Deep Vein Thrombosis Post Radiofrequency Ablation of the Saphenous and Perforator Veins

Is Duplex Ultrasound Necessary within Five Days?

Altawan, Anita RVT, RPhS
Golchian, David DO
Bazzi, Mazen DO
Iljas, John DO
Patel, Bipinchandra DO

¹St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan;
²Beaumont Health System, formally known as Oakwood Hospital, Dearborn, Michigan.

St. Mary Mercy Hospital, 36475 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154. E-mail: [email protected]

Accreditation Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Cincinnati and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound. The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Cincinnati designates this journal activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Journal for Vascular Ultrasound 41(1):p 11-12, March 2017. | DOI: 10.1177/154431671704100101

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the saphenous and perforator veins (“closure”) is a relatively newer option for treatment of venous insufficiency patients. A known complication of the RFA is deep vein thrombosis also known as DVT. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the probability of acute deep venous thrombosis post radio-frequency vein ablation. This research also helped determine medical necessity of a postoperative venous duplex examination within 5 days post-procedure.