BACKGROUND: A variety of approaches has been described for the treatment of recurrence at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) after primary varicose vein surgery most, of them based on dissection through virgin tissue. This observational study describes our clinical experience with the VNUS Closure, a percutaneous catheter-based procedure in which the long saphenous vein (LSV) is ablated from within by resistive heating.METHODS: Twelve patients who had undergone previous high tie and stripping procedures had 18 legs treated with the VNUS Closure between March 1999 and April 2000. In one patient VNUS Closure was performed also in an anterior thigh branch. Postoperative ultrasound scans were performed at regular intervals in order to assess successful closure of the LSV.RESULTS: None of the patients showed recanalisation of the LSV during the duplex ultrasound scan surveillance and the only complication related to the VNUS Closure noted were sensory disturbances at the inner thigh in 6 legs.CONCLUSION: This new endovascular technique is the authors' preferred method of treating recurrent varicose veins where an incompetent LSV persists either due to neovascularisation at the saphenofemoral junction or to a persisting midthigh perforator.
Adult Aged