ClosureFast endovenous radiofrequency ablation for great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein incompetence: Efficacy and anatomical failure patterns.

Abstract

Recurrence rates and patterns after endovenous radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) are poorly documented. To assess the incidence and anatomical recurrence patterns of saphenous vein reflux after ERFA. Two hundred patients previously treated with ERFA were recalled for clinical assessment and venous-duplex ultrasound at three years post-treatment. A total of 106 patients (68F, 38M) with a mean age of 49.4 years (SD +11.5y) were assessed. Mean follow-up was 42.1 months (SD + 20.1m). Further varicose veins were identified in 31 patients (29.2%). Recanalization/recurrence/failure was diagnosed in 16 patients (15.1%), including 18 trunks (8.7%), 13 great saphenous vein (6.3%) and 5 small saphenous vein (2.4%). Twenty-seven patients (25%) developed neo-incompetence in 31 trunks and 12 non-saphenous veins. All patients with truncal recanalization had a body mass index > 29 (range 29-42). Disease progression was twice as high as the recanalization rate at three years post-treatment using ERFA in this study. Raised body mass index may be a contributing factor; however, further longitudinal studies are required. Patient self-selection bias may have also influenced our results.