Catheter-assisted vein sclerotherapy: a new approach for sclerotherapy of the greater saphenous vein with a double-lumen balloon catheter.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to optimize sclerotherapy of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) by targeted application of foamed sclerosant by using a catheter.


METHODS
We designed a new double-lumen catheter that is inserted into the GSV. Via one lumen, a balloon at the tip of the catheter can be inflated to stop the blood flow. Via the second lumen, the sclerosing agent can be injected and aspirated. This method enabled us to perform a targeted application of the sclerosing agent [catheter-assisted vein sclerotherapy (KAVS)]. In an open study, outpatients suffering from varicosis of the GSV received a foam sclerotherapy under ultrasound guidance, using the newly developed KAVS catheter.


RESULTS
Thirty patients with an insufficiency (reflux) of the GSV were treated with the newly developed KAVS method using foamed polidocanol. The intervention was well tolerated in all patients without the occurrence of serious side effects. In 27 of the 30 treated patients (90%), we found a closure of the GSV at control visits 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The KAVS method represents a feasible approach for sclerotherapy of the GSV. The efficiency and treatment modalities need to be explored in further studies.
Brodersen
Jens P
JP
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. Brodersen@derma.de
Geismar
Ulrike
U
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077423:Polidocanol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012501:Saphenous Vein; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy
D012597:Sclerosing Solutions; D000077423:Polidocanol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols