Radiofrequency Endovenous Ablation: A Safe and Effective Modality for Varicose Veins Treatment

Abstract

Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous superficial veins, causing aching pain, swelling, and cramps in the affected lower limb. The key behind having such a problem is venous insufficiency after valve failure in the involved dilated vein. Surgery was the standard procedure for removing these dilated veins. A new era of treatment emerged, where endovenous radiofrequency ablation is applied under local and tumescent anesthesia by the aid of Doppler ultrasound. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in treating varicose veins. Our center is the first center in Baghdad, Iraq using this technique for treating varicose veins. Forty-five patients with varicose veins were enrolled in a prospective study from October 2017, through March 2019, aged 20–56 years; females 27 (60%), and males 18 (40%). Their veins were scanned by Doppler ultrasound and were diagnosed as having venous insufficiency; a total of sixty veins were ablated by radiofrequency, fifty (83%) long saphenous veins, and only ten (17%) short saphenous veins. The patients were scored clinically using comprehensive classification system for chronic venous disorders (CEAP) clinical score, 75% of patients were C2-C4, while only 25% of patients C5-C6. The time for each limb was around 20 minutes. A 100% technical success, and an excellent vein occlusion rate postoperatively. No postoperative complications were noted. After 1-week’, 1-month’, and 6 months’ follow-up, there was an improvement in CEAP clinical score, an early post-procedure return to daily activities. Therefore, endovenous radiofrequency ablation shows excellent results in terms of safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction.