Results of endovenous ClosureFast treatment for varicose veins in an outpatient setting.

OBJECTIVE

Endovenous methods are increasingly used to treat varicose veins. We evaluated the outcome of patients treated with the new radiofrequency ablation (RFA)-ClosureFast catheter in an outpatient setting.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis of postinterventional duplex ultrasound (DUS), complication rate and quality of life of patients treated for incompetent saphenous veins.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2009, 155 patients had been treated with ClosureFast. DUS was available from 73 (47%) patients (102 great [GSV] and 16 small [SSV] saphenous veins). After a mean follow-up of 12.2 months (range 1-29 months), DUS showed six (5.9%) open GSV and an occlusion of all treated SSV. One pulmonary embolism had occurred. Mean patient's satisfaction was 8.7 (10 = very satisfied), pain after one week 2.0 (no pain = 0, maximal = 10) and absence of work was 0.9 day (range 0-14 days).

CONCLUSION

RFA for incompetent saphenous veins can safely be performed in an outpatient setting with a low complication rate, minimal pain and fast recovery.