Endovascular radiofrequency obliteration using 90 degrees C for treatment of great saphenous vein.

The recommended treatment temperature for endovascular radiofrequency obliteration (RFO) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is 85 degrees C. Faster catheter pullback rates are possible when the operating catheter tip temperature is increased. We studied the safety and effectiveness of RFO of the GSV using a temperature of 90 degrees C, tumescent infiltration, and catheter pullback rates double the current standard. Sixty-eight patients (85 limbs) with ultrasound-documented saphenofemoral valve reflux underwent Closure procedure. Treatment temperature was increased to 90 degrees C, and pullback times were increased to 5-6 cm/min. Outcome measures were occlusion of treated vein segments at 3 days and 6 months postoperatively and clinical evaluation of complications at 3 days and 6 months postoperatively. At 3 days, 96% (80/83) of GSVs were occluded and at 6 months 90% (66/73) were occluded. At 3 days and 6 months, no limbs had evidence of deep venous thrombosis or skin burns. Pullback times were shortened from 15-18 min to 8 min. Closure procedure of the GSV using 90 degrees C and faster catheter pullback rates occluded a refluxing GSV with similar 3-day and 6-month occlusion rates as 85 degrees C.