Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins.

Description

Symptomatic venous insufficiency is common, affecting 1-15% of adult men and 20-25% of adult women. Saphenous vein insufficiency is the most common form of venous insufficiency in patients presenting with symptoms, which include pain, oedema, fatigue, varicose veins and venous ulcers. 

Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins involves heating the wall of the vein using a bipolar generator and catheters with sheathable electrodes

The saphenous vein is accessed above or below the knee either percutaneously via an intravenous cannula/venipuncture sheath or via a small incision. The catheter is manually withdrawn at 2.5-3cm/minute, and the vein wall temperature is maintained at 85°C.

OPCS4.6 Code(s):

L88.2 Radiofrequency ablation of varicose vein of leg

 _{The NHS Classifications Service of NHS Connecting for Health is the central definitive source for clinical coding guidance and determines the coding standards associated with the classifications (OPCS-4 and ICD-10) to be used across the NHS.   The NHS Classifications Service and NICE work collaboratively to ensure the most appropriate classification codes are provided.  www.connectingforhealth.co.uk/clinicalcoding}

Details

Contact details:

Links:

	IPG8 Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins: guidance	24 September 2003
	IPG8 Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins: guidance (web format)	31 January 2011
	IPG8 Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins: understanding NICE guidance	24 September 2003
	IPG8 Radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins: distribution list	24 September 2003
	Interventional procedures consultation document - radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins	22 April 2003
	Overview of radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins	24 September 2003