Comparison of Manual Pull Back 980 NM Wavelength Bare Tip Fiber Laser with Automated Pull Back 1470 NM Wavelength Radial Fiber Laser in Great Saphenous Vein Insufficiency: Analysis of Early Term Efficacy and Complications

Objective: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is one of the most accepted treatment options in the treatment of varicose veins. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the early term effectiveness of 980-nm wavelength (WL) bare-tip fiber laser and 1470-nm WL radial fiber laser with auto- mated pull back system. Material and Methods: Between October 2011 and January 2013, 78 consecutive patients and 89 extremities treated with EVLA for great saphenous vein insufficiency were examined. The patients who were treated with bare-tip fiber 980-nm laser were defined as Group 1 and this group consisted of 45 extremities of 40 patients. The patients who were treated with radial fiber 1470-nm laser and automated pull back system were defined as Group 2 and consisted of 44 extremities of 38 patients. Early local complications like pain, ecchymosis, enduration and paresthesia were assessed clinically, and monitored using duplex ultrasonography at 3, 7 and 30 days after operation. Results: Early occlusion ra- tes in group 1 and group 2 were 91% (n=41) and 93% (n=41), respectively. The average venous clinical se- verity scores significantly decreased at first month follow-up in both groups. Postoperative ecchymosis, enduration, paresthesia and need for analgesics were significantly higher in group 1, however, major com- plications were not seen in either groups. Conclusion: Early term results of EVLA procedure with both fi- ber and laser types were satisfactory. It can be commented that EVLA of great saphenous vein with a radial laser fiber by using a 1470 nm diode laser and automated pull back system is a safe and efficient tre- atment option.