[Endolumninal catheter-guided laser therapy of varicosities]

Chronic venous insufficiency is one of the most common diseases with a high socio-economic importance. The most common operation is vein stripping to remove the greater or lesser saphenous vein eliminating venous reflux. In comparison to classical vein stripping, endoluminal laser therapy is a minimally invasive and effective alternative with few complications and a shorter convalescent period. Varicosities can also be treated with the laser, using local anesthesia and sonographic monitoring. The recurrence rate is around 2%, comparable to surgical methods. This article reviews the practical aspects of endoluminal laser therapy, concentrating on the two most widely available systems, reviews the current literature and considers other endoluminal approaches.