Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2009 Apr;42(2):238-243.

The Early Results of Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation Using the 7 Fr.VNUS ClosureFAST(R) System in Varicose Veins

• Ryu SW
• Oh HR
• Kim MK
• Moon SH
• Chekar JK
• Yun JS
• Hong SB

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Radiofrequency obliteration and endovenous laser therapy of the greater saphenous vein have recently been introduced as alternative, minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. The 7 Fr. VNUS ClosureFAST(R) radiofrequency obliteration system was introduced in Gwang-Ju Veterans hospital. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and complications of radiofrequency obliteration using the 7 Fr. VNUS ClosureFAST(R) system. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between May 2, 2007 and May 31, 2008, we performed radiofrequency obliteration on 90 patients. The number of males was 67 and their mean age was 57.9+/-11.0 (range: 23~78) years old. The patients underwent follow up exams at 3 weeks after the procedures and then every 3 months. The effects of treatment and the complications were reviewed. RESULT: The postoperative complications were ecchymosis (94.4%), pain (27.8%), paresthesia (25.6%), bullous formation (8.9%), edema (6.7%) and phlebitis (2.2%). One patient showed good blood flow after 3 weeks and one patient showed good blood flow after 3 months. The one-year success rate of radiofrequency obliteration in varicose veins was 97.6%.
CONCLUSION
Our data showed acceptable operative results and short-term clinical results for treating varicose veins with radio frequency obliteration. Long-term follow-up and comparison of radio frequency obliteration with high ligation and stripping, previous radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser therapy are needed in the future.

Keyword

Veins; Radiofrequency; Varicose veins

MeSH Terms

Ecchymosis
Edema
Follow-Up Studies
Hospitals, Veterans
Humans
Laser Therapy
Ligation
Male
Paresthesia
Phlebitis
Postoperative Complications
Saphenous Vein
Varicose Veins
Veins