The transfixing endovenous thermal ablation technique in varicose vein treatment: proof of concept and multicenter case series

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is to describe in detail the transfixing endovenous thermal ablation (TEThA) technique in varicose collateral treatment, presenting a multicenter series of cases with mid-term outcomes.METHODS: The study evaluated the TEThA technique for treating symptomatic varicose veins in patients. All patients suffered from saphenous trunk incompetence. Outcomes included postoperative complications and target vein occlusion rates, with follow-up via clinical assessments and Doppler ultrasound at one, three, and six months.RESULTS: Fifty-two legs underwent saphenous endovenous ablation combined with the TEThA technique for varicose veins. The average age was 51 years, with a predominance of females (71.1%). CEAP classifications included C2 (34.6%), C3 (51.9%), C4 (9.6%), and C6 (3.8%). The great saphenous vein (GSV) was treated in 75% of patients, and the mean trunk diameter was 6.9 mm. A 1940 nm laser was used in 63.5% of cases. No complications occurred, and all the saphenous trunks were fully ablated. Follow-up showed a low recanalization rate (2.7% at three months and 10.8% at six months) for varicose collaterals treated with TEThA.CONCLUSIONS: The TEThA technique for varicose vein tributaries treatment showed promising mid-term results in feasibility, safety, and durability of occlusion. Future studies are necessary to assess long-term outcomes and compare various treatment techniques.