Below-Knee Endovenous Microwave Ablation of Great Saphenous Vein: a prospective single-arm study

Background: Intervention on the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) has traditionally been limited to the above-knee (AK-GSV) segment for fear of saphenous nerve damage. Nonhealing ulcers and skin discoloration may persist and significantly impacting individuals' quality of life (QOL) and hindering daily activities.Objectives: Studying the effectiveness, safety, and effects on quality of life using below-knee endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) for the treatment of varicose veins of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) was the primary goal of this study.Methods: A non-comparative, single-arm, multicenter trial was carried out on 87 individuals who had been verified to have primary GSV VVs. They were all given below-knee EMA.Results: Males accounted for half of the sample 37 (50%). The mean±SD of age was 40.8±8.6. The most frequent CEAP classification is (C4a Ep As Pr). The mean±SD of the preoperative GSV diameter was 8.2±1.6. The mean±SD of the preoperative Aberdeen score was 22.7±2.2. The mean±SD of the GSV length treated was 82.1±32.1 cm.The mean±SD of the percentage of diameter reduction was 98.2±1.8%. The mean±SD of the postoperative VAS score was 0.9±0.8.The study's one-week review revealed 100% success as none of the instances that attended the follow-up appointment had recanalization. The study showed that none of the cases developed skin burns, scleroma, or DVT. About 30 cases (40.5%) developed transient mild paresthesia which disappeared in an average of 5.4±1.6 week with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of weeks 8.Conclusion: With a greater occlusion rate and fewer problems, the study concludes that endovenous microwave ablation is a successful method for ablation of below-knee varicose veins. Nonetheless, the features of each patient and the treating physician's experience should guide the therapy decision.