ClosureFast endovenous radiofrequency ablation for great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein incompetence: Efficacy and anatomical failure patterns. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez-Acevedo, Omar; Elstner, Kristen E; Martinic, Kui; Ibrahim, RN Isabelle; Tomazini Martins, Rodrigo; Arduini, Fernando; Ibrahim, Nabeel
• Is Part Of: Phlebology. Volume 34:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 266
• Page End: 271
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Endovenous thermal ablation -- radiofrequency ablation -- recurrent varices -- saphenous vein -- small saphenous vein; Veins -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.14
• DOI: 10.1177/0268355518799609
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-3555

Abstract

Background: Recurrence rates and patterns after endovenous radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) are poorly documented. Objective: To assess the incidence and anatomical recurrence patterns of saphenous vein reflux after ERFA. Method: Two hundred patients previously treated with ERFA were recalled for clinical assessment and venous-duplex ultrasound at three years post-treatment. Results: A total of 106 patients (68F, 38M) with a mean age of 49.4 years (SD +11.5y) were assessed. Mean follow-up was 42.1 months (SD + 20.1m). Further varicose veins were identified in 31 patients (29.2%). Recanalization/recurrence/failure was diagnosed in 16 patients (15.1%), including 18 trunks (8.7%), 13 great saphenous vein (6.3%) and 5 small saphenous vein (2.4%). Twenty-seven patients (25%) developed neo-incompetence in 31 trunks and 12 non-saphenous veins. All patients with truncal recanalization had a body mass index > 29 (range 29–42). Conclusion: Disease progression was twice as high as the recanalization rate at three years post-treatment using ERFA in this study. Raised body mass index may be a contributing factor; however, further longitudinal studies are required. Patient self-selection bias may have also influenced our results.