2015 Volume 55 Issue 9 Pages 153-161
Objective: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and an effective treatment for varicose veins caused by saphenous reflux. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) are known complications of these procedures. The purpose of this article is to investigate the incidence of postoperative DVT and EHIT in patients undergoing EVLA and RFA. Methods: The patients were assessed by clinical examination and venous duplex ultrasonography before operation and at 24–72 hours, 1 month, and 1 year follow-up after operation. Endovenous ablation had been treated for 1,026 limbs (835 patients) using an RFA; 1,174 limbs (954 patients) using a 1,470-nm wavelength diode laser with radial 2 rings fiber (1,470R); and 6,118 limbs (5,513 patients) using a 980-nm wavelength diode laser with bare-tip fiber (980B). Results: DVT was detected in 3 legs (0.3%) of RFA, 5 legs (0.4%) of 1,470R, and 27 legs (0.4%) of 980B. One patient in three symptomatic DVT treated with 980B developed asymptomatic pulmonary embolus. Thirty-one of the 35 DVTs were confined to the calf veins. The incidence of EHIT classes 2–3 was 2.7% following RFA procedure, 6.7% after 1470R, and 7.5% after 980B. Conclusion: The incidence of EHIT following endovenous ablation was low, especially the RFA procedure. EHIT resolves within 2–4 weeks in most patients. DVT rates after endovenous ablation compared with those published for saphenous vein stripping.
