Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Patients with Great Saphenous Vein Incompetence

Introduction: The broad spectrum of chronic venous disease encompasses varicose veins, edema, hyperpigmentation and venous ulcers. Radiofrequency thermal ablation is indicated for the treatment of superficial venous reflux of the lower limb. Our research aims to identify the efficacy and safety of Endo-Venous Radio-Frequency Thermal Ablation in Patients with Great Saphenous Vein Incompetence in managing chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Methods: Patients admitted to vascular unit, general surgery department, Suez Canal University Hospitals' in Ismailia, Egypt, from March 2021 to March 2023 with the clinical diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower limbs, treated by thermal ablation with radiofrequency. Results: The mean GSV diameter for RF ablation was 7.12 ± 1.271. By the 12th month of Follow-up visits, two patients experienced recanalization of short segment (below 5 cm) occlusion, two experienced recanalization of long-segment occlusion, and two experienced recurrent varicose veins. GSV diameter dropped dramatically after surgery, reaching a mean of 0.82 ± 0.252 after 6 months of follow-up. In terms of complications, paraesthesia, transient ecchymosis and bruising, and permanent pigmentation noted. No patients developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Conclusions: RF ablation demonstrated effectiveness in treating lower leg varicose veins. However, recanalization and recurrence were noticed among patients.