Triple-lumen double-balloon catheter for foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein: critical review on preliminary results.
BACKGROUND
Different catheters (angiography, single-balloon) have been used for foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein (GSV).


OBJECTIVE
Is there greater efficacy and safety in the use of a double-balloon catheter?


METHODS
Twenty patients were treated with a double-balloon catheter and 3% polidocanol foam. Follow-up after one day, one and six weeks, six and 12 months.


RESULTS
Up to week six complete success was seen in 95% (19/20) patients. Only eight patients attended the checks after six and 12 months. The occlusion rates were 75% (6/8, 6 months) resp. 50% (4/8, 12 months). A further 10 patients refused these checks as they were free of symptoms but could be questioned. Side-effects were haematoma (100%), limited phlebitis (15%) and one extended thrombophlebitis followed by hyperpigmentation.


CONCLUSIONS
A double-balloon catheter is a safe treatment option for foam sclerotherapy of the GSV. However, in this case series efficacy is not superior to the use of an angiography-catheter, a single-balloon catheter or just the direct puncture of the vein.
Reich-Schupke
S
S
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany. s.reich@elis-stiftung.de
Altmeyer
P
P
Stücker
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D057785:Catheters; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000209:etiology; D000077423:Polidocanol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology
D000077423:Polidocanol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols