https://imcjms.com Ibrahim Medical College Journal of Medical Science https://imcjms.com/registration/journal_full_text/370 Thu, 06 May 2021 01:30:51 +0000 Abstract Background and objectives: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a recent modality of treatment of the affected varicose vein. In the present study, the outcome of great saphenous varicose vein disease treated byradiofrequency ablation technique was analyzed. Methods: Patients with varicosities of the lower limb affecting mainly the great saphenous vein were (GSV) included. The procedures were carried out under spinal anesthesia. The target varicose vein was accessed by Seldinger technique and the RFA catheter advanced 2 to 3 cm below sapheno-femoral junction under ultrasonography (USG) guidance. A tumescent anesthetic infiltration was given in a solution of normal saline and sodium bicarbonate before the vein being ablated. Results: The success rate of RFA was 97.5 % (39 out of 40). One patient showed episodic recanalisation of vein at one year duplex colour scan. Though the complications related to procedure were negligible, one patient developed endovenous heat induced thrombosis (EHIT) and non-fatal pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) which was managed adequately. Conclusion: Endovenous RFA is a useful treatment modality for varicose vein disease primarily due to great saphenous insufficiency with marked symptomatic improvement and least recurrence. Although the complications are minimal, EHIT is a potential and serious complication of heat ablation. IMC J Med Sci 2021; 15(1): 006. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/imcjms.v15i1.54200 *Correspondence: Farooq Ahmad Gganie, Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Sheri-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, Kashmir, India. Email ID: farooq.ganie@ymail.com   Introduction Varicose veins are large, swollen veins that often appear on the legs and feet. Varicose veins are generally benign. The cause of this condition is not known precisely, however some risk factors are attributed to occupations with long standing and hormonal imbalance. The spectrum of symptoms is diverse ranging from asymptomatic engorged veins to aching pain and discomfort or skin ulceration and bleeding signaling an underlying circulatory problem. Treatment modalities involve compression stockings, specific exercises or operative procedures to remove or obliterate the affected veins. Available operative modalities include saphenous venous ligation and stripping, phlebectomy, endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation. Radiofrequency ablation is the newest of these technologies [1]. Conventional venous stripping is an invasive procedure and inflicts tremendous surgical trauma to patients [2]. The blood loss is also considerable in some cases. Though laser and cryo-ablation are alternative options gaining widespread popularity but the cost consideration remain the main limiting factor for universal application in our set up. In the present study, we employed radio-frequency ablation technique to selected strata of patients with great saphenous varicose vein disease and analyzed our experience.   Material and methods 2026 Ibrahim Medical College. All rights reserved.