The FOVELASS study, a randomised multicentre trial published this year by the French Society of Phlebology, confirms the technical superiority of endovenous laser over sclerosing foam in the treatment of small saphenous vein incompetence, over a 3-year follow-up. However, this study also validates the good clinical results of foam, equivalent to those of endovenous laser, already observed in other clinical studies on the great saphenous vein. Thermal ablation has therefore consolidated its leading position in the treatment of saphenous veins but depending on the anatomical configuration of the veins and the economic context, sclerosing foam, which is widely applicable, highly versatile, and cost-effective, may be an interesting alternative.
Keywords: Endovenous laser ablation; Reflux; Small saphenous veins; Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy; Varicose veins; Venous thromboembolism.
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