Safety and effectiveness of indirect radiofrequency ablation (closure FAST) of incompetent great saphenous veins with Type I aneurysms: Long-term results radiofrequency ablation for saphenous aneurysms.

Abstract

Assess the safety and effectiveness of indirect radiofrequency ablation (RFA, Closure FAST) for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) with type 1 aneurysms. This was a retrospective analysis performed in three centers (2007-2021). All patients presenting with saphenous aneurysms close to the junction (within 2cm) were included. They were treated with RFA. Phlebectomies and/or sclerotherapy were performed during the same treatment session. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) was performed early after the procedure and then, more than a year later. Eight patients (11 limbs) were included between June 2007 and May 2021 with a median diameter of the GSV aneurysm 21mm (IQR 17.2-23.4). No severe adverse events occurred apart from one endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) class III (9.1%). After more than a year (mean 7.2 ± 4.2, median 8years), none of the aneurysms was present on DUS and the truncal obliteration rate was 100%. RFA appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients presenting with incompetent saphenous veins with the type 1 aneurysm.