one case) and lidocaine sensitivity (one case). Conclusion: EVLA treatment of the GSV is a safe and highly effective method accompanied with few complications in midterm follow-up. It is feasible in ambulatory settings and the patients return to their daily activities early after intervention.