Endovascular radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins: an evidence-based analysis

Medical Advisory Secretariat
Record ID 32010000785
English
Authors' objectives:

The objective of the MAS evidence review was to conduct a systematic review of the available evidence on the safety, effectiveness, durability and cost–effectiveness of endovascular radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of primary symptomatic varicose veins.

Authors' recommendations: OHTAC made the following recommendations:Endovascular treatment of varicose veins is a less-invasive, safe and cost-effective alternative to vein stripping that should be made available to people with symptomatic varicose veins and saphenous venous reflux demonstrated on a full duplex ultrasound investigation, and when feasible, following a failed trial of conservative management.While there is an absolute medical necessity for a surgical approach by any method including RFA or ELT for treatment of varicose veins associated with venous ulcer, thrombophlebitis or bleeding the decision to recommend a similar treatment approach based on other moderate to severe symptoms attributed to chronic venous reflux, such as leg pain, oedema, pigmentation, eczema, or lipodermatosclerosis, should be made on an individual basis and guided by established definitions of disease severity such as the Venous Clinical Severity Score.Mechanisms to ensure quality assurance for both the physicians performing endovascular treatments and the facility where the treatments are being performed, should be considered as part of any implementation plan.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2011
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Canada
MeSH Terms
  • Varicose Veins
  • Venous Insufficiency
Contact
Organisation Name: Medical Advisory Secretariat
Contact Address: Medical Advisory Secretariat, 20 Dundas Street West, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 2N6 CANADA. Tel: 416-314-1092l; Fax: 416-325-2364;
Contact Name: MASinfo.moh@ontario.ca
Contact Email: MASinfo.moh@ontario.ca
Copyright: Medical Advisory Secretariat, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MAS)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.