TP5.2.2 Office based endovascular radiofrequency ablation (OBEVRFA) as a standalone procedure for varicose veins

Abstract

Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to identify the number of patients that required a secondary procedure for persistence/ recurrence of symptoms within 3 years of the index (OBEVRFA) procedure. Method Retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively for patients booked to have OBEVRFA in the period January 2017- January 2018 was accessed from electronic patient records. Their clinic follow letters, scans and any secondary procedures done were documented on an excel sheet. Results A total of 303 patients, were booked for an OBEVRFA of which 17 (5.6%) patients did not attend the procedure. 39 (12.8%) patients were cancelled on the day of the procedure. 247 patients (M:F 1:1.5), underwent OBEVRFA. 53 patients (21.8%), had residual veins or were symptomatic & were followed up beyond their 3 month period. 24 patients had a duplex scan which showed complete recanalization in 4, a reflux in non-treated secondary vein (Like Anterior thigh vein or duplicated Long saphenous vein) and a new perforator incompetence in others. 40 (16.1%) patients eventually underwent secondary procedures, 8 underwent classical High flush ligation and stripping with multiple stab avulsions (MSA) , 7 had a redo OBEVRFA, 3 had a redo RFA with MSA under GA, others had MSA alone and 1 had successful sclerotherapy. 3 patients were not keen for a secondary procedure. Conclusion OBEVRFA alone provides complete symptomatic relief in over 80% of patients with only 16% needing a secondary procedure. For symptomatic varicose veins from truncal reflux OBEVRFA should be the first line treatment on NHS.