Mid-Term Report on the Safety and Effectiveness of Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins

Objective: Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a relatively new technique for treating great saphenous varicose veins, is less invasive compared with stripping surgery. This study examined the mid-term safety and effectiveness of RFA for varicose veins. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 104 patients (147 limbs) who underwent RFA for varicose veins of the lower extremities (females, 67; 64.4%). The mean age was 68.9±9.2 years (39-85 years). In 121 limbs (82.3%), there were great saphenous veins. All patients were observed as outpatients for 12 months after the procedure. RFA was performed using ClosureFast™ catheters with tumescent local anesthesia. Results: There was 99.4% occlusion of the treated veins, and partial recanalization was observed in one limb. Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) was identified in five limbs (3.4%). All EHITs were class 1 according to the Kabnick classification, and they disappeared within 1 month of the intervention without antithrombotic therapy. No other major complications were observed. Mean venous clinical severity scores improved from 5.31 at the baseline to 1.10, 0.39, 0.14, and 0.06 at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Conclusion: RFA is a safe and effective strategy for varicose veins of the lower extremities.