2005 Volume 16 Issue 4 Pages 251-257
In eight legs of six patients, endovenous obliteration by radiofrequency energy was performed for the varicose great saphenous vein. One month postoperatively, air plethysmography and ultrasound echography were used to examine results of this treatment. By ultrasound examination immediately after the operation, complete occlusion of the saphenous vein was obtained in all cases. At 1 month after treatment, 7 of 8 (88%) legs had complete occlusion of the saphenous vein, and 1 of 8 (12%) hadrecanalization. There were no critical complications, such as thrombosis and skin burn. At 1 day after treatment, two legs had pain and the abnormalities in feeling were noticed in two legs. However, all complications were mitigated at 1 month aftertreatment. In all cases, venous filling index (VFI) improved after the operation. Preoperative VFIs were 1.611 to 11.48 (an average of 5.904+3.812) and those of one month after the treatment were 0.737 to 5.143 (an average of 2.091+1.712). This method is less invasive than stripping. However, this is impossible for a case with markedly tortuous varicosis. Further study is necessary.
