Comparison between radiofrequency ablation and CHIVA procedure in patients with varicose veins

Objective Conservatrice et Hémodynamique de l'Insuffisance Veineuse en Ambulatoire, the French acronym for CHIVA, is a strategy aimed to convert a venous reflux into a physiological drainage. We compared CHIVA with radiofrequency ablation and determined its possible advantages. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical recurrence, ultrasound recurrence, quality of life scores, and complications. They were compared after propensity score matching. Results 212 limbs of 166 patients were included: 42 limbs underwent radiofrequency ablation and 170 limbs underwent CHIVA. The hospital stay was shorter in the CHIVA group. There was no difference in clinical, ultrasound recurrence, quality of life scores and complications between the two groups. The preoperative saphenous vein diameter was larger in the recurrence cases. Conclusions CHIVA showed comparable results to radiofrequency ablation. There was more ultrasound recurrence with larger vein diameters. The CHIVA appears to be a simple and more efficient treatment method when performed on select patients.