11. Phlebology in French-speaking Africa: Comparative study of the efficacy and side effects of the 1470 nm versus 1940 nm endovenous laser. Oran, Algeria. Comparative study of the efficacy and side effects of endovenous laser 1470 NM versus 1940 NM.

Introduction: Endovenous thermal ablation has been described as the first-line technique for treating incontinent saphenous veins, particularly great saphenous veins (GSV). Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of using 1940 nm lasers. This study compares the side effects and complications of lasers of two wavelengths: 1470 nm and 1940 nm [1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 13]. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of laser treatment with the two different wavelengths and to compare their side effects and complications. Methodology: This is a multicentre, non-randomised study involving prospective data collection on the treatment of great saphenous veins treated with a 1470 nm laser and a 1940 nm laser between January 2023 and August 2023, recorded at the El Abed clinic and the Les Jasmins clinic in Oran (Algeria). Patients were clinically classified as CEAP, and age, mean vein diameter and length treated were specified. Doppler ultrasound was used to monitor reflux suppression, occlusion rate and complications. Results: 98 patients (17 to 72 years old, sex: 71 ♀ and 29 ♀) underwent endovenous laser surgery, including 52 patients with the 1470 nm device and 46 patients with the 1940 nm device. For the 52 1470 nm patients, 82 great saphenous veins (GSVs) were treated and for the 46 1940 nm patients, 53 great saphenous veins were treated. A total of 135 great saphenous veins were treated. The occlusion rate was 100% for both groups. The 1470 nm laser group had a higher energy output and more complications. Conclusion: The occlusion rate was identical for both groups. The energy emitted by the 1940 nm laser was lower than that of the 1470 nm laser, due to the absorption of water. The post-operative advantages of the 1940 nm laser are: less pain, less discomfort, a reduced incidence of paresis, ecchymosis, hyperpigmentation and the risk of infection, and consequently less tumescence.