Endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins: review of current technologies and clinical outcome

Symptomatic lower extremity varicose veins represent one of the most common vascular conditions in the adult population. Associated symptoms ranged from mild conditions such as fatigue, heaviness, and itching to more serious conditions such as skin discoloration and leg ulceration. The predominant causative factor of this condition is reflux of the great saphenous vein (GSV), which is traditionally treated with surgical saphenofemoral ligation and stripping of the incompetent saphenous vein. In recent years, there have been significant advances in saphenous vein ablation using percutaneous techniques, including the endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). In this article, the authors discuss the therapeutic evolution of this technology, theoretical basis of laser energy in GSV ablation, and procedural techniques of EVLT using duplex ultrasonography. Additional discussion of procedural-related complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, skin burn, saphenous nerve injury, and phletibis, and ecchymosis, are provided. Lastly, clinical results of EVLT in GSV ablation are discussed. Current literatures support EVLT as a safe and effective treatment option for varicosities caused by GSV incompetence.