1 research outputs found
Histological and Immunofluorescent Analysis of a Large Tributary of the Great Saphenous Vein Treated with a 1920 nm Endovenous Laser: Preliminary Findings
Objectives: To analyse the biological effects of a 1920 nm endovenous laser (EVL) on extra-fascial great
saphenous vein (GSV) in vitro.
Methods: A 10 cm length of a large tributary bypassing a hypoplastic segment of the GSV (sometimes called an
“extra-fascial GSV”) was obtained during routine varicose vein surgery. The length was treated in five sections
with different LEEDs (0 (control), 20, 40, 60, and 80 J/cm) with a 1920 nm EVL at 4W power, in a novel in vitro
treatment model. The biological effects were assessed by histological staining of the samples for haematoxylin
and eosin (HE) and Martius Scarlet Blue (MSB), and by immunofluorescent detection of p-p53 and VCAM-1.
Results: Histological analysis showed significant structural damage at LEEDs above 60 J/cm, especially in the
intima and media, with the treatment at 80 J/cm causing perforation of the vein wall. In addition, there was a
significant increase in p-p53 expression in treated tissue at 60 and 80 J/cm.
Conclusions: Using this ex vivo model, the results indicate that in vitro treatment with a 1920 nm EVL, at or above
an LEED of 60 J/cm and 4 W power, causes significant vein wall cell death reaching deep into the media by a
combination of direct thermal damage and apoptosis. A wavelength of 1920 nm appears to be effective for the
endovenous ablation of truncal veins.</p