Comparison of Endovenous Ablation Techniques, Foam Sclerotherapy, and Surgical Stripping for Great Saphenous Varicose Veins

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides a summary of a landmark study in vascular surgery comparing the outcomes of foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency, laser, and surgical treatment of primary varicose veins. The trial demonstrated a higher rate of recanalization of the great saphenous vein after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and no difference in the technical efficacy between the other modalities. This chapter describes the basics of the study, including funding, study location, inclusion and exclusion criteria, how many patients were recruited, study design, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, gives a summary, and concludes with a relevant clinical case.