Short-term Outcome of Endovenous Thermal Ablation for Varicose Veins using 1470 nm Laser with 2ring Radial Fiber or ClosureFast^TM Catheter

Abstract

Objective: Endovenous thermal ablation is one of the most accepted treatment options for varicose veins. The aim of this study was to compare the early results of 1470 nm laser and radiofrequency systems. Patients and Methods: From May 2014 to March 2015, 2037 limbs with primary varicose veins were treated with endovenous ablation using a 1470 nm laser with radial 2ring fiber (1470 group) or radiofreqency with ClosureFAST^TM catheter (RFA group). The clinical data and postoperative complications were analysed respectively. Results: The age of patients was significantly older in the RFA group. There was no significant difference in sex and CEAP classification between the two groups. Significantly more greater saphenous veins were treated and ablation time was significantly shorter in the RFA group (p<0.0001). Occlusion rates at one month were 99.8% in the 1470 group and 100% in the RFA group. Proximal DVT occurred in one limb (0.1%) in the 1470 group and distal DVTs were found in 0.4% of limbs in the 1470 group and in 0.3% of limbs in the RFA group. The incidence of Class 2 EHIT was significantly higher in the 1470 group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative pain, bruising and nerve injury between both groups. Conclusion: The short-term outcome and complication rates were excellent and similar with both devices.