Standardisation of parameters during endovenous laser therapy of truncal varicose veins - experimental ex-vivo study

Abstract

The aim of this study was the standardisation of intraoperative energy dosages and pull-back rates to achieve optimal clinical results for successful laser treatment of varicose veins.The insufficient trunks of the long saphenous veins which were indicated to and excided during the traditional Babcocs stripping procedure,were irradiated with the laser energy delivered by the diode generator emitting 980 nm laser beam in the laboratory settings.In total,279 vein segments(5 cm long)were treated.We used different power during the maximal time possible to achieve the optimal shrinkage of the saphenous vein with minimal number of perforations.The study cohort consisted of two groups-in the first group the veins were filled with the blood (n=139),in the other one the veins were empty(n=140)to simulate the patients position on the operating table.The best results were achieved using lower or medium power (8 to 12W) with longer exposure to administer laser energy.