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Title: Radiofrequency Endoluminal Ablation Successful In Treating Varicose Veins

URL: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/servlet/useragent?func=synergy&
&synergyAction=showAbstract&doi=10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.01188.x

Dermatologic Surgery, Jan 2002, Vol. 28, Issue 1; 38 "Controlled Radiofrequency Endovenous Occlusion Using a Unique Radiofrequency Catheter Under Duplex Guidance to Eliminate Saphenous Varicose Vein Reflux: A 2-Year Follow-Up"
03/28/2002 11:55:54 AM
By David Ball

Radiofrequency (RF) endoluminal ablation for treating saphenous vein reflux has the same benefits as surgery in terms of being a single treatment with a low rate of recurrent reflux. RF also avoids the disadvantages associated with vein stripping and ligation surgery such as morbidity, use of general anaesthesia or need for extensive convalescence. These findings by physicians Robert A. Weiss and Margaret A. Weiss, at the Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, are based on a two-year study following closure of 140 incompetent greater saphenous veins in 120 subjects. Patient satisfaction with RF was routinely reported. After closing the vein, starting from its junction with the femoral vein, patients were evaluated clinically and with duplex ultrasound recorded at one week, six weeks, six months, 12 months, and 24 months to determine treatment efficacy and to check for adverse sequelae. At one week follow-up, vein occlusion was successful in 137 of 140 (98 percent) scanned veins. This was defined as the absence of any duplex ultrasound-determined flow. None of the subjects developed recanalisation at 12 months that was not found at the six week follow-up. Outcome was successfully attained in 90. Complete disappearance of the saphenous vein was achieved in 19 of 21 patents at the 24 month follow-up, for a success rate of 90 percent. No skin burns or thromboses were seen and side effects were minimal. The researchers report that 98 patients were willing to recommend the RF endovascular procedure to family or friends.

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