ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Endovascular procedures are gaining more and more popularity as treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of steam GSV ablation. METHODS: Steam ablation using the steam vein sclerosis system (CERMA, France) was performed in 20 patients with GSV incompetence. The efficacy of the procedure was evaluated using ultrasound and the following parameters were assessed: changes in lumen diameter, GSV wall thickness, reflux and presence/absence of blood flow. RESULTS: The GSV steam ablation resulted in the obliteration of the vein lumen in all patients - reflux or blood flow were not observed in any subject. A significant decrease of GSV lumen diameter and an increase of GSV wall thickness were also observed in all subjects following the procedure. No postoperative complications were noted. The steam ablation technique was also positively assessed by the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Steam ablation is an endovascular surgical technique, which can become popular and widely used due to its efficacy and safety. It is also easy to use and patient-friendly. The research on its use should be continued.
