title: Venous hemodynamic improvement after endovenous radiofrequency ablation of saphenous varicose veins.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been a viable treatment option for patients with saphenous varicose veins. The purpose of our study was to assess venous hemodynamic change before and after RFA by using air plethysmography (APG).
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively analyzed the data of consecutive 91 patients with 124 limbs who underwent RFA for primary varicose veins. Overall venous hemodynamics of the limb was assessed using APG. The Venous Filling Index (VFI) was determined as a measure of reflux (normal range, <2 mL). Duplex scanning were performed to evaluate saphenous vein occlusion, deep venous thrombus and endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The VFI were significantly reduced from 4.1±3.1 preoperatively to 1.4±1.0, 1.3±0.8 and 1.4±1.2 at 1 week, 1 month and 4 month postoperatively, respectively. The percentage of the VFI >2 mL/s was 77% preoperatively, while it significantly decreased to 17%, 16%, and 18% at 1 week, 1 month, and 4 month postoperatively, respectively. Duplex scanning showed 100% of saphenous vein occlusion and no significant EHIT II-IV.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Correction or significant improvement of venous reflux was achieved by RFA. Together with duplex scanning findings, RFA is a safe and hemodynamically effective treatment for varicose veins.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan - toshiyanishibe@yahoo.co.jp.|Department of Surgery, Eniwa Midorino Clinic, Eniwa, Hokkaido, Japan - toshiyanishibe@yahoo.co.jp.
authors.forename: Toshiya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nishibe
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Eniwa Midorino Clinic, Eniwa, Hokkaido, Japan.
authors.forename: Masayasu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nishibe
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Shun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Kayo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Toguchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Kentaro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kamiya
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Toru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iwahashi
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Hitoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ogino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010991:Plethysmography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*