Management of venous malformations with percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation

Multiple treatment options exist for venous malformations (VMs), but each treatment has its own deficiencies. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an emerging technology which may be an effective new technique for treatment of VMs.

To study the effect of RFA on VMs.

We reviewed patients treated with RFA for VM followed by a blinded retrospective analysis of serial photographs taken during the course of their therapy. Questionnaires were used to evaluate perceived therapeutic response and complications of this treatment.

Sixteen patients with complete data and photographic documentation were involved in this study. Complete resolution (> 90%) was obtained in two patients. Significant improvement (75-90%) of the treated lesion occurred in eight patients. Moderate improvement (50-75%) was obtained in one patient and little improvement in three patients. Two patients had no response. Most VMs improved, with a mean ± SD size change score of 2·6 ± 1·3 and overall score of 5·1 ± 2·4. No serious complication was observed in any of our patients and no evidence of recurrence was observed in any case.

Percutaneous RFA, as a minimally invasive and safe treatment, may provide an alternative treatment for VM and other skin diseases. There should be a randomized trial undertaken, comparing RFA with other treatments, to assess outcome.