GSV and an occlusion of all treated SSV. One pulmonary embolism had occurred. Mean patient's satisfaction was 8.7 (10=very satisfied), pain after one week 2.0 (no pain=0, maximal=10) and absence of work was 0.9 day (range 0-14 days).Conclusions: RFA for incompetent saphenous veins can safely be performed in an outpatient setting with a low complication rate, minimal pain and fast recovery.

Thermal ablation of saphenous reflux has quickly assumed an important role in the treatment of varicose veins and the parameters of thermal ablation may further be optimised. Therefore, we believe that high ligation and stripping of refluxing saphenous veins will widely be displaced by thermal ablation.

No abstract