Chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremity is a common vascular disorder. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) has become one of the most popular and very effective minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins.
Lasers operating at many different wavelengths have been studied for this procedure. In early studies laser diodes at 810, 940, and 980nm, as well as Nd:YAG at 1064 nm were employed. It was assumed that the hemoglobin in intravascular red blood cells was responsible for the absorption of laser radiation. However, recently the attention shifted towards longer wavelengths 1320nm, 1470nm and 1940nm were the absorption target is water. It is hypothesized that a lower linear endovenous energy density due to the strong water absorption leads to a reduction in adverse events.
In previous studies conducted with a laser at 810 to 1320 nm, paresthesia, pain, and ecchymosis were common adverse effects. We hypothesized that a lower linear endovenous energy density (LEED), as used with 1470-nm diode laser fibers, would lead to a reduction in adverse events.
AKELA Laser Corporation has an extensive portfolio of high-power laser diode modules that would satisfy the need for any of these wavelengths.