Jornal Vascular Brasileiro
https://www.jvascbras.org/article/doi/10.1590/1677-5449.202501832
Jornal Vascular Brasileiro
Artigo de Revisão

Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing microwave ablation vs. radiofrequency ablation for treatment of great saphenous vein reflux

Revisão sistemática e metanálise comparando ablação por micro-ondas e ablação por radiofrequência no tratamento do refluxo da veia safena magna

Luis Eduardo Rodrigues Sobreira; Vitor Kendi Tsuchiya Sano; Enrico Prajiante Bertolino; Marilia Pereira Costa; Altino Ono Moraes

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1677-5449.202501832 J Vasc Bras, vol.25, e20250183, 2026
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Abstract

This study compares the outcomes of Endovenous Microwave Ablation (EMA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed with a random-effects model to compute mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Three cohorts were included. Patients undergoing EMA showed a significant improvement in quality of life, with a reduction in Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire - 14 (CIVIQ-14) scores (MD −0.66; 95% CI −1.08 to −0.25; P < 0.01). Regarding length of stay, RFA patients may have experienced a slightly shorter recovery time than those in the EMA group (MD 0.12; 95% CI −0.01 to 0.30; P = 0.06). Lastly, phlebitis was slightly reduced in the EMA group, but this difference was also non-significant. Our findings revealed no significant differences between the two techniques.

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Keywords

varicose veins; meta-analysis; microwave ablation; radiofrequency catheter ablation

Resumo

Este estudo compara os desfechos da ablação endovenosa por micro-ondas (MWA) e da ablação por radiofrequência (ARF). Foi realizada uma busca sistemática nas bases de dados PubMed, Embase, Web of Science e Scopus. A análise estatística foi realizada com um modelo de efeitos aleatórios para calcular diferenças de média (DM) e razão de riscos com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Três coortes foram incluídas. Pacientes submetidos a MWA apresentaram melhora significativa na qualidade de vida, com redução nos escores do Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire - 14 (CIVIQ-14) (DM −0,66; IC95% −1,08 a −0,25; p < 0,01). O tempo de internação foi ligeiramente menor no grupo ARF (DM 0,12; IC95% −0,01 a 0,30; p = 0,06). Por último, a ocorrência de flebite foi ligeiramente menor no grupo MWA, mas esta diferença também não foi significativa. Nossas descobertas não revelaram diferenças significativas entre as duas técnicas.

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Palavras-chave

veias varicosas; metanálise; ablação por micro-ondas; ablação por cateter de radiofrequência

Referências

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Submetido em:
19/11/2025

Aceito em:
04/02/2026

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