Pilot Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Endovenous Microwave Ablations for Treatment of Varicose Veins in Singapore

Healthy leg veins have valves that allow blood to move in one direction from the lower leg to the heart. These valves open when blood is flowing toward the heart and then quickly close to stop any backward flow. When veins weaken, their valves cannot close properly, causing reversal of blood flow in the vein or venous reflux. Venous reflux due to the incompetent valves in the superficial venous system is the most common form of venous insufficiency, also known as varicose veins. This happens most often in the veins closest to the skin; the superficial veins. Varicose veins may or may not have associated symptoms and can look like twisted, bulging, rope-like cords or even small spider veins. While sometimes asymptomatic, varicose veins can be associated with pain, aching or cramping in the legs, heaviness or a tired sensation, paresthesia, pruritus, edema, inflammation with superficial phlebitis or thrombophlebitis, ulceration, bleeding from ulcerated varicosities, ecchymosis from subcutaneous rupture of varicosities, and deep venous thrombosis from extension of superficial thrombophlebitis.

Venous insufficiency of lower extremities is a very common condition that is influenced by genetic and mechanical factors, and is a chronic and progressive disorder. Prevalence estimates vary widely by geographic location, with the highest reported rates in Western countries, including Western Europe and the United States. Prevalence estimates of varicose veins range from <1% to up to 73% in females and 2% to up to 56% in males. The reported prevalence ranges presumably reflect differences in the population distribution of risk factors, accuracy in application of diagnostic criteria, and the quality and availability of medical diagnostic and treatment resources. Risk factors for venous insufficiency include older age, female gender and pregnancy, family history of venous disease, obesity and occupations associated with prolonged standing.

There are a number of treatment options available to subjects with varicose veins, including vein stripping surgery, and thermal ablation; for example, Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and sclerotherapy. Recent technological advances have also brought about new treatment methods that are non-thermal, non-tumescent (NTNT). These include Venaseal and Clarivein. The goal of each of these treatment regimens is to eliminate source of reflux in order to control the progression of the disease, improve symptoms, promote ulcer healing, and prevent recurrence or a combination of these. The latest treatment available uses microwave ablation, which is a sub-type of radiofrequency and has the same characteristics as radiofrequency ablation.

The aim of this study is to report a collaborative, prospective Singaporean experience using the ECO Varicose Veins Therapeutic Unit from ECO (Nanjing ECO Microwave System Co., Ltd) for Endovenous Microwave Ablation (EMA) to treat primary great and short saphenous vein reflux and to evaluate its safety, efficacy and performance.