Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins

Abstract

SummaryBackground: In the search of alternative techniques to high ligation and stripping (HL/S) in the treatment of varicose veins, catheter-ablation methods have been implemented since 1998. Besides endovenous laser techniques (ELT) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a successful device in treating insufficiency of the Great (GSV) and Small saphenous vein (SSV). Methods: This review article sums up publications on Closure Plus™, ClosureFAST™, RFITT® (Celon Method), and EVRF®. It discusses the actually favorized treatment protocols and study results. Results of meta-analysis are presented, too.Results: The Closure Plus™ catheter was the first radiofrequency technique to be licensed in Europe in 1998. Trials and meta-analyzes show occlusion rates of 81–89 % after 5 years. The consecutive technique was the ClosureFAST™ (CLF) catheter that was introduced in 2007 and offered more standardization in treatment. Published data show occlusion rates of 98 % after 5 years and low profile on complications. Also in 2007 a bipolar radiofrequency technique called RFITT was presented. Due to lack of standards in treatment protocol it could not get accepted as well as CLF despite of good treatment results (92–98 % occlusion rates after 12 months) and low complications. A new RFA device called EVRF® shows weak evidence so far.Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins has become a well-established treatment alternative to HL/S mostly represented by CLF.

Avoiding aesthetic complications after endovenous radiofrequency ablation

“…Technology advances and technical standardization have drastically reduced ACs (15). Dermody et al reported RFA complications in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), describing a decrease in bruising, haematoma and SVT in RCTs if the second-generation ClosureFast™ catheter was used, compared to cases performed with a first generation catheter ClosurePlus™ (5).…”

Ultrasound diagnostics in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities by the method of radiofrequency ablation

“…Дана методика прийшла на зміну традиційній кросектомії та видаленню недостатніх сегментів вен великої і малої підшкірних вен. Ця операція забезпечує хороший косметичний ефект, менший ризик ускладнень, оскільки все виконується з використанням місцевої анестезії та під контролем ультразвуку [2,3,9].…”

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Endovenous Laser Ablation Threatment for Patients With Lower Limb Chronic Saphenous and Perforating Vein Insufficiency

“…Radyofrekans ablasyon tedavisi de (RFA) bu yöntemlerdendir. Endovenöz ablasyon tedavilerinden ilk olarak RFA kullanılmaya başlanmış ve 1999'da minimal invaziv prosedür olarak ABD Gıda ve İlaç İdaresi (FDA) tarafından onaylanmıştır (2). RFA'nın kateter maliyetinin yüksek olması, pacemakerlı hastalara uygulanamaması, radyofrekansın lazere göre derine penetrasyonunun daha fazla olması sebebiyle ısı ilişkili komplikasyonlara daha fazla neden olması gibi bazı dezavantajlarından dolayı EVLA kullanımı giderek artış göstermektedir.…”