A groundbreaking study published by Oscar F. Berhanu and Prof. Mark S. Whiteley in CoP Preprints has revealed important insights regarding energy output in Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), a key procedure for treating varicose veins.
Traditionally, EVLA utilizes a continuous power setting to effectively treat truncal veins. However, for shorter veins, such as incompetent perforator veins or neovascular tissues, many practitioners have turned to pulsed laser modes. These modes allow for cooling between energy bursts, potentially reducing thermal damage to surrounding tissues.
The study aimed to determine if pulsed operation affects the total energy delivered to the target area, given that diode lasers can take over two seconds to reach maximum power. Researchers compared the power emitted from the laser during continuous and pulsed use by testing a 600-micron radial fiber connected to a 1470 nm EVLA diode console.
Results showed that while pulsed modes recorded lower peak powers due to a delay in reaching maximum output, all modes emitted approximately 94% of the total energy intended. This indicates that pulsing the laser does not significantly impact the total energy delivered to the target tissue.
These findings provide new confidence for clinicians who utilize pulsed settings in delicate vein treatments, as it appears this method does not compromise overall effectiveness. The research highlights the importance of understanding energy dynamics in EVLA and may lead to improved patient outcomes in the management of venous diseases.
For further details, the full study can be accessed in CoP Preprints.
Link: https://osf.io/preprints/coppreprints/vf34q
