Our mid-and long-term results of endovenous radiofrequency ablation in great saphenous vein insufficiency

Aim: Venous insufficiency may occur due to problems in the return of blood to the heart and reverse flows. Endovascular procedures have emerged as an alternative to classical open surgery in treatment. In this study, we aimed to examine the mid- and long-term results of our radiofrequency ablation (RF) applications, which is an endovascular method. Material and Method: In our study, we included 193 patients who underwent RF in our clinic between June 2017 and March 2022. All patients underwent ablation with an RF catheter by entering the great saphenous vein (GSV) at the appropriate level under local tumescent anesthesia and under Dopplerultrasound guidance. Postoperative follow-up of the patients and Dopplerultrasound controls at the 1st, 6th, 12th and 24th months were performed, and GSV patency and reflux conditions were recorded. Results: 133 patients were female (68.9%) and 60 patients were male (31.1%). The age range was 22-82 (mean: 52). It was determined that GSV recanalisation and reflux developed in 6 patients (3.1%) at the 1 -month follow-up, in 9 patients (4.6%) at the 6th month, and in 11 patients (5.6%) at the 12th and 24th months. Discussion: RF method is a feasible method with low complications, high patient comfort and success in suitable patients. However, recanalization and recurrence still occur. To achieve higher success rates, the reasons underlying recanalization and recurrence should be examined.