Objectives: Outcome assessment of a novel optical fiber probe for the 1470 nm diode laser under real-world conditions. Methods: Prospective clinical pilot study in 10 patients undergoing endovenous laser ablation with a follow-up period of 1 year. Primary endpoints were efficacy and safety. Secondary endpoints include, inter alia, quality of life and patient satisfaction. Results: After a follow-up period of 1 year all treated vein segments were still occluded. Only mild and short-term side effects (hematoma, ecchymosis and hyperpigmentation) were observed. No intake of pain medication was needed and a quick return to normal activity was documented (0.9 days). Clinical hallmarks of the venous disease (VCSS) improved significantly (p= .003). All patients were very satisfied with the treatment and quality of life (AVVQ) was significantly improved after the procedure (p=.008). Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the endoluminal treatment with the novel fiber probe is highly effective and safe.
Keywords: EVLA; Efficacy; Laser ablation; Outcome; Safety; Varicose veins.
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