Combined Coil Embolization and Foam Sclerotherapy for the Management of Varicose Veins

Ann Vasc Surg. 2017 Jan:38:293-297. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2016.05.101. Epub 2016 Aug 12.

Abstract

Background: We propose a novel technique for endovenous treatment of varicose veins (VVs) using combined coil embolization and foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein (GSV).

Methods: A retrospective case-series analysis on patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided coil embolization of the GSV and foam sclerotherapy of the GSV and below-knee varices at a single Canadian center.

Results: Twenty-two patients underwent the procedure on 23 legs. Most patients (78.3%) presented for follow-up 57.2 ± 21.9 days postoperatively. Doppler studies demonstrated complete GSV occlusion in all patients. While 3 patients (13.6%) noted skin discoloration overlying the treated VVs, none complained of pain on follow-up or developed leg numbness, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary emboli.

Conclusions: Coil embolization and foam sclerotherapy are a novel and effective treatment for VVs that uses existing and readily available angiographic equipment.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / adverse effects
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / instrumentation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ontario
  • Phlebography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Saphenous Vein* / diagnostic imaging
  • Sclerosing Solutions / administration & dosage*
  • Sclerosing Solutions / adverse effects
  • Sclerotherapy / adverse effects
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate / administration & dosage*
  • Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate / adverse effects
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler
  • Varicose Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Varicose Veins / therapy*

Substances

  • Sclerosing Solutions
  • Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate