Mazayshvili K., Stoyko Yu. Endovenous Laser Ablation:
А Fifteen-Year Experience and More Than 10,000 Procedures

Table of contents

Foreword to the English Edition

Dear Readers,

As Immediate Past-President of the International Union of Phlebology (UIP) I take this opportunity to introduce this monograph, Endovenous laser ablation. А fifteen-year experience and more than 10,000 procedures, on behalf of the National Pirogov Medical and Surgical Centre and Vein Centres Antireflux, a very important partner within the UIP community.

The leadership of the National Pirogov Medical and Surgical Centre and Vein Centres Antireflux have produced a truly outstanding manuscript regarding endovenous laser ablation, one which should become an indispensable tool for all those practicing in the field of venous medicine, both in Russia and indeed around the world. This work is not only welcomed but deeply appreciated by the international venous community.

For any practitioner just beginning an interest in the modern treatment of venous disease, this monograph should be indispensable. But also, for the surgeon experienced in all modalities of venous disease therapy who possesses the scientific curiosity about the origins of laser ablation, the physics involved, and the practical cellular effects of a laser ablation, here is thorough treatise well worth the effort to read and understand it. Beginning with the effects of laser on human tissue, carried through both a factual and theoretical discussion of surgical modalities and the therapeutic decision process, the benefits and risks of laser venous therapy — all presented in a brilliant and understandable style. As a bonus, there is a discussion of the evolution of a newly introduced treatment modality that is unlike anything I have read.

I was initially asked to write the foreword for this work, and expected to read through the table of contents, lightly browse through the text, and produce a foreword. Instead, I was so engrossed in the information presented that I carefully read through the entire manuscript. Consequently, it is a great honor to recognize the work involved in the production of this text and my congratulations to the authors for their tremendous efforts to elevate knowledge in the field of venous medicine.

With great respect,

Foreword to the English Edition

Endovenous techniques such as endovenous laser therapy are leading the treatment of varicose veins. The substantial efficacy of endovenous laser therapy has been confirmed in numerous studies resulting in more physicians performing this operation.

There was a need for a book devoted to the topic of endovenous laser ablation. There was only a small number of textbooks of endovascular laser ablation. I am delighted to be asked to write the foreword for this new book on this subject. I read the final manuscript submitted for publication and was impressed.

The chapters on fundamentals, development of the EVLA method, aetiology and pathogenesis of varicose transformation of veins and the technique give outstanding information to the reader.

I strongly believe that cooperation with clinicians, scientists and industries in the field of venous disease will lead new innovations in venous care. This book can help equip them to deliver their work to more patients and takes its place as one of the most comprehensive yet readable books on the subject.

Preface to the Russian Edition

Time passes quickly. It seems that only yesterday the entire surgical community, especially the group actively involved in treating patients with disorders of the venous system, was buzzing like a worried hive. This was due to the emergence of new surgical technologies that shook previously considered unshakable postulates, necessitating the abandonment of techniques that seemed ideal. I am referring to the introduction of thermal ablation of the trunk veins in general and laser ablation in particular, which is the main content of the book that you are now holding in your hands. Many experts approached the new methods with skepticism, and many others even with hostility. Surgeons are conservative people who do not take easily to rapid and radical changes. Nonetheless, with the passing of time, what seemed revolutionary yesterday is considered routine today. Laser ablation is now performed in almost every surgical department where appropriate equipment is available. Life has put things in perspective, and a technique that is good and effective has made its way into the hearts of surgeons.

Who knows how much longer and thornier the path of laser ablation into Russian everyday practice might have been, if not for the efforts of those who pioneered this method. The authors of this book were enthusiasts who were able to first master this technique independently, then convince and teach others in addition to providing overwhelming evidence of the benefits of this technique to win over the skeptics. The National Pirogov Medical Surgical Centre has become the epicentre of the introduction of new endovenous technologies, and as such, has allowed the methods to find a niche within our arsenal. Undoubtedly, many remember the monograph that emerged from the same clinic more than 10 years ago. At that time, it was the first and only work in our country devoted to endovasal laser ablation, highlighting its importance, even though the technology was still in its early stages. Today, with nearly two decades of experience, the authors offer not simply a thorough description of this method, but a type of philosophy of laser obliteration. Philosophy is that part of medicine, which, when mastered, allows the physician to become like God. While this may sound like grandiose speech, it is precisely why books like these that provide a wealth of both technical and clinical information, are highly valued during a time period that is so uniquely focused on practicality.

About the authors

K. Mazayshvili

Dr. Sci. (Med.). Professor. Professor of Surgery (Surgut State University). Founder of Vein Centres and Deep Learning Workshop “Antireflux” (Surgut, Russia). EduPhlebology.com, admin@antireflux.ru

Yu. Stoyko

Dr. Sci. (Med.). Professor. Honorary President of the Phlebologists Association of Russia. Chief Surgeon of National Pirogov Medical and Surgical Centre (Moscow, Russia).