title: Medium-term results of ultrasonography-guided, catheter-assisted foam sclerotherapy of the long saphenous vein for treatment of varicose veins.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We previously reported our technique of ultrasonography-guided, catheter-assisted foam sclerotherapy of the long saphenous vein for treatment of primary varicose veins. In this study, we present the technical results, based on follow-up duplex images, and patient-reported symptom improvement and satisfaction.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients treated with ultrasonography-guided, catheter-assisted foam sclerotherapy between March 2006 and August 2007 were included in this review. Prospectively collected clinical data and follow-up postoperative duplex examinations at one day, six months and 12 months were reviewed. Telephone interviews with a standard questionnaire were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the study period, 66 lower limbs in 62 patients were treated using the described technique. The median follow-up period was 12 months (range one day to 38 months). Successful occlusion rate was 98% at six months and 80% at 12 months for patients who attended follow-up duplex imaging. Seven patients underwent a second procedure. Patient satisfaction was good, with 96% reporting symptom improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasonography-guided, catheter-assisted foam sclerotherapy is safe, minimally invasive and yields good medium-term occlusion rates of the treated veins.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore. vquetan@gmail.com
authors.forename: V K M
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: S Z
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Abidin
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*