March 11, 2008, (East Longmeadow, MA).  biolitec, Inc., a world leader in biomedical laser technology, today announced that it has received 510K clearance to market its ELVeS PL laser for use in vein surgery. The device is specifically indicated for the treatment of reflux of the saphenous veins associated with varicose veins and varicosities. The diode laser is the energy source for the ELVeS PLÔ (Endo Laser Vein System) endoluminal laser therapy system, which is used in a non-contact mode that is especially suited to out-patient treatment in the office environment.

ELVeS PL laser treatment provides swift, safe outpatient procedures that can be performed in the doctor’s office. Using a laser tuned to 1470nm wavelength delivered through an optical fiber, ELVeS PL lets doctors quickly achieve photodestruction and collapse of vein walls, treating the entire length to ensure complete closure of the vein. This provides a fast (45 minute) procedure with rapid patient recovery to normal activities.

Many medical laser systems for vein ablation use a 980nm wavelength, which is absorbed by water to ablate tissue by creating vapor bubbles in nearby fluids. The ELVeS PL system uses a 1470nm wavelength that has 40 times greater absorption by water and more specifically targets soft tissue in the vein wall, resulting in a more satisfying patient experience. The pain reported by patients treated with the 1470nm laser was significantly lower than that reported by those treated with the 980 nm laser.  During follow-up exams substantially less ecchymosis was observed after ablation with the 1470nm laser than with the 980nm laser and there was more paresthesia after ablation with the 980nm laser than was seen with the 1470nm.

The highly portable ELVeS PL system weighs only 7.5 kg and produces up to 15 watts of optical power.  The laser unit can operate with 100V-240V power, making it convenient for use in a physician’s office without the need for special wiring. The laser can be set for continuous or pulsed energy delivery, with pulse widths ranging from 0.01 to 99.9 seconds.