Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes Between Endovenous 1,940-nm Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation for Incompetent Saphenous Veins

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has shown faster recovery and lower pain scores compared to Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for treatment of varicose veins. However, a comparison of 1,940-nm EVLA and RFA has not been reported. This study compared short-term outcomes using 1,940-nm EVLA and RFA for varicose veins.Methods: Between April 2018 and June 2018, 43 patients (83 incompetent saphenous veins) were treated with 1,940-nm EVLA and 37 patients (64 incompetent saphenous veins) with RFA. Follow-up duplex was checked at 1 month and 3 months.Results: Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between both groups except for age. Pain scores at 6 h, and at 1, 10, and 30 days after treatment showed no differences. Complications and time to return to normal activity showed no differences. The 100% closure rate was checked in both groups at 1 month and 3 months follow-up.Conclusion: Short-term outcomes showed no significant differences between 1,940-nm EVLA and RFA treatment.

Comparative analysis of endovenous laser ablation versus ultrasound‐guided foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of venous leg ulcers

“… 23 , 24 , 43 In a randomized study involving 580 legs with GSV insufficiency, Rasmussen 43 and Lawaetz 24 found that the 5‐year occlusion rate was 25% lower in the UFGS group. These observations are consistent with several other reports on VU patients, where relapse rates in the treatment of VUs with UGFS ranged between 5% and 13% within a year, 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 whereas relapse rates of studies involving EVLA were ranging between 0% and 9%. 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 In a study by Wysong et al, 41 in which 30 patients were treated with EVLA in combination with foam sclerotherapy and/or phlebectomy of incompetent tributaries, no ulcer reoccurrence was observed within a median follow‐up time of 448 days.…”

“…Recently, the use of minimally invasive endovenous interventions, including endovenous laser and foam sclerotherapy, has gained increasing attention due to the lack of open surgical incisions, the possibility to be carried out under local/tumescent anaesthesia and consequently, their lower postoperative morbidity 12,18 . So far, a large series of studies has demonstrated the efficacy of thermal and non‐thermal endovenous techniques in reflux elimination in patients with axial venous reflux 19–30 . However, comparative studies on the different types of endovenous treatments in patients suffering from VUs are scarce.…”

“… 12 , 18 So far, a large series of studies has demonstrated the efficacy of thermal and non‐thermal endovenous techniques in reflux elimination in patients with axial venous reflux. 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 However, comparative studies on the different types of endovenous treatments in patients suffering from VUs are scarce.…”

Assessment of Endovenous Microwave Ablation with High Tie versus Traditional Surgery for Primary Varicose Veins

“…Treatment has been shifted to the less invasive techniques as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) that have been developed with better clinical outcomes, lower pain and earlier return to daily activities compared with traditional surgery [8,9] .…”

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) Below the Knee with and without Chemical Ablation below Knee in Great Saphenous Vein Varicosity

“…Therefore, tumescent anesthesia, which requires many injections throughout the length of the target vein, is needed for individuals receiving EVLA treatment. Some individuals continue to feel discomfort weeks after surgery (5) .…”