Endovascular radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins, a gentle ablation therapy.
10-20% of the global population suffers from varicose veins of the lower limbs.
For example, Chinese population = 1.300.000.000 x 10% = 130 million.
Varicose means dilated, lengthened and twisted.
There are two types of varicose veins: primary varicose veins associated with normal deep veins and secondary varicose veins which are complications of deep vein disease or arteriovenous fistulas
Diagram of varicose veins
Primary varicose veins are mostly caused by venous valve atresia
(continuous incompetence of saphenous trunk or venous valves, resulting in increased venous pressure and localized venous dilatation) Thin wall principle (inherited thin wall) – an important risk factor for varicose veins
Factors that cause exacerbation of varicose veins: women; childbirth; prolonged standing; significant obesity; oral contraceptive use; aging.
Secondary varicose veins
Various causes: after deep vein injury or obstruction
(Recanalization after deep vein thrombosis, resulting in valve insufficiency. Return of blood from the deep veins to the superficial veins via incompetent traffic veins, which increases venous pressure)
Blockage of the inferior vena cava or iliac vein leading to suprapubic varicose veins. (residual collateral veins)
Arteriovenous fistulas may lead to focal varicose veins: (e.g. KTW syndrome = congenital arteriovenous malformation – associated with extensive varicose veins of the lower limbs and absence or malformation of deep veins)
Venous system malformations without fistulas. Also, deep vein and lower extremity malformations (can be in any position)
Varicose veins of the lower extremities make many women give up wearing dresses, which is not only an aesthetic problem
They must be treated surgically! If left untreated, the poor circulation caused by varicose veins can lead to skin problems, such as dermatitis and ulcers. They may also bleed if the protruding veins are injured. Varicose veins do not get better on their own without treatment and usually get worse.
This is the traditional procedure: saphenous vein stripping;
Venous stripping is a surgical procedure to remove varicose veins from the lower extremities. It usually takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The surgeon will make two small incisions. One in the groin and the other adjacent to the knee or ankle. A bendable wire is then inserted through the incision into the vein and guided along the vein toward the groin. When the inguinal incision is reached, the wire is withdrawn and the entire vein is then stripped out. (called “vein stripping”)
There are some risks associated with vein stripping, such as scarring and recurrence of varicose veins. Also, if a deep vein is damaged, the surgery may exacerbate blood flow problems within the vein. Also, vein stripping carries the same risks as general surgery, including infection, bleeding and anesthesia risks. If the largest vein in the lower extremity, the great saphenous vein (GSV), is stripped below the knee, numbness may result due to nerve damage.
The endovenous therapy we use is a gentle, safe and effective minimally invasive treatment compared to vein stripping
During treatment, a needle is stabbed at the knee joint and a very fine bipolar electrode needle is inserted into the saphenous vein (some people think that the lower extremity is curved everywhere with blood vessels, can it be treated completely, to tell you, only that source needs to be treated and the rest is not attacked), the vein is gently heated to 60-100 degrees Celsius, thus completely occluding the vein. This localized therapy applies radiofrequency energy precisely, causing the vein to shrink and occlude in a short period of time.
The picture on the left shows the saphenous vein before the procedure
Right image shows post-operative: the saphenous vein has been occluded
Post-operative patient benefits.
1.Able to resume activities soon after surgery
2.Automatic stop function (reduce the risk of heat loss or burn): compared to traditional laser treatment
3.Significantly reduced postoperative discomfort
4.Good cosmetic effect
5.High patient satisfaction
6.No inflammatory reaction
7.Small or even no scars, small chance of infection and hematoma