Vascular

Radiofrequency Ablation of Varicose Veins

OPERATION: Radiofrequency Ablation of Varicose Veins (RFA)
ANAESTHETIC: Local / general anaesthesia
POSITION: Anti-Trendelenburg for cannulation, then Trendelenburg for ablation. Leg prepared.

INDICATION:
Superficial venous insufficiency with symptomatic long saphenous vein reflux. Duplex USS: [diameter, reflux duration]. Suitable anatomy for RFA (diameter <15 mm, no significant tortuosity or previous thrombophlebitis). NICE first-line recommendation for suitable incompetent LSV.

PROCEDURE:
WHO Checklist performed. Incompetent long saphenous vein mapped with duplex USS. Patient in anti-Trendelenburg. Local anaesthetic injected at proposed entry site in upper calf.

CANNULATION: