Endovenous laser ablation for major varicose tributaries

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to determine whether endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) could be used to treat major varicose tributaries as well as saphenous veins. METHODS: From 173 major venous systems in 95 patients treated by EVLA over a 12-month period, 108 had major varicose tributaries, of which 78 (70%) were treated by attempted EVLA of the saphenous veins and associated tributaries. RESULTS: Treatment was successful in 71 venous segments (83%). The lengths of saphenous veins treated were 3-46 (median 18) cm. and the lengths of tributaries treated were 3-38 (median 14) cm. The diameters of treated saphenous veins were 4-10 (median 6) mm, and the estimated mean diameters of treated tributaries were 3-8 (median 5) mm, as measured prior to operation with the patient in 45° reverse Trendelenburg on a tilt table. There were no early or delayed complications. CONCLUSIONS: Major varicose tributaries as well as the saphenous veins can be treated by EVLA in approximately two-thirds of cases, with success in the majority selected and with no significant complications.