Lessons Learned After 366 Thermoablated Veins

Abstract

In the past few years, advances in surgical techniques have improved outcomes in varicose veins treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether the use of laser and different parameters influenced morbidity rates and the learning curve for all technology improvements during the period. From 2009 to 2018 we performed 366 vein procedures using endovenous laser technique for varicose veins. During this period, negative outcomes diminished with adoption of new strategies and skills. Laser wavelength, radial fibre, ultrasound guidance, anaesthetic intumescence, laser power and energy, and hospital setting were changed during the evaluation period. Laser technology requires many parameter adjustments, there is an understandable steeper learning curve at first. The use of new strategies and improved procedure steps allowed us to achieve a significant improvement in morbidity rates in the group of patients operated on using the 1,470 nm laser and in later quintiles.