Endovenous Laser Ablation: The Role of Intraluminal Blood

Abstract Objective In this histological study, the role of the intraluminal blood during endovenous laser ablation was assessed. Methods In 12 goats, 24 lateral saphenous veins were treated with a 1500-nm diode laser. Four goats were treated in an anti-Trendelenburg position (group 1). The next four goats were treated in a Trendelenburg position (group 2) and the remaining four goats in the Trendelenburg position with additional injection of tumescent liquid (group 3). Postoperatively, the veins were removed after 1 week and sent for histological examination. We measured the number of perforations. Vein wall necrosis and the perivenous tissue destruction were quantified using a graded scale. Results The ‘calculated total vein wall destruction’ was significantly higher in the third group (81.83%), as compared with groups one (61.25%) ( p