title: Radiofrequency induced thermotherapy (RFITT) of varicose veins compared to endovenous laser treatment (EVLT): a non-randomized prospective study concentrating on occlusion rates, side-effects and clinical outcome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiofrequency obliteration (RFO) and endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) are established techniques in varicose therapy. A novel bipolar RFO technique - Radiofrequency Induced Thermotherapy (RFITT) - was introduced in 2007. Comparative studies of RFITT and EVLT with one year follow-up are missing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Comparison of RFITT with EVLT concentrating on occlusion, side-effects, and patients' satisfaction in a prospective non-randomized study.
  
  
  METHODS
  133 patients with incompetent GSV or SSV were treated by RFITT (n=66) or EVLT (n=67). Follow-up at days 1, 7, and months 3, 12 included duplex, digital photoplethysmography (DPPG), assessment of VCSS and patients' satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both groups were balanced concerning clinical parameters. Occlusion rates were in trend in favour of EVLT (96.9%) vs RFITT (88.9%), p=0.093, at 12 months follow-up. Functional outcome by DPPG (refilling time: 30.8 vs 31.9 sec.), and side-effects were comparable apart from pain in the first postoperative week, which was more frequent in the EVLT group (0 vs 16.4%, p=0.001). Change in VCSS from baseline was advantageous for EVLT (89.9% vs 79.3%, p=0.005). Major complications did not occur. Both techniques provided excellent satisfaction results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After one year RFITT is similarly as effective and safe as EVLT treatment of varicose insufficiency, but needs improvement in treatment parameters.
authors.affiliation: Kurpark Center of Dermatology, König-Karl-Str. 28, 70372 Stuttgart, Germany.
authors.forename: Jens P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Tesmann
authors.forename: Helmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thierbach
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dietrich
authors.forename: Heiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Grimme
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: Knuth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rass
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery*