Determining Risk Factors for Endovenous Heat-induced Thrombosis after Radiofrequency Ablation

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Thrombosis Research

Background:

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a common treatment for venous insufficiency.
• Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) is a potential complication of RFA.
• Understanding EHIT risk factors and outcomes is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate risk factors, incidence, management, and outcomes of EHIT following RFA.
• To identify patient and procedural characteristics associated with EHIT development and severity.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 642 patients undergoing RFA (2016-2019).
• Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, procedural details, and EHIT occurrence, grade, and outcome.
• Statistical analysis to identify associations between variables and EHIT.

Main Results:

• EHIT occurred in 6.6% of RFA procedures.
• Left common femoral vein or right femoral vein incompetence, diabetes mellitus, and larger treated vein diameter (1.2 cm) were associated with EHIT.
• Most EHIT cases (64%) resolved or regressed with management including aspirin or anticoagulants.

Conclusions:

• Left CFV or right FV incompetence, diabetes mellitus, and larger treated left vein diameter are associated with EHIT.
• Over 50% of EHIT cases showed improvement regardless of management.
• Larger studies are needed to confirm these associations.