Endovascular radiofrequency ablation. Effect on the vein diameter using the ClosureFast(®) catheter. / Ablación endovascular por radiofrecuencia. Efecto sobre el diámetro venoso con el uso del catéter ClosureFast(®).

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular radiofrequency with first generation catheters was not successful due to its technical difficulty and restrictions in veins with diameters larger than 12mm. However, using the new catheter there is not enough scientific evidence to affirm that the diameter represents a technical limitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare pre and post-operative venous trunks diameter, aiming at the reduction of size after 6 months with last generation catheters. METHODS: Retrospective observational and descriptive study on a cohort of patients with insufficiency of the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein and anterior accessory vein operated on with last generation radiofrequency catheters. The diameters were evaluated in the pre and post-operative period with ultrasound. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2014 a total of 365 ablations were performed in veins with an average diameter of 9±3.1mm showing a reduction of it after 6 months with a mean value of 5.2±0.8mm (P<.0001). Total occlusion was also observed in 100% of cases and complications such as deep vein thrombosis in 0.5% and heat-induced thrombosis in 1.1%. CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in venous diameter after endovascular treatment with the new ClosureFast(®) catheters was checked, even in veins with diameters greater than 12mm.

Ablación endovascular por radiofrecuencia. Efecto sobre el diámetro venoso con el uso del catéter ClosureFast ® / Endovascular radiofrequency ablation. Effect on the vein diameter using the ClosureFast ®catheter

INTRODUCCIÓN: La radiofrecuencia endovascular con los catéteres de primera generación no obtuvo buenos resultados debido a su difícil manipulación y a las restricciones en venas con diámetros mayores de 12 mm. Sin embargo, utilizando los nuevos catéteres no existe evidencia científica suficiente para afirmar que el diámetro represente una limitación técnica. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar y comparar el diámetro pre y postoperatorio de grandes troncos venosos de miembros inferiores para determinar la reducción del calibre que se produce a los 6 meses de la ablación con catéteres de última generación. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo observacional y descriptivo sobre una cohorte de pacientes con insuficiencia de la vena safena magna, vena safena parva y vena accesoria anterior de la safena magna, operados con catéteres de última generación de radiofrecuencia. Los diámetros fueron evaluados en el pre y en el postoperatorio mediante ecografía. RESULTADOS: Entre el año 2007 y el 2014 se realizaron un total de 365 ablaciones en vasos con un diámetro medio de 9 ± 3,1 mm, observándose una reducción de este a los 6 meses con un valor medio de 5,2 ± 0,8 mm (p < 0,0001). Se observó además oclusión total en el 100% de los casos y complicaciones como trombosis venosa profunda en el 0,5% y trombosis inducida por calor en el 1,1%. CONCLUSIONES: Se comprobó una significativa disminución del diámetro venoso tras el tratamiento endovascular con los nuevos catéteres ClosureFast® incluso en vasos con dilataciones superiores a 12 mm

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular radiofrequency with first generation catheters was not successful due to its technical difficulty and restrictions in veins with diameters larger than 12 mm. However, using the new catheter there is not enough scientific evidence to affirm that the diameter represents a technical limitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare pre and post-operative venous trunks diameter, aiming at the reduction of size after 6 months with last generation catheters. METHODS: Retrospective observational and descriptive study on a cohort of patients with insufficiency of the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein and anterior accessory vein operated on with last generation radiofrequency catheters. The diameters were evaluated in the pre and post-operative period with ultrasound. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2014 a total of 365 ablations were performed in veins with an average diameter of 9 ± 3.1 mm showing a reduction of it after 6 months with a mean value of 5.2 ± 0.8 mm (P < .0001). Total occlusion was also observed in 100% of cases and complications such as deep vein thrombosis in 0.5% and heat-induced thrombosis in 1.1%. CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in venous diameter after endovascular treatment with the new ClosureFast®catheters was checked, even in veins with diameters greater than 12 mm