Bare Tip versus Radial Endovenous Laser Ablation for the Treatment of Primary Varicose Veins

Abstract

Background: New modalities in the Endo Venous Laser Ablation (EVLA) include the new design of the laser catheter tip are claimed to distribute more effectively the laser beam to the targeted varicose vein (VV) wall and therefore to achieve better results and produce less complications. These favorable results support the previously suggested better outcome of the EVLA compared to the open procedure. Aim: This study was conducted to confirm this assumption. Patients and Methods: 81 patients scheduled for treatment of VV were included and were divided into 3 equal groups. EVLA was used with a bare tip fiber for the first group and compared to a second group treated with a radial fiber. Success rate and post-operative results of both groups were compared to each other, then the mean results of EVLA group as a whole was compared to a third control group treated by surgical stripping. Results: There was no statistical significant difference between both EVLA groups. One patient (3.7%), from the bare tip group, had incomplete ablation that necessitated surgical excision. Fewer complications, shorter hospital stay, early return to work and faster reduction in venous clinical severity score (VCSS) were noted among the EVLA compared to the open group. Conclusion: EVLA using bar tip or radial fibers are effective and safe in treating vv with similar results. Their results are as effective as the open procedure with shorter hospital stay, fewer complications and early return to work.