A Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial of Radiofrequency Versus Laser Treatment of the Great Saphenous Vein in Patients With Varicose Veins

Abstract

ISRCTN63135694 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

A comparison of four different endovenous ablation techniques

“…Our study demonstrated that RFA resulted in significantly less minor complications and higher patient comfort than other EVLA techniques, consistent with the literature data. [4][5][6] Postoperative ecchymosis was more frequent in EVLA groups but postoperative pain and ecchymosis were the lowest in the RFA group, even the volume of the tumescent anesthesia was lower. This result can be explained by the effects of the laser on the vessel wall and the perivascular region.…”

“…Despite adequate tumescent anesthesia, pain and ecchymosis can be seen after EVLA procedures. [4][5][6]10] Complications seen in our clinic have rarely been seen in terms of post-procedural complications, and no pulmonary embolism has seen. [11][12][13] Furthermore, we conducted a new operative protocol to prevent all undesired complications such as pain, bruise, and ecchymosis, which are common in almost 20 to 60% of patients.…”

“…[4][5][6] Nevertheless, in this study, we aimed to report our initial results in a recently established cardiovascular clinic, to compare the success rates, and to investigate the impact of these four techniques on the quality of life of the Turkish patients. [4] As a state hospital and as a recently established clinic, we have addressed the most common problems in the community in order to develop optimal treatment strategies.…”

“…Therefore, we aim to report our clinic experience, although randomized controlled trials were published previously. [4][5][6] It is a necessary practice for patients with venous insufficiency to assess their complaints with at least two scoring systems during their first visit to the clinic. VSSC and CEAP scoring are effective and useful methods in evaluating lesions with the duration of the patient's complaints.…”

“…[11][12][13] Furthermore, we conducted a new operative protocol to prevent all undesired complications such as pain, bruise, and ecchymosis, which are common in almost 20 to 60% of patients. [4][5]10,14] To prevent bruise and ecchymosis, in addition to tumescent anesthesia, we applied topical ice-pack and dampened the skin with saline (+4 °C) before the delivery of the energy. Cooling the skin with local hypothermia was helpful to prevent the undesired damages to the perivascular structures leading to ecchymosis and pain after the procedure.…”