[Radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein in lower-limb varicose disease]

The authors herein share their experience gained in comprehensive treatment of patients diagnosed with lower-limb varicose disease treated by means of one the most state-of-the-art technologies, i. e., radiofrequency ablation. The work deals with the outcomes of managing a total of seventy-eight patients suffering from lower-limb varicose diseases with valvular insufficiency of the great saphenous vein. All the patients were subjected to radiofrequency ablation of the compromised great saphenous vein by means of the portable radiofrequency device "Surgitron" manufactured by the Company "Ellman International" (USA). Examination included ultrasonographic duplex and triplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities. Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein was performed by means of an original appliance consisting of a metallic probe whose length corresponded to that of the lower extremity concerned, with a figure-of-eight olive at the distal end and external plastic tube catheter. The construction of the probe made it possible to maximally free the great saphenous vein from blood through the lateral ports of the catheter, to reduce the risk of complications, to diminish the duration of the intervention, and to increase its effectiveness. Efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein amounted to 93.6%, with recanalization of the greater saphenous vein being established in five (6.4%) patients. Good functional and cosmetically pleasing therapeutic outcomes were observed in the majority of the patients (87.2%).