Efficacy Of Endovenous Laser Treatment With Ultrasound-guided Foam Sclerotherapy In Small Saphenous and Non-Great Saphenous Reflux

King T¹, Eaton T², Featherston M³, Cohen A¹, Sorenson S¹, Schul M⁴, Putterman P³, Harry JL¹, Vayuvegula S¹, McDonagh B¹, Guptan RC⁵. Illinois Phlebology Group¹, Wisconsin Phlebology Medical Group², North Carolina Phlebology³, Indiana Phlebology⁴ and Venous Research Foundation⁵, USA .

Background: Endovenous Laser Treatment ( ELT ) has proven to be an effective alternative to stripping and ligation surgery for Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) reflux. However, the use of ELT in the treatment of Small Saphenous Vein (SSV) reflux has been limited due to laser fiber size requirements and the higher prevalence of anomalous anatomical presentations of the SSV compared to the GSV.

Method: In this prospective series (n=29), 21 SSV’s, four Antero-lateral branches and four Postero-medial branches of the GSV were treated with ELT and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. All patients had physical evidence of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) with a CEAP clinical class of C1-6. The Aberdeen venous score was used to assess the quality of life of the study patients.

Conclusion: All the patients (100%) had sustained elimination of reflux (range: one-five months) and improvement in their quality of life. The combination of ELT and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy demonstrates a successful adaptation of two treatment modalities that safely and effectively treats the SSV and larger tributaries of the GSV. A study with additional cases and more long-term follow-up is in progress.

Click here to read our other published research