Abstract
Introduction The thermal ablation of varicose saphenous veins of the lower
extremities is a well-accepted treatment option in Germany due to its high
efficacy, application safety, and high patient satisfaction. The objective of
the prospective observational study (POS) was to investigate surgical success,
patient satisfaction, and the occurrence of side effects in the treatment of the
great saphenous vein (GSV), small saphenous vein (SSV), great saphenous vein
recurrences (SR) using the ENDOTEQ 360 ° FUSED Fiber ™.
Material and Methods The ENDOTEQ 360 ° FUSED Fiber ™, operates at a
wavelength of 1470 nm with a beam angle of 60°. A total number of 162 varicose
veins (GSV n = 76, SSV n = 65, SR n = 25) in 144 patients were included in the
POS and followed up over a period of 3 months. For the treatment of GSV and SR,
a fibre with a core diameter of 600 µm, tip diameter of 1.8 mm and 8 W of energy
was used. For the treatment of the SSV, a fibre with a core diameter of 400 µm,
a tip diameter of 1.3 mm and 6 W of energy was selected.
Results At the follow-up visit 10–14 days post surgery (visit 2) and 3
months post surgery (visit 3), all thermally treated GSVs (n = 76) and SSVs (n =
65) were occluded. In the SR group (n = 25), at visit 2 follow-up, 96 % of SRs
remained occluded, and 4 % were partially occluded. Visit 3 showed a closure
rate of 80 %, a partial closure rate of 16 % and complete recanalisation in 4 %
of treated veins. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) did not
occur in any group. Sensitivity disorders were reported in 1.4 % of the GSV
group at visit 3, 6.15 % in the SSV group and none in the SR group. Patient
satisfaction was very high in all groups, VSCC improved significantly in all
three groups.
Summary Treatment of GSV, SSV, and SR with the ENDOTEQ 360 ° FUSED Fiber ™
laser system is efficient, has low complication rates and high patient
satisfaction.
Key words endovenous laser treatment - great saphenous vein - small saphenous vein - great saphenous
vein recurrences - laser - varicose veins
