Research In Brief

RF ablation for varicose veins: VNUS Medical Technologies' ClosureFAST radiofrequency ablation system for treatment of venous reflux, the underlying cause of symptomatic varicose veins, is "significantly superior" to endovenous laser treatment as measured by quality-of-life and post-procedural recovery parameters, according to results of the 69-patient RECOVERY multicenter, randomized study by Jose Almeida, Miami Vein Center, et al, published in the June issue of the Journal of Vascular & Interventional Radiology. The patients treated with ClosureFAST had less postoperative pain and bruising and better reduction of symptoms than the laser-treated patients as early as two days post-procedure and continued to show better outcomes two weeks after the treatment; however, equalization in most parameters was observed between the two groups by one month. All quality-of-life parameters were significantly better, and minor complications were five times less common, in the ClosureFAST group. Covidien recently signed a deal to acquire VNUS for $440 million (1"The Gray Sheet" May 11, 2009, p. 15)