Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation of tributary varicose veins using a slim-type radial fiber.

Objective: This study presents the efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation of tributary varicose veins using a slim-type radial 2-ring fiber.

Methods: One thousand consecutive patients who underwent endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of incompetent saphenous veins were included. The tributary varicose veins were punctured with a 16G venule needle and ablated with a 1470 nm laser system and a slim-type radial 2-ring fiber with a diameter of 1.27 mm. The EVLA was performed with a power of 5W and linear endovenous energy density of around 30 J/cm.

Results: Percutaneous varicose ablation was safely performed in 939 legs with an average of 5.9 times punctures per leg. No skin burn or nerve injury was observed after varicose ablation. Ultrasonography revealed complete occlusion of the treated veins 1 month after EVLA.

Conclusions: This study suggests that percutaneous varicose ablation with a slim-type radial 2-ring fiber is a safe and effective alternative to cover the weak point of ambulatory phlebectomy.