Endovenous laser treatment: a morphological study in an animal model

ObjectivesThe destruction induced during endovenous laser treatment (ELT) of the saphenous vein and the perivenous tissue in an animal model (goats) was analysed. Differences in vein wall destruction produced by two laser types, the 980 and 1500 nm diode lasers, were evaluated histologically.MethodsIn 14 goats, 28 lateral saphenous veins were treated with ELT. In 14 veins we used the 980 nm diode laser and in the remnant a 1500 nm laser. Postoperatively the veins were removed at different stages and sent for histological examination.ResultsImmediately removed veins after ELT show an uneven destruction of the vein wall. Veins harvested one week postoperatively show inflammatory tissue at their periphery. Two and three weeks postoperatively, organization is very extensive. In some cases, recanalization begins in a semi-lunar manner at the contralateral side of the laser hit. Veins treated with a 980 nm laser show deeper ulceration with more perivenous tissue destruction compared with veins treated with a 15...