Endovenous ablation of saphenofemoral insufficiency: analysis of 100 patients using RF closure fast technique

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common problem leading to varicose veins of lower limbs which was traditionally being treated with ligation and stripping. Endovenous ablation is an attractive alternative minimally invasive technique to treat such patients. We analysed the results of 100 consecutive patients treated with Radiofrequency based endovenous ablation using Closure Fast Catheter. Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients with chronic venous insufficiency treated at our institution was done. All patients were classified pre and post procedure based on clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophyslogical classification, Venous clinical severity and Venous disablitity scores alongwith color doppler examination with follow up done at 2 weeks, 3 months and one year for any disease recurrence or residual symptoms. 97 of the 100 patients treated at 3 months and at 1 year showed good reduction of venous clinical severity and Venous disability scores to 0. Doppler showed complete closure of saphenofemoral junction and long saphenous vein at 2 weeks with no recanalisation at one year. No thrombus formation was observed. Minor complications like ecchymosis was seen in 9 patients and thrombophlebitis in 4 patients. Endovenous ablation using radiofrequency with Closure Fast technique showed improved short and long term results in patients with venous insufficiency with 100% closure seen on doppler studies along with lesser complications and no thrombus formation due shortened procedure time and improved catheter design.