Changes in Saphenous Vein Stump and Low Incidence of Endovenous Heat-Induced Thrombosis After Radiofrequency Ablation of Great Saphenous Vein Incompetence

BACKGROUNDRelationship between the distance of the catheter tip from the saphenous femoral junction and the length of residual stump after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has not been sufficiently examined.OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to investigate the change of great saphenous vein (GSV) stump with clinical outcomes after RFA.MATERIAL AND METHODSFrom January 2014 to September 2014, 67 patients (91 limbs) underwent GSV RFA and the collected data were analyzed prospectively. Change of GSV stump length and clinical symptoms was evaluated at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals. Ablations were performed between 2 to 2.5 cm distal to the saphenofemoral junction.RESULTSThe residual GSV stump decreased in length to 1.465 0.504 cm at the first month follow-up. This length persisted throughout the 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. There were no statistically significant differences during the follow-up period. Both the Venous Clinical Severity Score and the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Symptom Severity Score was significantly improved at 1 month and improved even further at 3 months. One patient (1.1%) developed endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) Class 3 at 1-month follow-up and was treated with anticoagulation.CONCLUSIONThis study has shown that the adequate positioning of RFA catheter tip (2.0-2.5 cm) is recommended to decrease the incidence of EHIT.