Clinical Outcome Analyses Of Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA) In The Treatment Of Incompetent Greater Saphenous Vein (GSV): Differences Between ClosurePlus and ClosureFast Catheters

BACKGROUND: The new ClosureFast (CF) catheter has much higher treatment speed as compared to previous ClosurePlus (CP) model. We compared several clinical outcomes after use of both catheters in a large series.
METHODS: From February 2005 to April 2009 there were 656 consecutive office RFA procedures performed first with CP and later with CF catheters. Postoperative duplex scans (3-7days) documented technical success (complete obliteration, partial obliteration or full patency of GSV), DVT or SVT presence and loose attachment of proximal GSV thrombus.
RESULTS: See table. Loosely attached GSV thrombi were followed with weekly duplex scans; dissolving and attachment of thrombus end was observed within 1-3 weeks. No cases of pulmonary embolism occurred in this series.
CONCLUSION: These data suggest the superiority of ClosureFast relative to the rate of successful GSV obliteration as well as the incidence of postoperative acute DVT. SVT continues to occur with similar frequency with both types of catheters but appears to be a self-limiting benign condition. Loose thrombus attachment within the proximal GSV is not associated with embolic complications and resolves within 4 weeks after an RFA procedure.