EJVES Extra
Volume 13, Issue 2 , Pages 30-32, February 2007

Retained Laser Fibre Following Endovenous Laser Ablation

  • J.R.H. Scurr

      Affiliations

    • Regional Vascular Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK
    • Department of Clinical Engineering, University of Liverpool, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Mr J.R.H. Scurr, MRCS, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, L7 8XP, UK.
  • ,
  • J. Martin

      Affiliations

    • Regional Vascular Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK
  • ,
  • T.V. How

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Engineering, University of Liverpool, UK
  • ,
  • I. Gambardella

      Affiliations

    • Regional Vascular Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK
  • ,
  • J.A. Brennan

      Affiliations

    • Regional Vascular Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK

Accepted 7 November 2006.

Introduction

To report the breakage and retention of a laser fibre, following endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).

Case Report

The great saphenous vein (GSV) of a 57 year-old man was treated with EVLA. During withdrawal, a flash of light was seen from a hole that had burned through the introducer sheath. This device was removed and a second sheath and laser fibre inserted to complete the ablation procedure. A follow-up duplex scan identified a residual length of laser fibre within the GSV that was removed by an additional surgical procedure. A change in laser fibre length had not been identified during the initial procedure.

Discussion

This case highlights the importance of routinely inspecting the sheath and fibre following EVLA to ensure that they have been removed intact.

Keywords: Endovenous laser ablation, EVLA, Complication, Varicose veins

 

 The authors have no commercial, proprietary, or financial interest in any product or companies described in this article.

PII: S1533-3167(06)00088-4

doi:10.1016/j.ejvsextra.2006.11.001

Refers to article:

  • Retained Laser Fibre Following Endovenous Laser Ablation , 30 December 2006

    J.R.H. Scurr, J. Martin, T.V. How, I. Gambardella, J.A. Brennan
    European Journal of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery March 2007 (Vol. 33, Issue 3, Page 377)

EJVES Extra
Volume 13, Issue 2 , Pages 30-32, February 2007