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Vein ablation versus conventional surgery for varicose veins
ISRCTN ISRCTN29015169
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
Public title Vein ablation versus conventional surgery for varicose veins
Scientific title A randomised controlled trial of Radiofrequency Ablation of the long saphenous vein versus Conventional Saphenofemoral disconnection and stripping in the treatment of varicose veins
Acronym RACS
Serial number at source 2003/190
Study hypothesis Radiofrequency ablation has the potential to improve the outcome of patients undergoing surgical treatment for varicose veins due to superficial venous incompetence.
Ethics approval Ethics approval received from the Newcastle and North Tyneside Local Research Ethics Committees on the 1st December 2003. Please note that the sponsor and funder of the trial at the time of ethics approval was Mantis Surgical Ltd (UK).
Study design Randomised controlled trial using web-based method
Countries of recruitment United Kingdom
Disease/condition/study domain Varicose veins of lower limbs
Participants - inclusion criteria 1. Patients aged 18 - 70 years, both sexes
2. Varicose veins due to isolated long saphenous vein incompetence proven on duplex scan
3. Requiring surgery
4. Long saphenous vein suitable for radiofrequency ablation
Participants - exclusion criteria 1. Associated short saphenous and deep vein incompetence
2. Pregnancy
3. Patients with pacemaker or defibrillator
Anticipated start date 01/04/2004
Anticipated end date 31/12/2010
Status of trial Ongoing
Patient information material
Target number of participants 100
Interventions 1. Radiofrequency ablation
2. Conventional saphenofemoral disconnetion and stripping

Both procedures are to be performed under general anaesthetic during a single operation. Based on their allocation patients would either receive radiofrequency ablation of their long saphenous vein or stripping of their long saphenous vein. Both groups will undergo multiple stab avulsions or phlebectomies as deemed necessary to complete the operation in the same setting. Both groups are expected to be followed up for five years.
Primary outcome measure(s) Elimination of long saphenous vein reflux and elimination of truncal varicosities. Measurement of outcomes will be carried out at the end of one week, six weeks, one year and five years.
Secondary outcome measure(s) 1. Time to return to normal activities and work
2. Quality of life, estimated using Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire, Venous Insufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Study of Quality-of-Life and Symptoms (VEINES-QOL/Sym) questionnaire, 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) and EuroQOL-5D generic questionnaires

Measurement of outcomes will be carried out at the end of one week, six weeks, one year and five years.
Sources of funding VNUS Medical Technologies UK Ltd (UK)
Trial website
Publications
Contact name Mr  Tim  Lees
  Address Consultant Vascular Surgeon
Northern Vascular Centre
Freeman Hospital
  City/town Newcastle upon Tyne
  Zip/Postcode NE7 7DN
  Country United Kingdom
Sponsor VNUS Medical Technologies UK Ltd (UK)
  Address Kenneth Dibben House
Enterprise Road
Southampton Science Park
  City/town Chilworth, Hampshire
  Zip/Postcode SO16 7NS
  Country United Kingdom
  Sponsor website: http://www.vnus.com/uk
Date applied 08/11/2007
Last edited 05/02/2008
Date ISRCTN assigned 05/02/2008
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