Saphenous laser ablation at 1470 nm targets the vein wall, not blood

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2009 Oct-Nov;43(5):467-72. doi: 10.1177/1538574409335916. Epub 2009 Jul 23.

Abstract

The 2 primary objectives of this study were to investigate whether the 1470-nm wavelength can close a saphenous vein painlessly and determine safety, efficacy, and side effects of the 1470-nm laser. In all, 26 limbs were treated in the Dominican Republic, with a radially-emitting fiber at low energy ranging from 20 J/cm to 30 J/cm. Perivenous anesthesia was used selectively. Then 41 veins were treated with the 1470-nm laser at 30 J/cm at 5 watts, using standard perivenous tumescent anesthesia in Miami and compared to a historical control (980 nm, 80 J/cm, and 12 watts). We demonstrated that the 1470-nm wavelength endovenous laser system could not close saphenous veins without use of anesthesia. Closure with a dramatic reduction in energy when compared to a 980-nm wavelength control demonstrated a marked reduction in postoperative pain and ecchymosis; this implies that vein-wall perforations are minimized with this system.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anesthesia, Local
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Saphenous Vein / surgery*
  • Varicose Veins / surgery