Radiofrequency induced thermotherapy (RFITT) of varicose veins compared to endovenous laser treatment (EVLT): a non-randomized prospective study concentrating on occlusion rates, side-effects and clinical outcome.

Objective To describe a protocol for endovenous laser treatment that is highly effective, has no significant complications, and is well accepted by patients. This is the first published report that designates complete absence of the treated vein as the definition of a successful endovenous laser treatment. Methods A retrospective review of 516 endovenous laser treatments performed by a single physician in private medical practice over a 69-month period. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 65 months. All treatments were performed utilizing 810 nm laser energy (Diomed, Inc.). Periodic duplex ultrasound examinations were performed until the treated vein was absent. Surveys were done to assess post treatment pain and to evaluate the effect of treatment on quality of life. Results The described protocol for endovenous laser treatment has successfully eliminated 98.1% of 516 treated veins with a single laser treatment. Additionally, in the last 386 treated veins when increased energy levels were utilized, the success rate was 99.7%. There were no significant complications. Patient satisfaction with the procedure is extremely high. Conclusions Endovenous laser treatment is a highly effective procedure for eliminating superficial venous reflux in varicose veins selected for treatment when sufficient 810 nm (Diomed, Inc.) laser energy is utilized.

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Necrotizing Fasciitis following Endovenous Laser Treatment and Stab Avulsions of Lower-Limb Varicose Veins

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology ◽

10.1016/j.jvir.2012.05.040 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 23 (8) ◽

pp. 1103-1106 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Syed Arafat Aftab ◽

Karen Wei-Ee Sng ◽

Kiang Hiong Tay

Keyword(s):

Necrotizing Fasciitis ◽

Laser Treatment ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Varicose Veins ◽

Endovenous Laser Treatment

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Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for the saphenous reflux and varicose veins: A follow-up study

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology ◽

10.1111/j.1754-9485.2012.02457.x ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

pp. 15-20 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kavous Firouznia ◽

Hossein Ghanaati ◽

Mahsa Hedayati ◽

Madjid Shakiba ◽

Amir Hossein Jalali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Laser Treatment ◽

Varicose Veins ◽

Follow Up Study ◽

Endovenous Laser Treatment

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Minimally Invasive Treatment for Varicose Veins: A Review of Endovenous Laser Treatment and Radiofrequency Ablation

The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds ◽

10.1177/1534734604272245 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 188-197 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Rosie J. Beale ◽

Andrew I. D. Mavor ◽

Michael J. Gough

Keyword(s):

Radiofrequency Ablation ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Laser Treatment ◽

Varicose Veins ◽

Minimally Invasive Treatment ◽

Invasive Treatment ◽

Endovenous Laser Treatment

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The Australian Polidocanol (Aethoxysklerol) Study: Results at 1 Year

Phlebology The Journal of Venous Disease ◽

10.1177/026835559400900105 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 17-20 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

P. Conrad ◽

G. M. Malouf ◽

M. C. Stacey

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Prospective Study ◽

Hypertonic Saline ◽

Varicose Veins ◽

Previous Experience ◽

Private Practices ◽

Sclerosing Agents ◽

Study Results ◽

Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate ◽

Spider Veins

Objective: To evaluate the complications of polidocanol and compare its effectiveness and complications with sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STD) and hypertonic saline. Design: A single-arm prospective study of polidocanol complications and its effectiveness as a sclerosant. This was compared with each investigator's previous experience with other sclerosing agents. Setting: Multiple investigators in both private practices and hospital settings. Patients: Patients had either varicose veins or venule ectasias and/or spider veins (telangiectasia). A total of 8177 limbs were injected by 75 investigators. Interventions: Sclerotherapy was performed with 0.5% or 1% polidocanol for telangiectasias or spider veins, and with 3% polidocanol for varicose veins. The effectiveness of the sclerotherapy and any complications were reported during a 12-month period. Results: There were very few complications reported with polidocanol. There were no reported deaths or anaphylaxis. The investigators with previous experience of other sclerosants considered that the effectiveness of polidocanol was superior to STD (77%) and hypertonic saline (75%). Ninety-one per cent of investigators considered that polidocanol had less frequent complications than STD, and 96% considered that these were less severe. Sixty-nine per cent considered that polidocanol had fewer side-effects than hypertonic saline, and 71% considered that these were less severe. Conclusions: Polidocanol is an effective sclerosant that has few complications.

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