Comparison of 1470 nm Radial Fiber Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation in Endovascular Treatment of Venous Insufficiency

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed to compare the results of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with lower extremity venous insufficiency due to great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux on efficiency, patient comfort and postoperative morbidity. Methods: Endovascular approach in treatment of GSV insufficiency was performed in 283 patients between 2011 and 2014 at our clinic. In group 1, EVLA was performed on 149 patients (42 male, 107 female; mean age 46.90 ± 11.43) and in group 2, RFA was performed on 134 patients (41 male, 93 female; mean age 47.02 ± 12.58). The results were compared in terms of local pain, ecchymosis, paresthesia, venous clinic severity score (VCSS), length of GSV that process performed, efficiency and Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification data. Results: GSV diameter at saphenofemoral junction level was 10.65 ± 3.72 mm and 11.29 ± 3.78 mm in group 1 and 2, respectively. Length of GSV that process performed was 38.97 ± 6.88 cm in group 1 and 41.83 ± 4.82 cm in group 2. Postoperatively burn, pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were not observed in both groups. Postoperative complications in group 1 were hematoma formation in 2 (1.3%) patients, ecchymosis in 13 (8.7%) patients, edema in 21 (14.1%) patients and paresthesia in 10 (6.7%) patients. Postoperative complications in group 2 were hematoma formation in 1 (0.7%) patient, ecchymosis in 8 (6%) patients, edema in 12 (9%) patients and paresthesia in 6 (4.5%) patients. The efficiency of the process was 96.6% in EVLA group and 98.5% in RFA group. Conclusion: We conclude that both RFA and 1470 nm radial fiber EVLA procedures are effective and reliable techniques in treatment of GSV insufficiency. No significant difference was found between two techniques in terms of efficiency and postoperative morbidity.