Endovenous laser treatment of the long saphenous vein
Endovenous laser treatment of the long saphenous vein
Guidance issued
IP Guidance Number: IPG52
Summary:
The Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee (IPAC) reconsidered this procedure in light of comments received during the initial consultation in May 2003. As a result, NICE issued a second consultation document about its safety and efficacy.
NICE has now issued full guidance to the NHS is England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on endovenous laser treatment of the long saphenous vein.
Description:
Under ultrasound guidance and local anaesthesia, a catheter is placed into the long saphenous vein. A laser fibre is passed through it and positioned below the saphenofemoral junction.
An anaesthetic agent is then injected, and the fibre is slowly withdrawn while energy from a diode laser (810 or 940 nm wavelength) is applied in short pulses. This is repeated along the entire length of the vein until the long saphenous vein is closed from the saphenofemoral junction to the point of access.
Arrangements:
Other (see guidance)
Topic Area:
Cardiovascular
Surgical procedures
Specialty:
Clinical radiology
General surgery
Specialist advice has been sought from:
Vascular Surgical Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Date notified to NICE:
18 February 2003
Guidance Publication Date:
24 March 2004
Contact
Details:
Project Manager
(for general enquiries or comments)
