Results after treatment with radio-frequency ablation 1998

Introduction: In 1998, radiofrequency ablation (VNUS Closure Plus™) was authorised in Germany and Europe for the treatment of superficial reflux. We participated in a clinical registry set up by the manufacturing company in 1998. The aim of this retrospective paper was to analyse the long-term results after radiofrequency ablation. Materials, methods and patients: In 1998, we operated on twelve patients (8 women, 4 men). In accordance with the concept of standard vein stripping surgery, all endovenous ablations were combined with crossectomy or ligature of the saphenopopliteal junction. Each vein was thermally ablated over its entire length and no tumescent anaesthesia was performed. The mean age of the twelve patients was 44.9 years. On ten occasions, the entire length of the great saphenous vein was treated, on one occasion the great saphenous vein at the level of the lower leg and on one occasion the entire length of the small saphenous vein. The mean duration of surgery was 80 minutes. Results: The follow-up period was 3 to 168 months, with a mean duration of 80 months. Six patients were followed up for longer than 120 months. In eight cases, follow-up examination was conducted using duplex ultrasound, in two cases using clinical examination and non-invasive measurement, in one case using clinical examination and in one case via a telephone interview. The most frequent perioperative complication, occurring in six cases, was hypaesthesia at the medial malleolus or lower leg. There was one case of perioperative thrombophlebitis of a lateral branch in the lower leg and one case of a third-degree thigh burn with subsequent infection of the great saphenous vein canal. No deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred in any of the operated patients. Of the eleven great saphenous veins treated, one had recanalised after 14 months, the others had closed or were no longer detectable on ultrasound. The small saphenous vein treated was also no longer detectable.In one patient, a major recurrence at the saphenofemoral junction and recurrent lateral branches in the thigh and lower leg were determined 168 months after surgery. No recurrent varicosis was determined in the other patients. Conclusion: Retrospective analysis shows that radiofrequency ablation leads to long-term elimination of the large or small saphenous vein, persisting for ten years and longer.