Authors' objectives: To review evidence on the safety, efficacy/effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of using VNUS® radiofrequency ablation (RFA) compared with the conventional surgical or other endovenous techniques in the treatment of patients with varicose vein.

Authors' recommendations: There was good to fair level of retrievable evidence to indicate that the VNUS® radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was effective in the treatment of patients with varicose vein. Findings indicated that patients who underwent the Closure™ procedure were associated with a faster recovery and less postoperative pain. Patients resumed normal activities within one day or two, and returned to work more than a week earlier. Patient satisfaction, quality of life improvement, and analgesic requirements significantly favoured RFA treatment. There was also evidence to suggest that VNUS® radiofrequency ablation (RFA), performed under local/tumescent anaesthesia in an outpatient or office-based setting, was likely to be a cost-effective and reasonable strategy for the treatment of primary great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/30/196

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Malaysia

Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Level 4, Block E1, Parcel E, 62590 Putrajaya Malaysia Tel: +603 8883 1229

Contact Name: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Contact Email: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment (MaHTAS)