Endovenous Celon radiofrequency-induced thermal therapy of great saphenous vein: A retrospective study with a 3-year follow-up

Abstract

Objective:Our main objective was to evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of Celon radiofrequency-induced thermal therapy for endovenous treatment of incompetent great saphenous vein. The secondary objectives were to report on possible short-term side effects and complications.Methods:This was a retrospective study of 112 consecutive patients included between 2013 and June 2015. These patients were treated (146 great saphenous vein, C2–C6) either at the hemodynamic room using local anesthesia or at the operating theater under general anesthesia with or without phlebectomy. All patients received radiofrequency-induced thermal therapy at 18 W power, 1 s/cm pullback rate and 5–7 pullbacks per segment of 10 cm (i.e. maximum 10 pullbacks). A clinical follow-up via ultrasound monitoring was done at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years.Results:The 3-year survival occlusion rate was 96.71% and 98% for overall and radiofrequency-induced thermal therapy patients, respectively. No major side effects were observed. A case of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis was reported. Slight neurological disorders were reported (0.88%).Conclusion:Our unit’s endovenous Celon radiofrequency-induced thermal therapy of incompetent great saphenous vein was efficient, well tolerated, without major side effects. Moreover, in order to reduce possible neurological disorders, we advise multiple pullbacks at 1 s/cm and using tumescence anesthesia.

Comparison of oxybuprocaine and lidocaine topical anesthesia for pain control in radiofrequency ablation treatment of great saphenous vein insufficiency

“…It is characterized by minimal injury and rapid recovery. This technique has been widely used to treat varicose veins which was safe and effective [5,6] Most RFA procedures can be performed under local anesthesia.…”

“…It is characterized by minimal injury and rapid recovery. This technique has been widely used to treat varicose veins which was safe and effective [ 5 , 6 ] Most RFA procedures can be performed under local anesthesia. Tumescent anesthesia could also help reduce heat damage and fit the catheter to the vein to improve curative effect.…”

Extracorporeal Treatment with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound of an Incompetent Perforating Vein in a Patient with Active Venous Ulcers

“… 8 Although EVTA has proven to be effective, these methods can be arduous and risky as vein wall perforation may occur. 9 With HIFU, as nothing is inserted into the vein, infection and bleeding risks are minimal. HIFU can be particularly interesting for patients with a risk of bleeding.…”

Vein wall shrinkage induced by thermal coagulation with high-intensity-focused ultrasound: numerical modeling andin vivoexperiments in sheep

“…During endovenous thermotherapy, a catheter or an optic fiber is inserted into the vein and generates a high temperature (>70 C) to damage the vein wall thermally [1,2]. These methods can be technically challenging since catheter insertion into and maneuvering in a tortuous vein may be arduous [3]. In this context, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising alternative means of treating varicose veins as it can induce tissue coagulation noninvasively and reduce operator dependence.…”