Endovenous Laser Ablation of Insufficient Superficial Veins in Patients After Deep Vein Thrombosis Recanalisation.

Introduction: This study is aimed at investigating the safety of endovenous laser ablation treatment in the superficial venous system and perforator venous system in patients with previous deep vein thrombosis. Methods: From February 2017 to January 2023, 28 patients (20 women) with an average age of 41.5 ± 8.6 years, insufficient great saphenous vein and previous deep vein thrombosis were treated. All patients were diagnosed based on previous ultrasound examinations. In this retrospective study, patients were indeed included if they met specific criteria. Preoperative evaluations and thrombophilia assessments were conducted. Results: Most patients had previous thrombosis in the popliteal vein (36.4%), while 31.8% had thrombosis in both the femoral and calf veins. Technical success was achieved in all patients, with concomitant procedures (closure of incompetent perforators and phlebectomies), and during follow-up (20 ± 16 months, range: 2-168 months), there were no signs of recanalisation of previously treated superficial veins. Patients were followed up at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month intervals postprocedure. Recurrent deep vein thrombosis occurred in two (7%) patients after 26 and 31 months after treatment. Early complications included one (3.5%) case of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis Type II. Conclusions: Endovenous laser ablation is safe and effective in patients with resolved deep vein thrombosis when combined with appropriate anticoagulant therapy.