Investigating the Effect of Various Nd:YAG Laser Settings in the Treatment of Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities

Abstract

Background: Varicose veins are among the common skin problems. This study aimed to evaluate different settings for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limb with Nd:YAG laser.
Methods: The current study was a double-blind clinical trial. Thirty-seven patients with varicose veins <3 mm in size underwent 2 sessions of Nd:YAG laser treatment with a two-month interval. Follow-up of the patients was done at 2 and 4 months after the first laser session.
Results: A significant change in response to treatment was observed after the second laser session compared to the first laser session (p < 0.001). After the first laser session, the recovery rate was above 50% for only 4 patients (11.1%), but after the second laser session, 18 participants experienced above 50% clinical improvement. The response rate in the group of patients who had no family history was higher than in other patients. A significant relationship was observed between the response to treatment after the second session of laser and the size of the lesion (p < 0.002). Moreover, a significant relationship was seen between the response rate to treatment with lasers of different fluences both after the first session and after the second laser session (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Although sclerotherapy is still the gold standard for the treatment of vascular lesions of the lower limbs, the most modern treatment method is the use of Nd:YAG laser, especially in patients with lighter and thinner skin and patients with injection phobia.