title: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Spider Veins.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spider veins on the lower limbs are very common and have been reported to be present in 41% of women over 50. Sclerotherapy as a traditional treatment for spider veins has a low cost, though it may have adverse sequelae. Lasers have shown fewer but still substantial complications as well. Its lower efficacy relative to sclerotherapy has limited laser application for the treatment of spider veins.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present a new alternative in management of spider veins which involves a low voltage current delivered via an insulated micro needle with beveled tip.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty female patients were treated with the "Given Needle." The technique utilizes a micro needle with an insulated shaft with an exposed beveled tip, which is inserted into a hand piece connected to a mono-polar electrical generator. The needle is introduced through the skin into or on the spider vein. The current is then applied with obliteration of the vein.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty patients (66%) had more than a 70% resolution. The most common complication was skin erythema, which developed in 15 patients, followed by bruising in 13 patients. Both of these complications resolved in 2-3 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A novel approach for the treatment of spider veins has been described. The development of an insulated micro needle with an exposed beveled tip utilizing low current has minimized adjacent tissue damage and improved efficacy. The low cost, low level of complications, and comparable results offer a valuable alternative to sclerotherapy and laser treatment.
authors.affiliation: Dr Mujadzic is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and Dr Ritter is a Professor of Surgery in the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia. Dr Given is Professor Emeritus at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Mirsad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mujadzic
authors.affiliation: Dr Mujadzic is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and Dr Ritter is a Professor of Surgery in the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia. Dr Given is Professor Emeritus at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Edmond F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Ritter
authors.affiliation: Dr Mujadzic is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and Dr Ritter is a Professor of Surgery in the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia. Dr Given is Professor Emeritus at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Kenna S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Given
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003288:Contusions / Q000209:etiology; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008875:Middle Aged; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000601:surgery*