Radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein with the ClosureFAST™ procedure: mid-term experience on 400 patients from a single centre

Introduction: Endovascular obliteration of the great saphenous vein (GSV) has been proposed as an alternative to conventional extirpative treatment of varicose veins. Materials and methods: This report reviewed the initial experience with the ClosureFAST™ procedure in 407 legs over a one-year period. Occlusion of the GSV was seen on 98 % of completion scans and in all patients within 1 week of the procedure. Persistent occlusion was documented in all cases. One had paresthesias and one had skin pigmentation. Three patients had transient superficial thrombophlebitis in a treated segment of a superficial collateral of the GSV. One patient was found to have extension of an asymptomatic, nonocclusive thrombus into the common femoral vein 1 week after the procedure. Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation of the GSV appears to be a safe alternative to conventional stripping and ligation. Randomised clinical trials and longer follow-up periods are required to establish the overall superiority of the procedure in comparison to conventional stripping