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Objective Mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) is a nonthermal nontumescent method of treating saphenous vein insufficiency. The feasibility and short-term results of MOCA are good, but its long-term results are unknown. A randomized study was performed to compare MOCA with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the setting of unilateral great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. Methods Venous outpatient clinic patients with varicose veins (CEAP class C2-C4) caused by GSV insufficiency were invited to participate in the study; in total, 132 patients met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate. Patients were randomized to treatment (2:1:1 for MOCA, EVLA, and RFA, respectively). The state of the GSV with duplex Doppler ultrasound examination and the disease-specific quality of life were assessed at 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years after the treatment. Results Some patients declined to continue in the study after randomization; in total, 117 patients underwent treatment. At 3 years, the occlusion rate was significantly lower with MOCA than with either EVLA or RFA (82% vs 100%; P = .005). Quality of life was similar between the groups. In the MOCA group, GSVs that were larger than 7 mm in diameter preoperatively were more likely to recanalize during the follow-up period. The partial recanalizations of proximal GSV observed at 1 year progressed during the follow-up. Conclusions MOCA is a feasible treatment option in an outpatient setting, but its technical success rates are inferior compared with endovenous thermal ablation. Its use in large-caliber veins should be considered carefully.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to identify the ideal polidocanol (POL) concentration for mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) using the ClariVein system (Merit Medical, South Jordan, Utah).METHODS: We performed a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blind trial with a follow-up period of 6 months. Patients with symptomatic primary truncal GSV incompetence were randomized to MOCA + 2% POL liquid (2% group) or MOCA + 3% POL liquid (3% group). The primary outcome was technical success (TS), defined as an open part of the treated vein segment of ≤10 cm in length. The secondary outcomes were alternative TS, defined as ≥85% occlusion of the treated vein segment, postoperative pain, venous clinical severity scores, Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire scores, and short-form 36-item health survey questionnaire scores, and complications.RESULTS: From 2012 to 2018, 364 patients (375 limbs) were included, of which, 189 limbs were randomly allocated to the 2% group and 186 to the 3% group. The TS rate at 6 months was 69.8% in the 2% group vs 78.0% in the 3% group (P = .027). A higher overall TS rate was seen in GSVs of ≤5.9 mm compared with GSVs >5.9 mm (84.3% vs 59.5%, respectively; P < .001). The alternative TS rate at 6 months was 61.4% in the 2% group and 67.7% in the 3% group (P = .028). The venous clinical severity scores, Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire scores, and most short-form 36-item health survey questionnaire domains had improved in both groups (P < .002). Postprocedural pain was low. Two pulmonary embolisms and two deep vein thromboses were seen. Superficial venous thrombosis had occurred more often in the 3% group (18 vs 8 in the 2% group; P = .033).CONCLUSIONS: The results from the present study showed a higher success rate for MOCA with 3% POL liquid than for MOCA with 2% POL liquid at 6 months of follow-up. However, the difference in quality of life was not significant. Long-term follow-up studies are required to investigate whether these results will be sustained in the future.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of tortuous Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) insufficiency. Methods In this prospective non-randomized study 62 patients with tortuous GSV insufficiency were included. All patients were delivered sclerosant agent in the form of foam into the GSV through a cannula above the knee level. Characteristics of patients, diameter of veins, reflux grades, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathological (CEAP) scores, concentration of sclerosant agent, complications and follow-up results were recorded. Results Foam sclerotheraphy was performed with 100% technical success in all patients at operative room. There were no allergic reactions or neurological complications during and after the operations. Ecchymosis was the most common complication with 37.1% frequency. . VCSS scores significantly decreased from 6.43% to 2.53%, during follow-up from initial admission to sixth months, respectively ( PConclusions Due to its low complication rate, low cost, acceptable total occlusion rate and reproducibility; Foam sclerotherapy can be considered a reliable treatment for patients with tortuous GSV insufficiency.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) combined with high ligation of great saphenous vein (GSV) in treatment of severe varicose veins of lower extremity (grade C4-C6). Methods A total of 354 patients with primary GSV dysfunction (CEAP classification C4-C6) were recruited to the 928 Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force from January 2015 to January 2019, and randomly treated with UGFS (164 cases), or surgical treatment (190 cases). Patients in UGFS group received UGFS with high ligation of GSV, and in surgical treatment group received high ligation and stripping of GSV or TIPP. Follow-up was conducted at 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment. By exclusion of non-compliance and loss of follow-up patients (76 cases), 278 cases were finally included, including 130 patients of UGFS group and 148 patients from control group. Operative time, reflux recurrence rate, surgical-related adverse events, hemodynamic parameters, treatment costs, and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results No significant difference existed between UGFS group and control group 12 months after treatment on the cumulative recurrence rate (13.8% vs. 13.5%, P>0.05), and the incidence of mild complications (27.7% vs. 21.6%, P>0.05) and severe complications (3.1% vs. 2.7%, P>0.05). Compared with those before treatment, venous filling index, venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ) scores were significantly improved after treatment in both groups (P0.05). Conclusion UGFS combined with GSV high ligation for the treatment of severe varicose veins in the lower extremity has a definite clinical curative effect, short operation time and recovery time, obvious improvement of hemodynamic parameters, and low treatment cost, so is worthy of clinical popularization and application. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2020.12.13

Objective: This retrospective trial analyzed the effect of predetermined variables on venous ulcer healing after endovenous ablation of insufficient veins. Methods: A total of 259 patients presenting 273 venous leg ulcers (VLUs) at Oulu University Hospital vascular outpatient clinic between January 2010 and December 2020 were included in the study. In addition to compression therapy, all patients received endovenous ablation (endothermal ablation and/or foam sclerotherapy) to promote venous healing. The hazard ratio (HR) for an ulcer to heal was analyzed in univariate analysis of predetermined factors, including age, sex, recurrent venous ulcer, presence of great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein reflux, persistent superficial vein reflux after ablation, recanalization in treated segments, ulcer age, body mass index >35 kg/m², history of deep vein thrombosis, history of erysipelas, ability to move, smoking, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and cardiac insufficiency. Logistic regression was used in a multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors for ulcer healing. Results: In the univariate analysis, healing was negatively associated with persistent superficial vein reflux after ablation (HR, 0.117; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.088–0.354), recanalization in treated segments (HR, 0.161; 95% CI, 0.060–0.433), nonambulatory patient (HR, 0.322; 95% CI, 0.130–0.800), history of deep vein thrombosis (HR, 0.518; 95% CI, 0.294–0.910), and presence of small saphenous vein reflux (HR, 0.565; 95% CI, 0.384–0.830). Independent risk factors included persistent superficial vein reflux after ablation (HR, 0.123; 95% CI, 0.0051–0.295). All the patients in the persistent superficial vein reflux group had their VLUs eventually healed after further endovenous treatment. Conclusions: When treating patients with VLUs, persistent superficial vein reflux after ablation was negatively associated with ulcer healing. After additional endovenous ablative treatment, ulcers with persistent reflux eventually healed.

Varicose vein disease is a common condition. While varicose vein surgery was the only treatment method in the past, new mini-invasive endovenous interventions now provide efficient treatment without the risks related to varicose vein surgery. Inherited from the postoperative care after varicose vein surgery, compression therapy remains common practice despite the lack of evidence supporting postoperative compression with new treatment modalities. The most severe manifestation caused by chronic venous insufficiency is venous ulcer, which is usually slow to heal and has a high recurrence rate. This thesis aimed to study the need for postoperative compression after endovenous varicose vein treatment and to assess the feasibility of first visit treatment in patients with a venous ulcer. This thesis consists of three studies. In two studies, patients were randomized to either receive postoperative compression with compression stockings or no postoperative compression at all after the endovenous intervention of varicose veins. Postoperatively, the safety, efficacy, and patient-reported impression of the visual appearance of varicose veins were recorded. For the third study, 10-year data of patients diagnosed with venous ulcers at Oulu University Hospital’s venous outpatient clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the timing of the first venous intervention, patients were analyzed either in the first-visit intervention group or in the scheduled intervention group, of which the latter involved the standard care protocol. Postoperatively, after the endovenous intervention of varicose veins, no compression was non-inferior in postoperative pain and truncal vein occlusion at 6 months and had no difference in complications when compared to postoperative compression. Patients in the no compression group were more satisfied with the visual appearance of treated legs at 1 month. In the third study, the venous ulcer healing time was significantly shorter in patients treated with first-visit foam sclerotherapy compared to patients in the scheduled intervention group. Based on the results, most patients undergoing endovenous ablation for uncomplicated varicose veins disease can be treated without postoperative compression. The benefits of the first-visit treatment in venous ulcers can help to provide better care protocols and guidelines for patients with venous ulcers. Tiivistelmä Pintalaskimovajaatoiminta eli suonikohjutauti on yleinen vaiva aikuisilla. Aikaisemmin pintalaskimovajaatoiminnan hoito perustui kirurgiseen lähestymistapaan, jossa vialliset pintalaskimot poistettiin leikkaamalla. Taudin hoitoon on nykyään tarjolla kevyempiä mutta yhtä tehokkaita hoitoja, kuten vaahtoruiskutus- ja lämpökatetrihoito. Varsinaisten hoitomuotojen kehittyessä jälkihoito perustuu edelleen kirurgisesta hoidosta periytyvään kompressiosukkahoitoon, vaikka näyttöä sen hyödyllisyydestä ei ole. Sukkahoito itsessään voi aiheuttaa ongelmia, kuten ihottumaa, ja se koetaan usein epämiellyttäväksi. Kroonisen pintalaskimovajaatoiminnan hankalin muoto on laskimoperäinen säärihaava, joka on tyypillisesti hidas paranemaan ja herkkä uusiutumaan. Tämän väitöskirjatyön tarkoituksena oli tutkia kompressiosukkahoidon tarpeellisuutta suonikohjutoimenpiteen jälkeen, sekä tutkia onko laskimohoidon ajankohdalla merkitystä säärihaavan paranemisessa. Väitöskirja koostuu kolmesta osatyöstä. Tutkimuksen kahdessa osatyössä potilaat satunnaistettiin suonikohjutoimenpiteen jälkeen joko olemaan kokonaan ilman kompressiota tai käyttämään kompressiosukkaa normaalin käytännön mukaisesti. Hoidon tehoa, turvallisuutta ja potilaiden tyytyväisyyttä seurattiin ryhmien välillä. Kolmannessa osatyössä käytiin läpi 10 vuoden aineisto Oulun yliopistollisen sairaalaan säärihaavapotilaista, ja potilaat ryhmiteltiin sen perusteella, milloin ensimmäinen laskimotoimenpide heille suoritettiin. Laskimotoimenpiteen jälkihoito ilman kompressiosukkaa osoittautui yhtä tehokkaaksi ja turvalliseksi kuin kompressiosukan kanssa toteutettu jälkihoito. Ilman kompressiosukkaa hoidetut potilaan olivat tyytyväisempiä jälkihoitoon. Säärihaavan paraneminen todettiin nopeammaksi potilailla, joiden laskimovajaatoiminnan hoito aloitettiin heti ensimmäisellä verisuonikirurgian poliklinikan käynnillä. Ensikäynnin hoitoa verrattiin normaaliin hoitokäytäntöön, missä laskimovajaatoiminnan hoito aloitetaan vasta seuraavalla käynnillä. Kahden satunnaistetun osatyön tulosten perusteella suurin osa laskimovajaatoimintapotilaista voidaan hoitaa ilman toimenpiteen jälkeistä kompressiosukkaa. Tulokset ensikäynnin hoidon hyödyllisyydestä auttavat muodostamaan parempaa hoitoprotokollaa ja hoitosuosituksia säärihaavapotilaiden optimaalisessa hoidossa.

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is an effective treatment for gastric varices. In this report, we illustrate a consecutive treatment strategy via brachial vein approach and n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) packing of the gastrorenal shunt (GRS) after injecting sclerosing agent in a severely obese patient. The brachial vein approach reduced the burden on the patient, and the closure of the GRS using NBCA shortened the procedure time. These techniques may improve patient comfort as well as reduce medical costs and the risks of several complications.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of the Trivex system in the treatment of primary severe superficial varicose veins of the lower extremity and compare Trivex to the point-form-stripping combined with foam sclerotherapy (FS). Methods: A total of 64 patients (35 females, 29 males; mean age, 57 ± 11 years [range, 29–79 years]) with primary severe superficial varicose veins of the lower extremity involving 64 legs were included between October 2015 and July 2019. The maximum diameter of the vein branches was >20 mm, which appeared to be cystic dilatation and forms large-scale in the crus or the thigh. All patients underwent high ligation and endovenous laser ablation or stripping of the trunk under general anesthesia. The surgical time, pain/phlebitis, number of incisions, amount of bleeding, recurrence of varicose vein, incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs), satisfaction score, and improvement in clinical symptoms were evaluated respectively with the patients in two groups: Group A, with patients who underwent treatment with the Trivex system, and Group B, patients who underwent treatment by point-form-stripping combined with FS. Results: All procedures were performed successfully. The average operative time in Group A was 56 ± 11 min, whereas that of Group B was 90 ± 33 min, which was a significant difference (p 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows that patients benefited from both treatment options. However, primary severe superficial varicose veins of the lower extremity treated with the Trivex system suffered less pain with fewer incisions than severe branches treated with the point-form-stripping combined with foam sclerotherapy (FS). In summary, the Trivex system is a suitable treatment prior to point-form-stripping combined with foam sclerotherapy (FS) for those who demand a high level of appearance, and especially for young patients, the Trivex system is recommended. Keywords: Varicose veins, Trivex system, Point-form-stripping, Foam sclerotherapy

Rationale & Objective Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disorder. Progressive increase in cyst number and size leads to kidney failure in a majority of patients. Large kidney cysts, although few, can be especially deleterious by impeding kidney blood flow and obstructing urine flow over a large region. Foam sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that may be used to ablate large cysts. We examined the effectiveness and safety of foam sclerotherapy for kidney volume reduction in patients with ADPKD. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting & Participants Adults with ADPKD at a tertiary referral center in Toronto. Predictor Foam sclerotherapy. Outcomes Volume of treated kidneys and adverse events. Analytical Approach Treated and nontreated kidney volume, kidney function, tolerability, and symptoms were analyzed within each patient. Results We performed 77 foam sclerotherapy treatment sessions in 66 patients. Foam sclerotherapy was associated with a 21.8% volume reduction of the treated kidneys (n = 95; median, 1,138 [IQR, 801-1,582] mL before vs 891 [IQR, 548-1,450] mL after; P, Graphical abstract

Background Chronic venous insufficiency is a highly prevalent disease. Advanced cases have high morbidity. Objectives To evaluate the risks and benefits of foam sclerotherapy in patients who underwent bilateral treatment of the great saphenous veins in a single procedure, in selected cases of advanced venous insufficiency. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients (110 limbs) with bilateral incompetence of the great saphenous veins who had undergone foam sclerotherapy treatment bilaterally, using a maximum dose of 20 ml of foam per patient and inelastic compression. Results In 81 (73.6%) of the 110 saphenous veins analyzed, occlusion was obtained in the first session. After a second session this figure rose to 106 (96.3%) and all 110 (100%) veins were occluded after three sessions. Bilateral occlusion of the great saphenous veins was achieved in 27 patients (50%) in one session, in 34 (62%) patients in two sessions, and in 55 (100%) patients in three sessions. At 42 days after sclerotherapy, there was complete ulcer healing in seven (63%) of the 11 patients with ulcers and partial healing in 3 (27%) of these patients. One patient (1.8%) had self-limited lipothymia and visual scotomas, 3 patients (5.45%) had skin spots, and 19 patients (34.5%) developed retained intravascular coagulum. Conclusions Bilateral foam sclerotherapy in a synchronous procedure is an option to be considered for treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs.

Resumo Contexto A insuficiência venosa crônica é uma entidade com alta prevalência. Os casos avançados apresentam morbidade elevada. Objetivos Avaliar os riscos e benefícios da escleroterapia com espuma de polidocanol em pacientes que foram submetidos ao tratamento das veias safenas magnas bilateralmente em tempo único. Métodos Foram revistos retrospectivamente 55 pacientes (110 membros) portadores de incompetência bilateral das veias safenas magnas submetidas a tratamento escleroterápico com espuma bilateralmente, em tempo único, usando uma dose máxima de 20 mL de espuma de polidocanol por paciente. Resultados Das 110 safenas analisadas, obteve-se a oclusão de 81 (73,6%) com uma sessão, de 106 (96,3%) com duas sessões e de 110 (100%) com três sessões. Houve oclusão bilateral das safenas magnas em 27 pacientes (50%) em uma sessão, em 34 (62%) em duas sessões e em 55 (100%) em três sessões. De 11 pacientes portadores de úlceras, houve cicatrização total de sete (63%) e parcial de três (27%) 42 dias após a escleroterapia. Houve lipotimia autolimitada e escotomas visuais em um paciente (1,8%) e manchas em três (5,45%); 19 pacientes (34,5%) foram submetidos a punção para drenagem de coágulo retido. Conclusões A escleroterapia com espuma de polidocanol em veias safenas magnas em tempo único mostrou-se uma técnica segura e eficaz em pacientes selecionados. Abstract Background Chronic venous insufficiency is a highly prevalent disease. Advanced cases have high morbidity. Objectives To evaluate the risks and benefits of foam sclerotherapy in patients who underwent bilateral treatment of the great saphenous veins in a single procedure, in selected cases of advanced venous insufficiency. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients (110 limbs) with bilateral incompetence of the great saphenous veins who had undergone foam sclerotherapy treatment bilaterally, using a maximum dose of 20 ml of foam per patient and inelastic compression. Results In 81 (73.6%) of the 110 saphenous veins analyzed, occlusion was obtained in the first session. After a second session this figure rose to 106 (96.3%) and all 110 (100%) veins were occluded after three sessions. Bilateral occlusion of the great saphenous veins was achieved in 27 patients (50%) in one session, in 34 (62%) patients in two sessions, and in 55 (100%) patients in three sessions. At 42 days after sclerotherapy, there was complete ulcer healing in seven (63%) of the 11 patients with ulcers and partial healing in 3 (27%) of these patients. One patient (1.8%) had self-limited lipothymia and visual scotomas, 3 patients (5.45%) had skin spots, and 19 patients (34.5%) developed retained intravascular coagulum. Conclusions Bilateral foam sclerotherapy in a synchronous procedure is an option to be considered for treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Varicose veins are the commonest vascular problem both in men and women worldwide. Lack of timely management, inadequate treatment, and maltreatment of varicose veins can lead to the development of nonhealing ulcers and affects the quality of life in terms of health. Surgery, heat therapy, chemical therapy, and endoscopic treatment are the options of treatment. Foam sclerotherapy is relatively a new technique being practiced all over the world and has promising results.The objective was to determine the outcomes of foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of non-healing varicose ulcers. METHODOLOGY:In this descriptive study, 240 patients with chronic leg ulcers with varicose veins had been managed with foam sclerotherapy under ultrasound and compression bandage. All patients were reviewed at 7 days, 1month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 18 months both clinically and radiologically with a doppler ultrasound to assess the ulcer healing rates. RESULTS:The overall healing after 04 weeks of foam sclerotherapy was 83%. Two hundred and twenty-nine patients (95.4%) with ulcers healed within 02 months of the start of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Delayed healing occurred after four months in11 cases. All those cases had either previous varicose veins surgery or deep vein thrombosis,or extensive perforator disease. During 18 months of follow-up, seven patients showed recurrence with a mean symptom-free period of 07 months. CONCLUSION:Chronic venous ulcers treated with foam sclerotherapyunder ultrasound guidance are associated with a high healing rate and low recurrence rate.

Tufted angioma is a rare vascular tumor with cutaneous angiomatous proliferation, commonly localized in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Most cases are usually acquired in childhood, having protracted course with minimal tendency for spontaneous regression. Various treatment modalities have been described in the literature in the management of tufted angioma with variable response. Thus, there is an urge for simple yet effective and less invasive procedure for tufted angioma, particularly involving aesthetically important areas such as face, head, and neck. We report a case of a large tufted angioma over the neck of a young girl, successfully treated with a combined approach of oral propranolol and foam sclerotherapy.

46th Annual VEITH Symposium -- NOV 19-23, 2019 -- New York, NY, Background: Varicose vein treatment has shifted to less invasive techniques owing to the complications associated with traditional treatment. The present study was designed to compare the effectiveness of cyanoacrylate ablation (CAA) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: Patients who had undergone RFA vs CAA (634 vs 246 patients) to treat great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency during a 5-year period were included in the present study. The preoperative and postoperative CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) class, symptoms, recurrence, and Doppler ultrasound findings were compared. Results: All the veins in both groups were occluded at day 5. The 1-month closure rates were 97.3% and 98.7% for RFA and CAA, respectively. The overall postoperative closure rates at 5 years were 93.1% and 91.1% for RFA and CAA, respectively. The postoperative symptoms, CEAP class, and Doppler ultrasound findings were similar in both groups. The 5-year symptom-free survival rates were 73.5% and 72.0% in the RFA and CAA groups, respectively. The venous clinical severity scores had decreased from 5.9 +/- 1.2 to 0.9 +/- 0.8 and 5.8 +/- 0.9 to 0.8 +/- 0.6 in the RFA and CAA groups, respectively. The Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire scores had decreased from 19.7 +/- 5.5 to 4.8 +/- 1.5 in the RFA group and from 18.9 +/- 5.8 to 4.9 +/- 1.4 in the CAA group. Conclusions: CAA seems to be the ideal treatment for GSV insufficiency because it is suitable for most patients and is nonthermal and nontumescent, with satisfactory results comparable to those with RFA. Long-term outcomes and cost analyses from larger series are required to confirm our findings., VEITH

Objectives Little is known how calibre and length of needles affect the stability of sclerosing foam. Methods Foams were made of 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3% polidocanol, and 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% and 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), which were mixed with air in the proportion of 4:1. These foams were ejected through needles with the length of: 4 mm, 6 mm and 13 mm, and diameter of: 0.26 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm. Results Foams made of more concentrated polidocanol were more stable. Regarding STS an opposite relationship was revealed. Foams made of polidocanol were more stable if ejected through a longer needle, while the length of needle did not significantly affect stability of STS foams. Foams ejected through 0.26 mm diameter needles were very unstable. In the case of 0.5% polidocanol, 0.3x6mm needle provided atypically stable foam. Conclusion In order to inject maximally stable foam, calibre and length of needle should be taken into account.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) have largely replaced traditional surgery for treatment of varicose veins (VVs) with active venous leg ulcers (VLUs), and multiple combined modes have emerged. A retrospective cohort study was performed to compare the effect of traditional surgery (high ligation and stripping followed with compression [compression plus HL-S]) to high ligation-endovenous laser ablation-foam sclerotherapy followed with compression (compression plus HL-EVLA-FS) on the treatment of active VLUs. Data of active VLUs treated in our center from 2008 to 2017 and followed up for 1 year were analyzed. The intervention measures in the first 5 years were compression plus HL-S, and in the following 5 years were compression plus HL-EVLA-FS. The primary outcome was ulcer healing time. The secondary outcomes were the VVs occlusion and clinical success as assessed by a change in venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and complications. The study included 120 patients and 200 patients treated with HL-S and HL-EVLA-FS, respectively, during 2008 to 2017. The average ulcer healing time were 2.3 ± 2.4 and 1.7 ± 1.7 months, respectively. Significant difference was found in the cumulative ulcers healing rate between the two groups (Hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] was respectively 1.458 and 1.140–1.865, P = .0002), but no difference was found in the VVs occlusion (HR and 95% CI was respectively 1.005 and 0.774–1.3071, P = .967). Significant difference occurred in 6 months and 12 months post-operatively in the VCSS change and in the procedure data and some complications between the 2 groups. In conclusion, the treatment of HL-EVLA-FS can accelerate the healing of VLUs, improve the VCSS and present superior procedure data. However, no advantage could be found in the VVs occlusion compared with control group.

ObjectiveThis preliminary study investigated the clinical safety and efficacy of foam sclerotherapy during shunt surgery to treat portal hypertension and gastroesophageal varices.MethodsSeven patients with confirmed portal hypertension and a variceal bleeding history underwent mesocaval shunt with simultaneous polidocanol foam injection into the varices. Computed tomography and endoscopic reviews were conducted within two weeks following the procedures and around six months later.ResultsSix patients underwent side-to-side mesocaval shunt. One received a prosthetic mesocaval shunt. Polidocanol foam was injected into the gastric varices or the inferior mesenteric vein during the surgery. Surgical success and survival was achieved in all patients. Gastric ulcer formation and thrombocytopenia occurred in one patient respectively, which were ameliorated by conservative treatment. During 12 to 24 months’ follow-up, three patients had obvious decrease or eradication of gastroesophageal varices; four patients had obvious decrease of gastric varices but residual esophageal varices; and all patents had unobstructed shunts. Encephalopathy occurred in one patient two months postoperatively. No sclerosant-related complications were observed and no postoperative recurrent variceal bleeding occurred.ConclusionsFoam sclerotherapy during shunt surgery is safe and effective for portal hypertension and varices treatment.

Introduction: While traditional ambulatory phlebectomy (AP) is a safe and effective procedure, few adverse effects such as hematoma, bleeding, bruising and nerve injury have been reported. To improve AP and to reduce some of these adverse events, herein we report a novel technique – Foam Sclerotherapy Assisted Phlebectomy (SAP). Report: The details of the above technique, along with the potential advantages and limitations will be discussed. Discussion: Foam sclerotherapy and DUS act as valuable adjuncts to traditional AP. SAP increases precision and creates additional venospasm leading to reduced bruising, reduced nerve injury and sclerosis of residual vein segments. Keywords: Varicose veins, Sclerotherapy, Foam sclerotherapy, Phlebectomy, Venous insufficiency

Background Ambulatory phlebectomies and foam sclerotherapy are two of the most common treatments for varicose vein tributaries. Many studies have been published on these treatments, but few comparative studies have attempted to determine their relative effectiveness. Methods/design This is a prospective single-centre randomised clinical trial. Patients with primary truncal vein incompetence and varicose vein tributaries requiring treatment will be assigned randomly to either ambulatory phlebectomies or foam sclerotherapy. The primary outcome measure is the re-intervention rate for the varicose vein tributaries during the study period. The secondary outcomes include the degree of pain during the first two post-operative weeks and the time to return to usual activities or work. Improvements in clinical scores, quality of life scores, occlusion rates and cost-effectiveness for each intervention are other secondary outcomes. The re-intervention rate will be considered from the third month. Discussion This study compares ambulatory phlebectomies and foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose vein tributaries. The re-intervention rates, safety, patient experience and the cost-effectiveness of each intervention will be assessed. This study aims to recruit 160 patients and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03416413. Registered on 31 January 2018. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3398-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aim: The recurrence of Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) and that of Small Saphenous Vein (SSV) is a common, costly and complex challenge which is related with technically insufficient surgery or insufficient endovenous ablation and neovascularization. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and the reliability of the foam sclerotherapy with Near Infrared (NIR) Light and/or Duplex Ultrasonography (DUS) in the treatment of the symptomatic Recurrent Varicose Veins (RVV).Methods: One hundred sixty four patients (181 legs) who had been treated between April 2014 and May 2017 have been studied retrospectively. The demographic data of the patients, DUS findings, Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic and Pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification, peri-operative data and follow-up examinations were recorded. Results: The mean age our patients were 44.79±12.57 and 76 of them were females. It was detected that RVV in 145 extremities were developed after the open surgery (GSV ligation, GSVstripping, SSV ligation and phlebectomy) and that RVV in 36 extremities were developed after endovenous ablation (Radiofrequency ablation, Laser ablation). The reflux pathologies which led to RVV were evaluated in four groups such as incompetent saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) ±neovascularization in 114 patients, reflux from incompetent perforator / reflux from pelvic vein in 17 patients, incompetent SFJ ±neovascularization in 15 patients and combined causes in 35 patients. The stages of the patients were detected as C2 for 24 patients, as C3 for 91 patients, as C4 for 45 patients, as C5 for 16 patients and C6 for five extremities. Total occlusion was developed occurred in 172 extremities in the sixth-month control following the treatment. No major complication was seen during the follow-up. Conclusions: Tactical and technical errors, the progression of the diseases, neovascularization may lead to RVV. The redo open surgery is more difficult compared to primary surgery. Besides, the neurovascular injury and the infection incidence of the redo surgery may be higher compared to primary surgery. Nowadays, open surgery, endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy, mechanochemical ablation (N-butyl-cyanoacrylate) may be performed in the treatment of the RVV. According to our experiences, we suggest that when foam sclerotherapy is applied in companion with NIR light and/or DUS it is a reliable, effective and cheaper treatment option that may be considered an alternative to other treatments in the convenient patients for the treatment of RVV., Amaç: Büyük safen ven (GSV) ve Small Safen ven (SSV) rekürrensi teknik olarak yetersiz cerrahi ya da yetersiz endovenöz ablasyon ve neovaskülarizasyona bağlı olarak yaygın, maliyetli ve karmaşık bir sorundur. Bu çalışmanın amacı semptomatik rekürren variköz venlerin (RVV) tedavisinde Near Infrared light (NIR) ve/veya Dublex Ultrasonografi (DUS) eşliğinde köpük skleroterapinin etkinliğini ve güvenliğini değerlendirmektir.Yöntemler: Kliniğimizde nisan 2014- Mayıs 2017 yılları arasında semptomatik RVV nedeniyle köpük skleroterapi ile tedavi edilen 164 hasta (181 bacak) retrospektif olarak incelendi. Hastaların demografik verileri, DUS tarama bulguları, CEAP sınıflaması, perioperatif veriler ve takip muayeneleri kaydedildi.Bulgular: Hastalarımızın yaş ortalaması 44.79±12.57 ve 76 (%46.3) ‘i kadındı. 145 ektremitedeki RVV’ler açık cerrahi (GSV ligasyon, GSV striping, SSV ligasyon ve flebektomi) sonrası, 36 ekstremiteki RVV’lerin endovenöz ablasyon (Radyofreakans ablasyon, Lazer ablasyon) sonrası geliştiği tespit edilmiştir. RVV sebeb olan reflü patolojilerini incompetent safenofemoral junction (SFJ) ± neovascularizasyon 114 hasta, reflux from incompetent perforator / reflux from pelvic vein 17 hasta, Incompetent safeno popliteal junction (SPJ) ± neovascularizasyon 15 hasta ve combine sebebler 35 hasta olmak üzere 4 grupta değerlendirildi. Hastaların CEAP evreleri C2: 24 ekstremite, C3: 91 ekstremite, C4: 45 ekstremite, C5: 16 ekstremite, C6: 5 ekstremite olarak tespit edildi. Tedavi sonrası 6. ay kontrolünde total oklüzyon 172 (95.02 %) ekstremitede gerçekleşti. Takip süresi boyunca majör komplikasyon görülmedi.Sonuçlar: RVV’lere taktiksel ve tekniksel hatalar, hastalığın ilerlemesi, neovaskülarizasyon sebeb olabilir. Yeniden açık ameliyatı primer cerrahiye göre daha zordur. Ayrıca redo cerrahinin nörovasküler yaralanma ve enfeksiyon insidansı da primer cerrahiye göre daha yüksek olabilir. Günümüzde RVV tedavisinde açık cerrahi, endovenöz ablasyon, skleroterapi, mekanokimyasal ablasyon(N-Butil Siyanoakrilat) yapılabilir. Deneyimlerimize göre köpük skleroterapi NIR light ve/veya DUS eşliğinde uygulandığında RVV’lerin tedavisi için uygun hastalarda diğer tedavilere alternatif olarak düşünülebilecek güvenli, etkili ve ucuz bir tedavi seçeneneği olduğunu düşünüyoruz.

Purpose: To report the midterm results of mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) for treating great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. Methods: In a 1-year period, 85 consecutive patients (median age 51.4 years; 71 women) undergoing MOCA with polidocanol in 104 limbs were enrolled in a prospective registry. The patients were evaluated at baseline and during follow-up (4 weeks and 1, 2, and 3 years) using duplex ultrasound, the CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic) classification, the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), the RAND Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (RAND-SF36), and the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ). Primary outcome measures were clinical and anatomic success. Secondary outcome measures included general and disease-specific quality of life and reinterventions. Results: Technical success (99%) was achieved in all but 1 patient in whom technical problems with the device led to conversion to another method for treatment of 2 limbs. After a median follow-up of 36 months (interquartile range 12.5, 46.3), recanalization occurred in 15 (15%) of 102 successfully treated vein segments. Anatomic success was 92%, 90%, and 87% after 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The VCSS improved at all time intervals compared to the preprocedure median. The clinical success at 3 years was 83%. The AVVQ and RAND-SF36 scores showed an improvement at all time intervals compared to baseline values. Between 12 and 36 months, however, a significant deterioration was observed in VCSS, which was accompanied by worsening of disease-specific and general quality of life. Conclusion: In the longest follow-up of MOCA to date, this study shows MOCA to be an effective treatment modality for GSV insufficiency at midterm follow-up, but clinical results seem to drop over time.

Introduction : Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) of varicose veins is a useful treatment option. It is a relatively safe method in the case of limited, small varicose veins. In theory, a justified concern could be raised that the injection of an active drug into the large superficial venous vessels may potentially cause life-threatening consequences. Aim : To assess the safety and efficacy of UGFS using a 2% solution of polidocanol (Aethoxysklerol 2%) in the case of great saphenous vein incompetence. Material and methods : Fifty-two patients with great saphenous vein incompetence underwent ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. The efficacy criterion was the elimination of reflux measured ultrasonographically and withdrawal or decrease of complaints: 1 week, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment. Complications of sclerotherapy were reported during follow-up. Results : Decrease or withdrawal of complaints of chronic venous insufficiency was reported in 96% of cases (50 patients). Disappearance or decrease of varicose veins was noted in all patients (100%). During examination after 12 months, full success of ultrasound was achieved in 38 (73%) cases, and 11 (21%) patients presented a partial desired effect according to the consensus from Tegernsee. Persistence of reflux longer than 1 s in the treated great saphenous vein was reported in 3 (6%) cases. Serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, anaphylaxis, or neurological abnormalities, were not recorded. Conclusions : Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy of incompetent great saphenous vein and varicosities with 2% polidocanol was found to be an effective and safe method of treatment during 1 year of observation. However, longer observation is necessary.

Objective The combination of endovenous therapies with stab avulsion or ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy is widely performed. However, these conventional techniques tend to result in incomplete avulsions or persistent varicosities. Methods One hundred and thirteen legs in 97 consecutive patients who underwent 1470 nm laser ablation for great saphenous varicose veins were enrolled. The foam sclerosing agent was injected via the sheath after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). Patients were divided into two groups: EVLA only group (Control; n = 50) and EVLA and transluminal injection of foam sclerotherapy (TLFS) group (SCL; n = 63). Results At three month follow up, reflux was abolished throughout all treated great saphenous veins (GSVs) when assessed with Duplex ultrasound. Thrombophlebitis was observed in two patients in the SCL group (p = .13). Additional second stage sclerotherapy was needed in the Control group (n = 33, 66%) vs. SCL group (n = 2, 3%; p < .0001). The venous clinical severity score (VCSS) was significantly improved in the SCL group (changes of VCSS, Control −3.3 ± 1.7 and SCL -4.4 ± 1.0; p < .0001). Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed that, among age, sex, Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification, linear endovenous energy density, and TLFS, TLFS was the only significant factor of improved VCSS (hazard ratio = −0.96; 95% confidence interval = −1.4 to −0.58; p < .0001). Conclusions TLFS combined with EVLA may be an easy, safe, and effective procedure with acceptable complications vs. EVLA alone and reduces additional second stage interventions., Highlights • Stab avulsion tends to result in incomplete avulsions. • Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy also tends to result in non-sclerotic vessels. • Foam sclerosing agent injected via the sheath covers the whole varicose vein. • Transluminal foam sclerotherapy improves VCSS and reduces additional interventions.

Background Venous ulceration is a common and costly health-care issue worldwide, with poor healing rates greatly affecting patient quality of life. Compression bandaging has been shown to improve healing rates and reduce recurrence, but does not address the underlying cause, which is often superficial venous reflux. Surgical correction of the reflux reduces ulcer recurrence; however, the effect of early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux on ulcer healing is unclear. Objectives To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of compression therapy with early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux compared with compression therapy with deferred endovenous ablation in patients with venous ulceration. Design A pragmatic, two-arm, multicentre, parallel-group, open randomised controlled trial with a health economic evaluation. Setting Secondary care vascular centres in England. Participants Patients aged ≥ 18 years with a venous leg ulcer of between 6 weeks’ and 6 months’ duration and an ankle–brachial pressure index of ≥ 0.8 who could tolerate compression and were deemed suitable for endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux. Interventions Participants were randomised 1 : 1 to either early ablation (compression therapy and superficial endovenous ablation within 2 weeks of randomisation) or deferred ablation (compression therapy followed by endovenous ablation once the ulcer had healed). Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was time from randomisation to ulcer healing, confirmed by blinded assessment. Secondary outcomes included 24-week ulcer healing rates, ulcer-free time, clinical success (in addition to quality of life), costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). All analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results A total of 450 participants were recruited (224 to early and 226 to deferred superficial endovenous ablation). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Time to ulcer healing was shorter in participants randomised to early superficial endovenous ablation than in those randomised to deferred ablation [hazard ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13 to 1.68; p = 0.001]. Median time to ulcer healing was 56 (95% CI 49 to 66) days in the early ablation group and 82 (95% CI 69 to 92) days in the deferred ablation group. The ulcer healing rate at 24 weeks was 85.6% in the early ablation group, compared with 76.3% in the deferred ablation group. Median ulcer-free time was 306 [interquartile range (IQR) 240–328] days in the early ablation group and 278 (IQR 175–324) days in the deferred endovenous ablation group (p = 0.002). The most common complications of superficial endovenous ablation were pain and deep-vein thrombosis. Differences in repeated measures of Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores (p p = 0.03) and Short Form questionnaire-36 items body pain (p = 0.05) over the follow-up period were observed, in favour of early ablation. The mean difference in total costs between the early ablation and deferred ablation groups was £163 [standard error (SE) £318; p = 0.607]; however, there was a substantial and statistically significant gain in QALY over 1 year [mean difference between groups 0.041 (SE 0.017) QALYs; p = 0.017]. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of early ablation at 1 year was £3976 per QALY, with a high probability (89%) of being more cost-effective than deferred ablation at conventional UK decision-making thresholds (currently £20,000 per QALY). Sensitivity analyses using alternative statistical models give qualitatively similar results. Limitations Only 7% of screened patients were recruited, treatment regimens varied significantly and technical success was assessed only in the early ablation group. Conclusions Early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux, in addition to compression therapy and wound dressings, reduces the time to healing of venous leg ulcers, increases ulcer-free time and is highly likely to be cost-effective. Future work Longer-term follow-up is ongoing and will determine if early ablation will affect recurrence rates in the medium and long term. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN02335796. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 24. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Background Thermal ablation techniques have become the first-line treatment of truncal veins in the management of chronic venous disease (CVD). Despite excellent outcomes, these methods are often associated with pain; generally due to their use of heat and the necessity of fluid infiltration around the vein. More recently, novel non-thermal techniques, such as mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) and cyanoacrylate adhesive (CAE) have been developed to overcome these unwelcome effects. So far, the novel techniques have been found to have similar efficacy to thermal methods, yet no direct comparisons between the non-thermal treatment techniques have been conducted to date, giving rise to this study. Methods/design This is a prospective, multicentre, randomised clinical trial, recruiting patients with truncal saphenous incompetence. Patients will be randomised to undergo either MOCA or CAE truncal ablation, followed by treatment of any varicosities. All patients will be required to wear compression stockings for 4 days post intervention. The primary outcome measure is the pain score immediately following completion of truncal ablation, measured by a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes are entire treatment pain scores, clinical scores, quality of life scores, occlusion rates, time to return to usual activities/work at 2 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. Re-intervention rate will be considered from the third month. Cost-effectiveness will be assessed for each intervention at 12 months. The study is powered to detect a mean 10-mm difference in maximum pain score. Allowing for loss to follow-up, the total target recruitment is 180 patients. Discussion The study will be the first study to compare MOCA against CAE and is designed to determine which method causes less pain. Completion of this study is expected to be the end of 2019. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03392753. Registered on 17 November 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2807-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Background Venous leg ulcers impair quality of life significantly, with substantial costs to health services. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of interventional procedures alongside compression therapy versus compression therapy alone for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulceration. Methods A Markov decision analytical model was developed. The main outcome measures were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and lifetime costs per patient, from the perspective of the UK National Health Service at 2015 prices. Resource use included the initial procedures, compression therapy, primary care and outpatient consultations. The interventional procedures included superficial venous surgery, endothermal ablation and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). The study population was patients with a chronic venous ulcer who were eligible for either compression therapy or an interventional procedure. Data were obtained from systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Results Surgery gained 0·112 (95 per cent c.i. -0·011 to 0·213) QALYs compared with compression therapy alone, with a difference in lifetime costs of €-1330 (-3570 to 1262). Given the expected savings in community care, the procedure would pay for itself within 4 years. There was insufficient evidence regarding endothermal ablation and UGFS to draw conclusions. Discussion This modelling study found surgery to be more effective and less costly than compression therapy alone. Further RCT evidence is required for both endothermal ablation and UGFS.

In the literature cases of stroke and transient neurological symptoms have been described after sclerotherapy for chronic venous disease The initial interpretation of these phenomena was that of a micro air embolism in association with a patent foramen ovale. This explanation did not always manage to justify all neurological manifestations. Recent theories have demonstrated that in the area of sclerosis, a significant amount of endothelin 1. We carried out a retrospective assessment of sclerotherapy case studies on 540 patients at ten phlebological centres to search for a relationship between the use of aminaftone (a venotropic drug with demonstrated anti-endothelin action) and the occurrence of side effects after sclerotherapy was performed. Significant reduction of side effects was observed in sclerotherapy for teleangectasias and in patients with migraine history.

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study investigated the safety and efficacy of a novel shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy of varices in patients with prehepatic portal hypertension. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who were diagnosed with prehepatic portal hypertension and underwent shunt surgeries were divided into three groups by surgery type: shunt surgery alone (Group A), shunt surgery and devascularization (Group B), and shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy (Group C). Between-group differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, portal pressure decrease, postoperative complications, rebleeding rates, encephalopathy, mortality rates and remission of gastroesophageal varices were compared. RESULTS: Groups A, B and C had similar operation times, intraoperative bleeding, and portal pressure decrease. The remission rates of varices differed significantly (p

Introduction: Low-flow vascular malformations (LFVMs) of the tongue are one of the most common presentations among different vascular anomalies of oral and maxillofacial regions. The present study was conducted with the objective to assess the outcome of a simple, easily available, safe and cost-effective therapeutic measure using foamed polidocanol in patients with LFVMs of the tongue. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with LFVMs of tongue were randomly selected in the study from the pool of 32 individuals affected with vascular malformation of oral and maxillofacial region. The diagnosis was made by a combination of clinical presentation and Doppler ultrasound. Lesions on the tongue were measured along their longer axis using a calliper and assigned to one of the three groups according to size: small-sized (3 cm; eight patients). Foam sclerotherapy was done by directly injecting the foam (polidocanol) into identified sinusoids, under real-time ultrasound guidance. Foam polidocanol was prepared using the Tessari method. Results: Fifteen patients (Nine males and Six females), aged 7–50 years, with an average age of 23.53 years were included in our study. Of these 15 vascular lesions, three were small (3 cm) in size. Treatment results were evaluated based on a reduction in lesion size. Complete or partial regression of lesions was reported by 14 (93.33%) patients and remained unchanged in one (6.67%) patient. The number of sclerotherapy sessions performed in this study ranged from 1 to 6 and was directly related to lesion size. Small- and medium-sized lesions responded well and complete resolution was seen in 1–3 sessions. Of the eight large lesions, seven showed complete or partial resolution in 4–6 sessions except one lesion which did not show any responses in subsequent sessions. Conclusion: Foam polidocanol therapy for LFVM of tongue is cost-effective, less invasive and with added advantage of local anesthetic effect.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether foam sclerotherapy (FS) induces changes in CAT (calibrated automated thrombinography) and other coagulation parameters which could indicate an increased risk of thrombotic events. Methods: Blood samples from eight patients treated with FS were taken before treatment and 30 minutes, one and four hours and one week after treatment. CAT parameters (ETPln, Peakln, Lag time 1), thrombin antithrombin complexes (TAT), d-dimers, fibrinogen, Von Willebrand (vWf Ag) factor and platelet-derived microparticles (MIPAs) were measured. Results: Significant changes over time for Peakln, fibrinogen, d-dimers, vWfAg and TAT complexes were observed. CAT parameters decreased over time, except for Lag time 1. D-dimers and TAT complexes increased and fibrinogen, vWf Ag, MIPA's decreased during the first hours. Conclusion: The findings in this study support the hypothesis that FS initiate coagulation pathways, but there is no evidence that this activation results in an increased thrombosis risk.

Objetivo: determinar cuánto cuesta por paciente el tratamiento de várices por la técnica de escleroterapia con espuma en la consulta externa de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular del Hospital C.Q. "Freyre de Andrade". Método: evaluación económica del tipo descripción de costo. Se estudió el costo directo institucional del tratamiento ambulatorio para várices en extremidades inferiores con escleroterapia con espuma y donde el principio activo fue Polidocanol al 0,5% a una dosis de 2ml. Se emplearon las partidas recursos humanos, material gastable y medicamento. Se determinó el costo promedio por paciente, total y según tipo de consulta. Resultados: el costo total por paciente atendido fue de 68,60 pesos cubanos. El costo medio por paciente de la consulta de clasificación fue de 0,18 centavos de pesos cubanos (DS 95%= 0,12). El costo medio de la consulta de tratamiento fue de 50,60 pesos cubanos (DS 95%=7,65). No hubo diferencias significativas entre los diferentes tipos de varices a tratar. Conclusiones: el costo directo institucional del tratamiento de telangiectasias y varices tronculares con escleroterapia con espuma fue similar. A corto plazo, el tratamiento de las várices con escleroterapia con espuma genera menores costos que la opción quirúrgica.Objective: to determine the cost of the treatment of varicose veins per patient with the foam sclerotherapy in the angiology and vascular surgery outpatient service of ¨Freyre de Andrade¨ clinical and surgical hospital. Method: a cost description-type economic assessment. The institutional direct cost of the leg varicose veins treatment with foam sclerotherapy at the outpatient service, using the active principle called 0.5% polidocanol at a dose of 2 ml, was studied. The variables were human resources, disposable materials and drugs. The average cost per patient, the total cost and type of service-depending cost were all estimated. Results: the total cost per patient was 68.60 Cuban pesos. The mean cost per patient at the classification service was 0.18 Cuban cents (SD 95%=0.12). The mean cost of the treatment service was 50.60 Cuban pesos (95% SD=7.65). There were no significant differences among the different types of varices under treatment. Conclusions: the institutional direct cost of the treatment of telangiectases and varicose veins by using foam sclerotherapy was comparable. In the short term, the treatment of varices with this method brings lower costs than those of the surgical alternative.

Objective Mechanochemical ablation is a novel technique for ablation of varicose veins utilising a rotating catheter and liquid sclerosant. Mechanochemical ablation and radiofrequency ablation have no reported neurological side-effect but the rotating mechanism of mechanochemical ablation may produce microbubbles. Air emboli have been implicated as a cause of cerebrovascular events during ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and microbubbles in the heart during ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy have been demonstrated. This study investigated the presence of microbubbles in the right heart during varicose vein ablation by mechanochemical abaltion and radiofrequency abaltion. Methods Patients undergoing great saphenous vein ablation by mechanochemical abaltion or radiofrequency ablation were recruited. During the ablative procedure, the presence of microbubbles was assessed using transthoracic echocardiogram. Offline blinded image quantification was performed using International Consensus Criteria grading guidelines. Results From 32 recruited patients, 28 data sets were analysed. Eleven underwent mechanochemical abaltion and 17 underwent radiofrequency abaltion. There were no neurological complications. In total, 39% (11/28) of patients had grade 1 or 2 microbubbles detected. Thirty-six percent (4/11) of mechanochemical abaltion patients and 29% (5/17) of radiofrequency ablation patients had microbubbles with no significant difference between the groups ( p=0.8065). Conclusion A comparable prevalence of microbubbles between mechanochemical abaltion and radiofrequency ablation both of which are lower than that previously reported for ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy suggests that mechanochemical abaltion may not confer the same risk of neurological events as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for treatment of varicose veins.

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is reported in about 15-20% of patients with venous leg ulcers (VLU). In such cases arterial recanalization is often recommended, and compression therapy is considered a contraindication when the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) is 0.8. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with recalcitrant VLU, both without any arterial impairment ("pure venous recalcitrant leg ulcer" [pvRLU]) and with associated PAOD ("mixed arterial and venous recalcitrant leg ulcer" [mavRLU]), by treating only the venous disease.The records of 180 outpatients with recalcitrant ulcers treated between January 2011 and July 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. In total, 109 were affected by pvRLU and 71 by mavRLU, with moderate PAOD defined by an ABPI between 0.5 and 0.8. In addition to the same local wound dressing, the patients received ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy of the refluxing superficial veins and a modified inelastic compression with a pressure ≤ 40 mmHg. No patient was referred for arterial revascularization. The patients were followed until ulcer healing.Patients with pvRLU and mavRLU showed comparable demographic characteristics. Twenty-five patients were lost to follow up and the outcomes were analyzed in 93 patients with pVLU (85.4%) and in 62 patients with mavRLU (87.4%). The maximum time to complete healing was 48 weeks in the pvRLU group and 52 weeks in the mavRLU group (p = .009), The median healing time was 23 (pvRLU) versus 25.5 weeks (mavRLU) (p = .030). Deep venous incompetence (p .001), ulcer surface area (p .001), arterial disease (p = .002), and ulcer duration (p .010) were risk factors for prolonged healing.Treatment of recalcitrant leg ulcers by treating venous incompetence by foam sclerotherapy and modified compression is successful, even if underlying moderate PAOD is not actively treated.

Invention of foam sclerotherapy has significantly changed the current phlebological practice. Compared with liquid sclerosants, obliterating foam is more efficient, especially for the closure of larger veins. This review discusses clinical aspects of foam sclerotherapy with a focus on its use for the treatment of venous leg ulceration, including the rationale for its use in the treatment of these chronic wounds, physicochemical mechanisms responsible for stability and disintegration of sclerosant foam, pathomechanism of neurologic adverse events seen after foam sclerotherapy, and techniques that can increase efficacy of this procedure and lower frequency of adverse events.

Objectives Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) is a technique in which a mixture of sclerosing drug and gas is used to treat varicose veins. Several authors have demonstrated transient systemic effects after UGFS. These effects are not well understood but probably originate from a systemic distribution of the sclerosing foam. Therefore, safety measures have been developed to prevent foam from flowing into the deep venous system. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether blockage of the saphenofemoral (SF) junction by either manual compression or surgical ligation prevents microbubbles from leaking into the deep venous circulation. Methods To detect the distribution of microbubbles, radioactive pertechnetate ( 99m TcO 4 − ) was added to the foam solution. Initially, in vitro trials were performed in the laboratory to investigate the effect of 99m Tc on foam stability. The time taken for foam to liquefy was measured for foam alone and for the mixture with 99m Tc. In subsequent research, eight varicose great saphenous veins (GSVs) were treated by UGFS. In three patients, this treatment was preceded by surgical ligation of the SF junction. In three patients, the groin was manually compressed during UGFS. In two patients, UGFS was performed without compression of the groin. Results In vitro , 99m Tc did not influence foam stability; after 2.6 min all foam had reduced to liquid, regardless of whether 99m Tc had been added or not. In vivo trials showed that all patients showed a decrease in the cumulative amount of 99m Tc detected in the GSV following polidocanol- 99m Tc mixture injection. However, the decrease of radioactivity was slightly reduced when compression or ligation of the SF junction was performed. Conclusions Blocking the SF junction during UGFS using either manual compression or ligation does not prevent, but may reduce the flow of foam into the femoral vein.

Neurological disorders are rare complications of foam sclerotherapy. Visual disturbances and headache are the most commonly reported events and are thought to be equivalent to migraine with aura. Exceptionally, strokes have been reported. Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare cardiac tumor, which may embolize in cerebral arteries. We report the case of a patient in whom neurological disorders occurred during a session of foam sclerotherapy, and led to the discovery of a cardiac fibroelastoma.

Aim To report the outcome of a series of patients with chronic venous disease due to incompetence of saphenous trunks managed by ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UFS). Patients and methods A group of 808 patients comprise this series. CEAP clinical class for limbs was C1: 15%, C2: 81%, C3: 0.5%, C4: 2%, C5: 0.2%, C6: 0.4%. UFS using 1% polidocanol (107 limbs), 1% sodium tetradecyl (102 limbs), 3% sodium tetradecyl (900 limbs) was employed to treat incompetent saphenous trunks. In patients with unilateral varices 1 treatment was required in 43% of patients and 2 treatments in 48% of patients to obliterate incompetent saphenous trunks and varices. For bilateral varices 2 treatments were required in 40% of patients and 3 treatments in 46% of cases. The clinical outcome and patency of treated veins on duplex ultrasonography was assessed at a mean follow-up interval of 11 months. Results A total of 459 limbs were available for assessment at a follow-up interval of 6 months or greater. The CEAP clinical stage was C0:182 limbs, C1: 241, C2: 22, C3: 0, C4: 11, C5: 2, C6:1. The GSV had remained obliterated in 88% of limbs and the SSV in 82% of limbs. Recurrent venous incompetence following previous surgery was as effectively treated by UFS as primary incompetence. Conclusions This technique is useful in the management of chronic venous disease as an alternative to surgery.

619, 622, BACKGROUND:New sclerosing foam is considered to have the advantage of causing more damage on the intima than liquid form. Therefore we recently applied duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy in a patient with venous malformations of the face.METHODS:A 20-year-old man was referred to our institute for the evaluation and treatment of vascular malformations of the face. Preoperative duplex scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed subcutaneous and intramuscular venous malformations. The sclerosing foam was produced by Tessari's method using 1% polidocanol, and the duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy was performed under general anesthesia. A 20-gauge plastic needle was inserted into the venous space using ultrasound guidance and a total of 5 ml of sclerosing foam was infused followed by immediate tie-over dressing.RESULTS:The venous malformations were successfully reduced in size and postoperative MRI showed significant reduction of the venous malformations.CONCLUSION:Although further collective study is necessary to ensure the validity of this treatment, duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy could have great promise in the treatment of symptomatic venous malformations.

Background With the advent of endovenous truncal ablation under local anaesthetic for the treatment of varicose veins, the fate of varicosed tributaries has become controversial, with centres offering different timings of treatment, if offered at all. This study aims to review the literature assessing delayed and simultaneous varicosity treatment during truncal ablation. Methods Randomised trials and cohort studies concerning varicosity treatment timing were identified through a systematic literature search. Requirements for further treatment, quality of life and rate of venous thrombotic events were assessed for meta-analysis. Results Four studies were identified assessing need for further varicosity procedure, with no significant difference seen between simultaneous or delayed treatment ( p = 0.339). Two studies assessed quality of life, with simultaneous treatment providing significantly improved outcomes at six weeks ( p = 0.029) but not at 12 weeks ( p = 0.283). Studies examining venous thrombotic events showed no difference in venous thromboembolism rate between simultaneous or delayed treatment approaches ( p = 0.078). Conclusion The evidence base regarding timing of varicosity treatment is sparse; however, it does show that simultaneous treatment of varicosities leads to early gains in quality of life, with a non-significant trend for fewer further procedures but more venous thrombotic events.

Purpose: To report histological analysis of a great saphenous vein (GSV) 1 year after undergoing mechanochemical endovenous ablation (MOCA) and compare the findings with those of a healthy vein.Case Report: A 59-year-old patient with bilateral GSV incompetence was treated with MOCA using the ClariVein catheter, which has a dispersion wire that rotates as liquid sclerosant is injected in the vein. After 1 year, the patient had recurrent edema of the right leg; duplex ultrasound was suspicious for recanalization. The patient was reoperated, and the deep femoral vein was explored. The GSV was completely obliterated, and its proximal part was excised and sent for histological processing. Microscopic evaluation of the MOCA-treated vein showed a circumferential disappearance of the endothelial layer and fibrosis of the vein. The media was considerably damaged, with changes in collagen structure, supporting the therapeutic effect of MOCA.Conclusion: MOCA is a novel endovenous treatment modality for saphenous vein insufficiency. Results of MOCA on the cellular level are essential to optimize treatment.

Introduction: Lower extremity varicose vein is a common disease. Sclerotherapy can be used to treat truncal varices of the superficial venous system. This involves injecting a sclerosant intraluminally in order to cause fibrosis and eventual obliteration of the vein. Objective: To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of great saphenous reflux measured against patient clinical examination and duplex scanning. Materials and methods: Fifty legs with varicose veins due to incompetent great saphenous vein were treated with ultrasound guided sclerosing foam prepared according to the Tessari method by mixing 3% polidocanol solution (Aethoxysclerol) with air using 2 disposable syringes and a three way tap producing high-quality micro-foam. Clinical examination and duplex scanning before and after the treatment with a mean follow up of 6 months were done to every patient. Results: An average of 10 ml of foam was required to close incompetent Great saphenous veins as defined by a reflux of more than 0.5 s documented by duplex scan. At the 6th month of follow up, patients felt that their legs were treated successfully with resolution of symptoms and complete resolution in 96%. Conclusion: Foam sclerotherapy is a safe and effective therapy in treating varicose veins with high patient satisfaction and improvement in quality of life. KEYWORDS: Varicose veins, Foam sclerotherapy, Duplex ultrasound imaging, Treatment outcome, Complications

Background Foam sclerosants are widely used in sclerotherapy and have been accepted as more effective than the liquid form; however, there is no consensus about the most applicable and effective concentration. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological changes caused by various widely used concentrations of foam sclerosant. Methods Fifty-six varicose vein segments of 5–10 mm diameter were gently resected and exposed to various concentrations of foam sclerosant (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%) for 5 min, and were then prepared for routine histopathological examination. A total damage scoring system, including the presence of endothelial swelling, intimal thickening, cellular vacuolization in the muscle layer, edema in the tunica media and extent of necrosis, was established. Results The total damage score of the foam sclerosant groups was significantly higher than that of the control group (median 2.75 vs 1, p = 0.007). The highest damage score was achieved by 1% and 2% foam sclerosants (3.5 and 2.5). No significant difference was found among the different concentrations of sclerosant, although the 1% group caused more severe damage at a near significant level ( p = 0.074). Conclusion Significant pathological damage can be caused by even the lowest doses of foam sclerosant. The most injurious concentrations were found to be 1% and 2%, morphologically. A working concentration of 1% could thus be preferable to 0.5%, especially in larger veins. Further in-vivo studies are needed in order to validate these findings.

The bleeding from various veins can be intense and may be mistaken for arterial haemorrhage. Several fatal cases are reported due to delay of treatment and inappropriate first aid. We describe five cases of haemorrhage from varicose veins that were treated with foam sclerotherapy. Polidocanol foam was injected in the various veins using ultrasound guidance. There was no recurrence of haemorrhage in any patient during the 17.4 months follow-up period. Foam sclerotherapy can be performed easily in an out-patient clinic setting. This method is an ideal therapy for haemorrhage from varicose veins because it mitigates problematic varicose veins.

La escleroterapia con espuma es un método de tratamiento para las várices de miembros inferiores. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 73 años tratada con este método. La paciente tenía antecedentes de várices en miembros inferiores debido a insuficiencia de la vena safena interna izquierda. Este método, efectivo, satisfactorio y económico, erradicó la várice y una de las principales causas de muerte.Foam sclerotherapy is treatment method for lower extremities varices. This is the case of a woman aged 73 treated with this method. Patient had varices backgrounds in lower extremities due to an insufficiency of left internal saphena vein. This effectiveness, satisfactory and economic method eradicates the varix and one of the leading death causes.

ObjectivesTo describe duplex ultrasound (DUS) outcomes 12 months following ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) of primary great saphenous varicose veins (GSVV).MethodsA consecutive series of UK National Health Service patients underwent serial DUS examinations following UGFS with 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate for symptomatic primary GSVV.Results344 treated legs (CEAP C2/3 237, C4 72, C5 14, C6 21) belonging to 278 patients (103 male) of median age 57 (range 21–89) years were enrolled between November 2004 and May 2007. The median volume of foam used was 10 (range 2–16) ml. Above-knee (AK) and below-knee (BK) GSV reflux was present in 333 (96.8%) and 308 (89.5%) legs respectively prior to treatment. AK and BK-GSV reflux was completely eradicated by a single session of UGFS in 323 (97.0%) and 294 (95.5%) legs respectively; and by two sessions of UGFS in 329 (98.8%) and 304 (98.7%) legs respectively. In those legs where GSV reflux had been eradicated, recanalisation occurred in 18/286 (6.3%) AK and 23/259 (8.9%) BK-GSV segments after 12 months follow-up.ConclusionsA single session of UGFS can eradicate reflux in the AK and BK-GSV in over 95% of patients with symptomatic primary GSVV. Recanalisation at 12 months is superior to that reported after surgery and similar to that observed following other minimally invasive techniques.

A 37-year-old male was treated with 9ml of 3% polidocanol foam, and he immediately reported photopsiae lasting a few minutes, though without migraine. Two hours after sclerotherapy, the patient developed speech disturbance for a few minutes. A pathological examination revealed nothing except a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Given the contrast between the high prevalence of PFO in general population and the extremely low incidence of neurological deficits after foam sclerotherapy, these deficits may only arise due to as-yet-unknown aetiology.

Foam sclerotherapy is a recognised safe treatment modality for low flow vascular malformations. Complications are uncommon. We report the complication of vasospasm in a nineteen year old female with a low flow (venous) malformation of her thenar eminence, leading to dusky discolouration with pain, coolness, numbness and reduced power following foam injection. Treatment with intravenous vasodilators enabled full clinical recovery, preventing irreversible complications.

Objectives To assess whether routine use of foam sclerotherapy, in addition to four-layer compression bandaging, could speed up the healing of venous ulcers. Design Randomised controlled trial involving patients recruited from a nurse-led leg ulcer clinic. A total of 315 new patients were assessed, and eleven patients were identified from follow-up clinics. Methods Inclusion criteria were: patients with an active venous leg ulcer, in the presence of superficial truncal venous incompetence and without total deep venous incompetence on duplex imaging. Patients were randomised to four-layer compression bandages alone (control) or with additional foam sclerotherapy to incompetent superficial truncal veins. The primary endpoint was ulcer healing 24 weeks after randomisation. Results It was only possible to recruit 40 patients who were suitable for analysis: 22 control, 18 additional foam sclerotherapy. There was no complication from the foam treatment and at six months the target vein was occluded in 9 of 11 evaluable patients that had foam. One patient died before 24 weeks from an unrelated cause. At 24 weeks, 17 of 20 (85% - 1 died) in the control group and 12 of 13 (92%) patients with additional foam sclerotherapy had ulcer healing (P=0.72, log rank testing). Conclusion This trial failed to recruit sufficient patients for formal comparison, but foam sclerotherapy was feasible as an adjunct to compression therapy for venous ulceration. Trial registration: Eudra CT 2005-001551-38

ObjectiveThe aim was to describe the results of starting a foam sclerotherapy service, focussing on patients with complicated venous disease.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for truncal varicose veins underwent clinical and hand-held Doppler assessment at 2 weeks and venous duplex imaging at 6 months.ResultsOne hundred and eighty-five truncal veins were treated in 165 patients. A high proportion of veins were complicated (109 CEAP classes 4–6, 76 CEAP 1–3). Ninety-one percent (168) had a single treatment session. After 2 weeks, ninety-three percent (136/147) of the truncal veins appeared occluded on hand-held Doppler examination. Ten percent (15/147) of patients had remaining visible varicosities in the lower leg. After six months, the truncal vein remained occluded in 74% (68/92), was partially occluded in 10% (9/92) and fully patent in 16% (15/92). There was no significant difference in occlusion rates between: primary (45/60–75%) and recurrent (23/32–72%) veins; CEAP 2–3 (22/30–73%) and CEAP 4–6 (46/62–74%) veins; veins with diameter