Comparing radiofrequency and microwave treatments for small varicose veins
Official title: Randomized Controlled Study of Radio Frequency and Microwave of the Small Saphenous Vein
Run by Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine · NCT06711120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether ultrasound-guided radiofrequency or microwave treatments work better for people with small varicose veins.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chengdu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | December 2, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06711120 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 90 with primary varicose veins of the lower extremities requiring treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of thrombosis or those with recurrent varicose veins may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation versus microwave ablation for treating small saphenous varicose veins. Chronic venous insufficiency is a prevalent condition, and while small saphenous varicose veins are less common, they pose unique treatment challenges. The study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of these two minimally invasive techniques, which may offer advantages over traditional surgical methods. Participants will be monitored for symptoms and complications following their respective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a safer and more effective treatment option for small saphenous varicose veins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for both radiofrequency and microwave ablation techniques in treating varicose veins, indicating that this approach is supported by existing evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years and ≤90 years; * Clinical diagnosis of primary varicose veins of the lower extremities, CEAP clinical classification C2-C6, requiring treatment of the great and/or small saphenous vein segments, and at least 1 of the clinical symptoms of swelling, pain, burning sensation, heaviness, easy fatigue, itchy skin, and night cramps; * Valve insufficiency of the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, or transport vein; * Doppler ultrasound confirmation of a saphenous vein diameter greater than 3 mm and less than 12 mm in the standing position; * Only one limb per patient was selected for inclusion in the study; * Patients signed an informed consent form and were willing to co-operate in completing the protocol-specified investigations and follow-up visits. Exclusion Criteria: * Thrombosis of the great saphenous or small saphenous vein, or combined deep vein thrombosis, or previous history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. * Recurrent varicose veins after previous treatment. * Severe distortion of the great saphenous vein with anticipated catheter failure. * Severe lower limb ischaemia (CLI) (ABPI \<0.8). * Known allergy to medications and device materials involved in the study. * Pre-existing implanted pacemaker, defibrillator, currently on regular anticoagulation therapy (e.g., warfarin, heparin). * Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. * Unable or unwilling to complete the questionnaire. * Participating in a study of another drug or device. * Life expectancy \<1 year. * Those undergoing treatment for skin malignancies other than non-melanoma. * Daily use of narcotic drugs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain due to venous disease. * In the judgement of the investigator, endovenous therapy is not appropriate.
Where it's running
-
Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chengdu, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chunshui He, Doctor
- Email: Chunshuihe@msn.com
- Phone: 86-18981885601
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Observing pain during microwave treatment for varicose veins
This study looks at how much pain patients feel during microwave treatment for varicose veins to see if different factors like age and weight affect their experience, with the goal of making the procedure more comfortable.
-
SEPS vs Open Ligation for Varicose Veins in the Leg
This study tests whether subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) works better than open perforator ligation for adults with varicose veins in the leg.
-
Mechanochemical ablation versus ultrasound-guided polidocanol foam sclerotherapy for great saphenous vein varicose veins
This compares mechanochemical ablation and ultrasound-guided polidocanol foam sclerotherapy to see which better closes the great saphenous vein and improves symptoms in adults with symptomatic varicose veins.
-
Laser speckle imaging to monitor leg perfusion before, during and after revascularization
This study tries a non-invasive laser speckle imaging method to see if it can measure blood flow in the legs of people having lower-extremity revascularization.
-
Phlebology-focused thermal cure for severe chronic venous insufficiency at Saint-Eloy Thermal Center.
This will test whether a three-week phlebology-focused thermal cure at Saint-Eloy helps adults with severe chronic venous insufficiency of the legs.
-
Are hemorrhoids linked to varicose veins in the legs?
This project will see if adults with hemorrhoids are more likely to have varicose veins in their lower limbs by comparing 200 people with hemorrhoids to 200 patients with other benign anorectal conditions.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.