Outcomes of Cyanoacrylate Closure Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Incompetent Great Saphenous Veins

Abstract

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) for treating incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) compared to radiofrequency ablation (RFA). In this prospective, randomized controlled study, 248 symptomatic subjects with incompetent GSVs were assigned to either CAC or RFA. The primary end point, complete closure of the target GSV, was determined using a duplex ultrasound examination. In this study, 248 patients (mean age 33.64±8.06years including 71% women) were treated with either CAC (n=128) or RFA (n=120) between August 2018 to May 2022. As a follow-up, after a 1-month duration, the closure rates were 128/128 at the CAC and 154/158 at the RFA. At month 24, closure rates were 122/128 at CAC and 146/158 at RFA. Apart from phlebitis and pigmentation, the incidences of bruising, skin burn, and paresthesia were lower in the CAC group compared to the RFA group. The mean procedural times were shorter for CAC. The satisfaction level with the treatment was moderately higher among CAC patients than RAF patients. This study suggests that Cyanoacrylate glue closure of the GSV and RFA are effective techniques for managing primary varicose veins. Cyanoacrylate glue closure of the GSV appears to have a lower rate of complications and higher satisfaction levels, rapid return to normal activities, and improved procedure time without the need for perivenous tumescent anesthesia and postprocedure compression stockings when compared to RFA.