Changing Times: Utilization of Endovenous Laser Ablation for Venous Leg Ulcers Versus Conservative Management

Authors

Mark Whitney, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Venous and Lymphatic Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Tom Colletti, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the effect of treating venous insufficiency induced ulcerations of the lower extremities using endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) as the primary procedure method compared to conservative management.

Methods: A PubMed literature search was conducted using the search terms leg ulcers, varicose veins, and endovenous laser ablation with a 10-year publication limitation. Twenty-eight pertinent articles were retrieved and served as the initial basis for this clinical review.

Results: Four studies with 812 total subjects formed the basis of the review. Ulcer healing occurred more frequently and with less recurrence with the utilization of endovenous laser ablation treatment for venous insufficiency.

Conclusions: Endovenous laser ablation has been shown to treat varicose veins with a low rate of complications successfully. When using EVLA in the treatment of lower extremity ulcers due to venous insufficiency, evidence suggests that quicker ulcer healing and lower recurrence rates occur in comparison to conservative management techniques alone.

Recommended Citation

Whitney M. Changing Times: Utilization of Endovenous Laser Ablation for Venous Leg Ulcers Versus Conservative Management. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(4).