Prevention of Saphenous Nerve Injury after Endovenous Laser Ablation of Incompetent Great Saphenous Veins: 2 Step Ablation

Abstract

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) was undergone in 90 legs of great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency for prospective study to prevent saphenous nerve injury. EVLA was applied by the power of 7 W in the above-knee GSV (targeting LEED 50–70 J/cm) and 5 W in the below-knee GSV (targeting LEED 20–25 J/cm). A total ablation length of GSV averaged in 50.4 cm. At 1 month after EVLA, ultrasonography revealed complete obstruction of treated GSV. Saphenous nerve injuries were not observed in any patients.