Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy for insufficiency of the great saphenous vein: occlusion rates and patient satisfaction after one year

Abstract

This study aims to describe a technique for catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy (CDS) of great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency and report occlusion rate and patient satisfaction after a single treatment. About 100 patients were included. The GSV was accessed at knee level. With the method of Tessari 10 mL sclerosant foam was made (2 mL 3% polidocanol and 8 mL air) and delivered along the GSV while the catheter was withdrawn. At two weeks and at one year after treatment the patients were evaluated. CDS was successfully performed in 94 of the 100 patients. After one year, 84% of the patients were satisfied. Seventy percent of the GSV were completely occluded, 14% were partly occluded and 15% were recanalized. No serious side-effects occurred. CDS is safe. Patient satisfaction is very satisfying and the occlusion rate is promising after a single treatment. Repeated treatments and technical development may achieve higher occlusion rates.