Korean J Radiol.  2011 Aug;12(4):481-486. 10.3348/kjr.2011.12.4.481.

Early Results of Endovenous Ablation with a 980-nm Diode Laser for an Incompetent Vein of Giacomini

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Radiology, Konkuk University Hospital, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 143-729, Korea.
  • 2Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Konkuk University Hospital, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 143-729, Korea. azzy@kuh.ac.kr
  • 3Department of Surgery, Konkuk University Hospital, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 143-729, Korea.

Abstract


OBJECTIVE
We wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of endovenous ablation of the incompetent vein of Giacomini using a 980-nm diode laser.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 18 patients (18 limbs, 4%) had the incompetent vein of Giacomini. Retrograde reflux originating from the great saphenous vein was noted in sixteen limbs and paradoxical diastolic anterograde reflux from the saphenopopliteal junction was observed in two limbs. After tumescent anesthesia, laser ablation using a 980-nm wavelength laser fiber was performed under ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance. Patients were evaluated clinically and with duplex ultrasound at one week and at one, three, six and twelve months after laser ablation for the technical and clinical success.
RESULTS
In the 18 limbs, the technical success rate was 100%. Continued closure of the vein of Giacomini was seen in 18 of 18 limbs after one month, in 12 of 12 limbs after three and six months and in six of six limbs after twelve months. No recanalization of the vein and no major complications occurred.
CONCLUSION
Endovenous laser ablation with a 980-nm wavelength is an effective and safe procedure for treating an incompetent vein of Giacomini.

Keyword

Vein; Ultrasound; Laser

MeSH Terms

Adult
Female
Fluoroscopy
Humans
Laser Therapy/*methods
Lasers, Semiconductor
Leg/*blood supply
Male
Middle Aged
Saphenous Vein/*surgery
Treatment Outcome
Venous Insufficiency/*surgery

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Endovenous laser ablation of incompetent vein of Giacomini with varicose vein. A. 33-year-old man with varicose veins in right lower extremity. B. Appearance of varicose veins was markedly improved at 12-month follow up after endovenous 980-nm laser ablation of incompetent vein of Giacomini.


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