OBJECTIVE

To substantiate the safe and atraumatic endovenous laser ablation of superficial varicose tributaries of the main veins using skewer ablation and a modified optical fiber.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied the features of laser endovenous ablation of tributaries of the main saphenous veins of the lower extremities using optical methods and ultrasound. Ablation was performed using a specially designed fiber optic with a conical tip. In this case, a tortuous superficial vein is strung on an optical fiber like on a skewer.

RESULTS

We analyzed thermal and transport processes caused by blood boiling inside superficial varicose tributaries of the main veins under continuous near infrared laser emission (1.47 μm) delivered by an optical fiber with a conical tip. These processes were studied in experiments with non-deaerated water, as well as during laser ablation of the tributaries of the main saphenous veins. The proposed laser ablation method for tortuous veins does not require additional equipment (guidewires, catheters, introducers, phlebectomy hooks, etc.), since the laser fiber is passed through the vein and paravasal tissues due to the fiber conical tip with 60° angulation. Moreover, this approach provides low trauma and favorable cosmetic effects, reduces duration of treatment and recovery, as well as the incidence of hemorrhages and hematomas.

CONCLUSION

A special fiber with a conical tip makes it possible to “string” the tortuous vein onto the fiber and perform laser ablation under reverse traction.