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Update on Radiofrequency AblationDepartment of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, cynthia.shortell{at}duke.edu The two currently available methods to achieve ablation of incompetent veins using radiofrequency energy are radiofrequency ablation (VNUS Closure Plustm) and radiofrequency powered segmental ablation (VNUS Closure Fasttm). Both treatment modalities expose vascular endothelium to high-frequency alternating current. This results in contraction of venous wall collagen with subsequent fibrotic endoluminal obliteration which eliminates hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures as the main hemodynamic mechanisms for varicosities. Radiofrequency segmental ablation has become available relatively recently, but increasing amount of clinical data and patient’s satisfaction support this technique as a reasonable therapy for superficial reflux disease. Although initial experience with Closure Fasttm catheter documented substantially decreased average procedural time, little postoperative discomfort and short-term occlusion rates that approximated 100%, larger clinical trials are needed before this modification of traditional radiofrequency ablation can be accurately evaluated in the treatment of superficial reflux disease.
Key Words: radiofrequency ablation • radiofrequency-powered segmental ablation • superficial reflux disease • chronic venous insufficiency
This version was published on June
1, 2009 Perspectives in Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Vol. 21, No. 2,
82-90 (2009) |
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