Endovenous Laser Treatment - Complications

Complications

Complications of endovenous laser treatment can be categorised as minor, or serious. Minor complications include bruising (51%), hematoma (2.3%), temporary numbness (3.8%), phlebitis (7.4%), induration (46.7%), and a sensation of tightness (24.8%). More serious complications include skin burns (0.5%), deep venous thrombosis (0.4%), pulmonary embolism (0.1%), and nerve injury (0.8%). These rates of complications are derived from the Australian MSAC review of all available literature on the procedure. Retinal damage is a serious but very rare complication (<1%) that can occur during the use of laser energy. If the fiber breaks or if the laser is activated when the laser is outside of the body, reflected laser light may cause a focal permanent retinal deficit or "blind spot" or scotoma. The nominal hazard zone (NHZ) or space within which the level of direct, scattered, or reflected laser radiation exceeds the maximum permissible exposure(MPE)ANSI Z-136.1, varies by the wave length of the laser and is shorter (17in) with the newer 1470nm laser. Use of appropriate protective eyeware specific to the wavelength laser being used prevents accidental injury.