Endovenous laser ablation therapy in children: applications and outcomes

Endovenous laser ablation is well recognized as the first-line treatment for superficial venous reflux with varicose veins in adults. It is not widely reported and is not an established practice in pediatric patients.

To illustrate a variety of pediatric venous conditions in which endovenous laser ablation can be utilized and to demonstrate its feasibility and safety in children.

We conducted a retrospective review of endovenous laser ablation procedures performed between January 2007 and July 2014 at two large pediatric institutions.

We included 35 patients (17 males) who underwent endovenous laser ablation to 43 veins. Median age at first treatment was 14 years (range: 3–18 years). Median weight was 56 kg (range: 19–97 kg). Underlying diagnoses were common venous malformation (15), Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome (8), superficial venous reflux with varicose veins (5), verrucous hemangioma-related phlebectasia (4), venous varix (2) and arteriovenous fistula (1). The most common aim of treatment was to facilitate sclerotherapy. Thirty-four patients had treatment in the lower limbs and one patient in an upper limb. Ten of the veins treated with endovenous laser ablation had an additional procedure performed to close the vein. Complications attributable to endovenous laser ablation occurred in two patients (6%). One patient experienced post-procedural pain and one patient developed a temporary sensory nerve injury. Median clinical follow-up was 13 months (range: 28 days–5.7 years). The aim of the treatment was achieved in 29 of the 35 (83%) patients.

Endovenous laser ablation is technically feasible and safe in children. It can be used in the management of a range of pediatric venous diseases with good outcomes.