Comparison of Radiofrequency, Vein Stripping and CHIVA for Venous Insufficency

Comparative Randomized Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Radiofrequency vs Surgical Technique of Internal Saphenous Vein Stripping and CHIVA Technique in the Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

Randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency, saphenous vein stripping and conservative hemodynamic treatment of venous insufficiency (CHIVA) in the treatment of saphenous varicose veins, in terms of absence of saphenous vein reflux, patient quality of life and post-surgical complications.

A randomized controlled trial will compare three surgical techniques (stripping, CHIVA and radiofrequency) for the treatment of varicose veins which are currently considered interchangeable standards of care. The trial will include symptomatic patients with chronic venous insufficiency and saphenous vein insufficiency confirmed by Doppler with diameter greater than 4 mm. Clinical assessments will be made on first and seventh day after surgery, and then at months 1, 6, 12 and 24. The primary endpoint of the study is the absence of venous reflux in the great saphenous vein segment above-knee. Secondary variables will include VAS for pain and quality of life as assessed by the SF 36 and CIVIQ questionnaires validated in Spanish language. Ultrasound scans will be done the first week and after 1, 6, 12 and 24 months. Intra- and postoperative complications will be recorded.

Inclusion Criteria: Insufficiency of internal major saphenous vein, confirmed by diameter greater than or equal to 4 mm, assessed by Eco- Dupplex. Age > 18 years Informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Recurrent varicose veins Post-thrombotic syndrome. Patients with active malignancies or severe ischemic heart disease. Serious liver disease Thrombophilia. Serious psychiatric diseases

Gonzalez Canas E, Florit Lopez S, Vilagut RV, Guevara-Noriega KA, Santos Espi M, Rios J, Soto SN, Gimenez Gaibar A. A randomized controlled noninferiority trial comparing radiofrequency with stripping and conservative hemodynamic cure for venous insufficiency technique for insufficiency of the great saphenous vein. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021 Jan;9(1):101-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.04.019. Epub 2020 Apr 28.