Comparison of cyanoacrylate closure and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of small saphenous veins
Oguz Arslanturk, Fatih Gumus- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- General Medicine
Background
The objective of this study was to compare the early and mid-term results of radiofrequency ablation and cyanoacrylate ablation used in the treatment of small saphenous insufficiency.
Methods
A total of 84 patients with isolated small saphenous vein insufficiency who underwent either cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) (Group 1, n = 40) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (Group 2, n = 44) were analyzed retrospectively.
Results
The occlusion rate of target vessel was 95% in Group 1 and 93.1% in Group 2 patients, respectively, at 1-year follow-up without any significant difference. Sural nerve injury was observed in 3 (6.8%) patients in Group 2 due to the thermal damage of the RFA device.
Conclusions
While both techniques can be used with satisfactory and safe results in 1-year follow-up period, cyanoacrylate ablation may have a better safety profile compared to radiofrequency ablation due to lower complication rates in terms of paresthesia and sural nerve damage with similar occlusion rates.