Novel subcutaneous side branch access technique compared to traditional access in radiofrequency ablation of the greater saphenous vein.

The novel subcutaneous side branch access technique resulted in significantly faster venous access time compared to conventional direct GSV access.

• Mean access time was 30.8 ± 9.9 seconds in the subcutaneous side branch group (group 2) versus 46.7 ± 14.9 seconds in the conventional access group (group 1).
• The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
• Study included 211 patients (288 legs) randomly assigned to either group.

The subcutaneous side branch technique required fewer cannulation attempts than the conventional technique.

• Group 2 required a mean of 1.28 ± 0.5 cannulation attempts compared to 2.2 ± 0.9 in group 1.
• The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
• Group 1 consisted of 145 legs and group 2 consisted of 143 legs.

Vasospasm occurred less frequently in the subcutaneous side branch group compared to the conventional access group.

• Vasospasm rate was 3.1% in group 2 versus 5.2% in group 1.
• The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.005).

The subcutaneous side branch access technique was associated with significantly lower rates of ecchymosis, thrombophlebitis, and paresthesia.

• Ecchymosis rates were significantly lower in group 2 (p = 0.033).
• Thrombophlebitis rates were significantly lower in group 2 (p = 0.026).
• Paresthesia rates were significantly lower in group 2 (p = 0.045).

No significant differences were observed between the two access techniques regarding thermal skin injury or GSV occlusion rates at 3 months.

• Thermal skin injury showed no significant difference between groups (p = 0.142).
• GSV occlusion rates at 3 months were not significantly different between the two groups.
• These findings suggest equivalent procedural efficacy despite differences in access technique.