Endovenous laser ablation for saphenous veins and tributaries - the LEST technique

Abstract

Endovenous thermal ablation is now one of the most important techniques for treating chronic venous insufficiency. Technical refinements and technological innovations have made it possible to employ the method not only in the saphenous veins, but also to treat superficial veins such as varicose tributaries. We describe a technique for surgical treatment of varicose veins using endovenous laser thermal ablation employing multiple punctures and present the experience at our service with analysis of 601 cases operated using this technique. Thermoablative treatment of tributary veins with multiple puncture sites expands the applications for endolaser in treatment of lower limb varicose veins, providing, comprehensive, safe, and effective treatment.

Keywords:
varicose veins; thermoablation; venous insufficiency