One-year outcomes of radiofrequency ablation of incompetent perforator veins using the radiofrequency stylet device

OBJECTIVES: Early success treating incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the trend to move varicose vein surgery into a walk-in walk-out service led to the design of a specific device enabling RFA of IPVs using local anaesthesia (ClosureRFS stylet). Our aim was to assess one-year outcomes of a clinical series of patients undergoing treatment with this device. Truncal reflux, where present, was treated initially, and RFA of IPVs was performed as a secondary procedure. METHOD: Duplex ultrasound examinations were performed and the presence of IPVs documented. Results were compared with preoperative scans. IPVs were classified as closed, not closed/reopened or de novo. RESULTS: Of the 75 patients invited for follow-up, 53 attended at a median time of 14 months (range 11-25). Sixty-seven limbs were analysed (M:F 1:2.1, median age 62, range 25-81). Of the 124 treated IPVs, 101 were closed (82%). Clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological clinical score was improved in 49.3% limbs. IPV closure was reduced in patients with recurrent varicose veins compared with primary varicose veins (72.3% versus 87%, P = 0.056). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the radiofrequency stylet device to be an effective treatment for IPVs.