Midterm results of radiofrequency ablation with multiple heat cycles for incompetent saphenous veins

Recent reports suggest that the number of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) cycles impacts the depth of vein wall damage. This study evaluates the midterm occlusion rate after delivering increased energy during RFA of incompetent saphenous veins.

Between 2016 and 2019, consecutive patients who underwent RFA with multiple heat cycles were enrolled in the study. The exclusion criterion was previous treatment history for chronic venous disease. Duplex ultrasound data and medical records were reviewed retrospectively.

This study enrolled 217 patients (345 veins). Follow-up examinations were performed for 65% of treated veins after 6 months, 31% after 12 months, and 26% after more than 24 months with a mean follow-up period of 23 ± 18.9 months. The numbers of great saphenous and small saphenous veins were 178 and 62, respectively. According to the Kaplan-Meier method, the occlusion rate of saphenous veins was 100% at 3 years and 95.4% at 5 years. Except for one case (0.3%) of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis class 2, no significant side effects were noted.

Routine use of RFA with multiple heat cycles for incompetent saphenous veins exhibits good clinical outcomes considering midterm occlusion rate without an increase in side effects.