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

Endovascular obliteration of the great saphenous vein (GSV) has been proposed as an alternative to conventional extirpative treatment of varicose veins. This report reviewed the initial experience with the ClosureFAST (TM) 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. 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.