Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of great saphenous vein to abolish "paradoxical reflux" in the Giacomini vein: a short report.

INTRODUCTION: Reflux in the GSV due to sapheno-popliteal incompetence associated with ascending (paradoxical) reflux in the Giacomini vein is a rare but well described pattern of reflux. Treatment of this type of reflux is controversial and only surgical treatment has been described.

REPORT: We describe 2 patients in whom this type of reflux was successfully abolished following endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the GSV with the SPJ and Giacomini vein regaining competency.

DISCUSSION: Paradoxical reflux in the Giacomini vein and SPJ is secondary to GSV incompetence which exerts a syphon effect. EVLA of the refluxing segment of GSV interrupts this effect and prevents the paradoxical reflux at the SPJ.