Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation of Superficial and Perforator Veins

In general, the overall lack of enthusiasm for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency in the past stemmed from less objective testing methods and more invasive surgical procedures that were fraught with increased patient morbidity and dissatisfaction. Primary venous insufficiency and varicose veins are important vascular conditions that affect 25 million peo-ple in Western civilization [1]. The management of superficial and perforator venous reflux disease has progressed to encompass more objective diagnostic methods, including venous duplex scanning and treatment procedures that are more simplified by minimally invasive, endovenous techniques. One such endovascular procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been accepted in recent years as a favorable alternative to conventional surgery. The successful treatment of lower extremity chronic venous insufficiency includes the elimination of all sources of venous reflux. The most common sources of reflux are superficial veins, which may or may not include th