NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 14 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 2 systematic reviews, 3 randomised controlled trials, 3 non-randomised comparative studies, 4 case series and 2 case reports. It is presented in table 2 of the overview. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.
The specialist advisers and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be: saphenous vein occlusion rate, recanalisation, symptom relief and quality of life.
The specialist advisers and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be: hypersensitivity, granuloma formation, thromboembolism, and nerve injury or paraesthesia.
Three commentaries from patients who have had this procedure were discussed by the committee.
The committee was informed that the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions was reported to be about 7% and granuloma formation was rare.
The committee was informed that there are different products available for this procedure.