Experience and early results of radiofrequency ablation therapy for varicose veins

Objective To evaluate the experience and early results of radiofrequency ablation(RFA) therapy for varicose veins. Methods In this study 380 extremities of 356 patients undergoing RFA therapy with RFA catheter for varicose veins from Nov 2015 to Sep 2017 in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Each patient was scheduled to follow up at 1 , 6 and 12 months respectively. Results Technical success were achieved in all cases. Obliteration rate was 99.0% in 1 month, 97.9% in 6 months and 97.1% in 12 months after the RFA therapy. Conclusions RFA therapy for varicose veins is safe and effective and achieves good early result. Intraoperative ultrasound examination and endovascular technique is important for a successful RFA procedure. Key words: Varicose veins; Catheter ablation; Obliteration rate