BACKGROUND: Although the role of incompetent perforating veins (IPV) in chronic venous insufficiency remains controversial, they are often treated by surgical or by minimal invasive techniques. OBJECTIVES: To describe the procedure of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of IPV and to evaluate its short-term effectiveness and safety. METHODS: In a clinical pilot study, 14 IPV in 12 patients were treated with a radiofrequency stylet. After three months, ultrasound (US) examination was used to assess anatomical success rate and exclude deep venous thrombosis. Also, self-reported side-effects were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 14 treated IPV, nine (64%) were obliterated on US examination and the others showed remaining reflux. Two patients reported localized paresthesia, but no deep venous thrombosis was recorded. CONCLUSION: RFA of IPV may be a promising procedure, but patient and incompetent perforator vein selection is important and further standardization of the procedure is required. Comparative clinical trials between RFA and other therapies are warranted.
BACKGROUND: Although the role of incompetent perforating veins (IPV) in chronic venous insufficiency remains controversial, they are often treated by surgical or by minimal invasive techniques. OBJECTIVES: To describe the procedure of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of IPV and to evaluate its short-term effectiveness and safety. METHODS: In a clinical pilot study, 14 IPV in 12 patients were treated with a radiofrequency stylet. After three months, ultrasound (US) examination was used to assess anatomical success rate and exclude deep venous thrombosis. Also, self-reported side-effects were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 14 treated IPV, nine (64%) were obliterated on US examination and the others showed remaining reflux. Two patients reported localized paresthesia, but no deep venous thrombosis was recorded. CONCLUSION: RFA of IPV may be a promising procedure, but patient and incompetent perforator vein selection is important and further standardization of the procedure is required. Comparative clinical trials between RFA and other therapies are warranted.
Authors: Christopher J Marrocco; Marvin D Atkins; W Todd Bohannon; Thomas R Warren; Clifford J Buckley; Ruth L Bush Journal: World J Surg Date: 2010-10 Impact factor: 3.352