Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy for Varicose Veins Guided By Ultrasound: Overview and Preliminary Experience

Chronic venous insufficiency manifested as varicose veins in the lower limbs results from hypertension of the superficial venous system, caused by incompetent valves in the saphenous veins. The treatment consists in the elimination of these diseased superficial veins. Classically, the treatment is performed by ligature of the saphenous-femoral junction (SFJ) and "stripping" of the abnormal saphenous vein segments, being a major surgical procedure, with a very painful postoperative period, little tolerated by patients, with poor aesthetic results and high frequency of recurrence. The technological development has led to the appearance of new minimally invasive treatments such as intravenous thermal radiofrequency ablation and laser. Radiofrequency intravenous ablation (RFA) is a relatively new, safe, effective and efficient technique that can be easily performed by interventional radiologists. A catheter is used that has an electrode that releases high frequency radiofrequency energy, producing non-thrombotic venous occlusion. The postoperative period is very well tolerated by patients and the complications are minimal. The aim of this manuscript is to present the current state of the art and our experience in the use of RFA for the treatment of venous insufficiency.