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Dermatol Ther 2019 Apr 9:e12907. Epub 2019 Apr 9.

Department of Dermatology, Mersin Medical Park Hospital, Mersin, Turkey.

Long pulse 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is a very versatile laser due to its deep penetration and absorption by hemoglobin, melanin, and, water, which has gained increasing popularity over recent years for the treatment of leg veins and permanent hair removal as well as skin rejuvenation. The long-pulse Nd:YAG laser was appointed as treatment of choice for the treatment of 0.5-3. Read More

Exp Ther Med 2019 Feb 16;17(2):1106-1112. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Center Dr. Ianosi, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200000 Craiova, Romania.

Telangiectasias and reticular veins of the lower extremities are common lesions. Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard for treatment. The aim of our prospective randomized study was to compare the efficacy and safety of hypertonic 20% saline/2% lignocaine (HS) versus polidocanol 0. Read More

J Vasc Interv Radiol 2018 06 25;29(6):781-789. Epub 2018 Apr 25.

Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Number 277, Western Yanta Road, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province 710061, China. Electronic address:

Purpose: To compare outcomes of patients who received simultaneous tributary endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or foam sclerotherapy (FS) with EVLA of the great saphenous vein (GSV) trunk.

Methods And Materials: This study recruited 418 patients (542 legs) with diagnosed varicose veins. Patients in the EVLA/FS group (255 patients, 327 legs) received concomitant FS for the tributaries with truncal lasering. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018 07 19;6(4):546-550. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Department of Vascular Surgery, Black Country Vascular Network, Dudley, United Kingdom.

Objective: The aim of this review was to identify the evidence regarding the optimal duration of compression therapy after endovenous ablation of varicose veins.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies assessing the use of compression after endovenous ablation in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The primary outcomes for this study were pain score and complications. Read More

Vascular 2018 Oct 23;26(5):472-476. Epub 2018 Feb 23.

Vascular Surgery, Total Vascular Care®, Brooklyn, NY, USA.

Background There have been well-documented implications of race/ethnicity on the outcome of various vascular diseases, yet there are limited data on risk factors and outcome of lower limb swelling. While many patients improve with endovenous therapy (thermal ablation or iliac vein stenting), some patients' symptoms persist. The goal of this study was to identify clinical factors including race/ethnicity related to persistent leg swelling after treatment with both iliac vein stenting and thermal ablation. Read More

Vasc Endovascular Surg 2018 May 15;52(4):245-248. Epub 2018 Feb 15.

1 Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, UK.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether anticoagulation (warfarin or direct oral inhibitors) affected the success of endovenous treatment.

Methods: Patients taking anticoagulation (warfarin or direct oral inhibitors) undergoing endovenous treatment in the form of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) were matched against controls for sex, age, leg, and vein. Data were collected prospectively between January 2012 and March 2017. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018 05 10;6(3):338-346.e1. Epub 2018 Feb 10.

Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Electronic address:

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the current clinical practice and management strategies for varicose veins among Chinese physicians in general and in specific case vignettes.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 726 Chinese physicians who were attending the vascular surgery academic conferences during August 2016 to May 2017 in China. Physicians were eligible if they were familiar with several currently used treatment techniques for varicose veins. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018 01 24;6(1):31-40. Epub 2017 Aug 24.

Centrum Oosterwal, Alkmaar, The Netherlands.

Background: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency-powered segmental ablation (RPSA) of the incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV) are both known for their excellent technical and clinical outcomes for the treatment of varicose veins. RPSA has reduced postprocedural pain and morbidity with shorter recovery time for the patient compared with EVLA using bare-tip fibers. However, new-generation EVLA devices with less traumatic radial-tip fibers (RTFs) operating at longer wavelengths up to 1470 nm also reduce postprocedural pain. Read More

Duodecim 2017;133(11):1069-75

Modern invasive treatment of superficial venous insufficiency of the lower extremities is largely based on the use of intravenous procedures under ultrasound guidance. The first-line treatment is thermoablation, in which the insufficient superficial vein, typically vena saphena magna or parva, is constricted by using laser or radio frequency energy under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is nearly always successful under local anesthesia and can be performed as an outpatient operation. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2018 08;44(8):1153-1155

Division of Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California Vein Clinic, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, California Division of Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California Vein Clinic, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, California.

Phlebology 2018 Sep 28;33(8):534-539. Epub 2017 Sep 28.

1 The Whiteley Clinic, Guildford, Surrey, UK.

Aims To report on great saphenous vein diameter distribution of patients undergoing endovenous laser ablation for lower limb varicose veins and the ablation technique for large diameter veins. Methods We collected retrospective data of 1929 (943 left leg and 986 right leg) clinically incompetent great saphenous vein diameters treated with endovenous laser ablation over five years and six months. The technical success of procedure, complications and occlusion rate at short-term follow-up are reported. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2017 07 12;5(4):525-532. Epub 2017 May 12.

Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.

Background: The Effect of Surgery and Compression on Healing and Recurrence (ESCHAR) trial previously reported that patients with venous leg ulcers treated with saphenous stripping experienced a significantly reduced incidence of ulcer recurrence compared with patients treated with compression therapy. Most patients with leg ulcers and saphenous insufficiency are currently treated with endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA), but little information is available on the long-term results after EVTA in Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) clinical class 5 (C5) and class 6 (C6) patients.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all CEAP C5 or C6 patients treated with EVTA to define the incidence of ulcer healing and recurrence. Read More

SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2017 2;5:2050313X17712643. Epub 2017 Jun 2.

Absolute Aesthetics, Guildford, UK.

A 40-year-old woman with a history of alopecia areata related to stress or hormonal changes was treated for bilateral primary symptomatic varicose veins (CEAP clinical score C2S) of pelvic origin, using a staged procedure. Her first procedure entailed pelvic vein embolisation of three pelvic veins using 14 coils and including foam sclerotherapy of the tributaries, using 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate. Following this procedure, she had an exacerbation of alopecia areata with some moderate shedding of hair. Read More

Am Health Drug Benefits 2016 Nov;9(8):455-465

Vice President, Xcenda.

Background: Approximately 24% of adults in the United States have visible varicose veins, and an estimated 6% have evidence of advanced chronic venous disease. The majority of individuals with varicose veins seek treatment because of symptoms, such as aching, throbbing, fatigue, pruritus, ankle swelling, and tenderness, rather than cosmetic reasons. Furthermore, varicose veins are a manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency, which can progress to leg pain, leg edema, chronic skin changes, and nonhealing ulcers. Read More

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2017 05;5(3):312-320.e2

Section of Vascular Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich. Electronic address:

Objective: The Vascular Quality Initiative Varicose Vein Registry (VQI VVR) represents a new Patient Safety Organization database launched in January 2015 as a collaborative effort between the American Venous Forum and the Society for Vascular Surgery. This study was undertaken to identify real-world trends among treatment choices and outcomes of varicose vein patients.

Methods: Registry data prospectively captured anatomic, procedural, and outcome data for patients with C2 or more severe disease undergoing intervention for venous varicosities from January to November 2015. Read More

Int Angiol 2017 Aug 31;36(4):368-374. Epub 2017 Jan 31.

Novosibirsk State Budget Research Institute of Circulation Pathology, Ministry for Public Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia.

Background: The aim of study was to estimate the safety and efficacy of using laser wavelength of 1560 nm with the foam sclerotherapy (FS) of varicose veins (VVs) for the treatment of severe primary chronic venous insufficiency (CVI, C4-C6) in patients with different diameters of the proximal segment (DPS) of the great saphenous vein (GSV).

Methods: We have separated the patients into two groups depending on the size of GSV: group 1 (281 cases; DPS of GSV less than 15 mm) and group 2 (210 cases; DPS of GSV more than 15 mm). Both groups received the endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the saphenous vein trunk, incompetent perforator veins (IPs) and FS (Tessari method) of VVs. Read More

Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2016 Nov 1;71(11):650-656. Epub 2016 Nov 1.

Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, São Paulo/SP, Brazil.

Objectives:: This study compared radiofrequency ablation versus conventional surgery in patients who had not undergone previous treatment for bilateral great saphenous vein insufficiency, with each patient serving as his own control.

Method:: This was a randomized controlled trial that included 18 patients and was carried out between November 2013 and May 2015. Each of the lower limbs of each patient was randomly assigned to undergo either radiofrequency ablation or conventional surgery. Read More

J Cosmet Laser Ther 2017 Feb 2;19(1):30-35. Epub 2016 Dec 2.

c "Casa di Cura Città di Parma" , Parma , Italy.

Background: Visible leg veins are not only a mere aesthetic problem, but may also be manifestation of altered microcirculation and superficial venous incompetency. Sclerotherapy is the first-line treatment for leg veins < 4 mm, but it often needs multiple sessions and sometimes fails. The main limitations of transcutaneous laser treatment are the diameter and the depth of the veins: the greater, the harder photothermolysis is, so that higher powers may lead to aesthetic complications. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016 11 29;11:CD010878. Epub 2016 Nov 29.

Academic Vascular Unit, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, UK, S1 4DA.

Background: Short (or small) saphenous vein (SSV) varices occur as a result of an incompetent sapheno-popliteal junction, where the SSV joins the popliteal vein, resulting in reflux in the SSV; they account for about 15% of varicose veins. Untreated varicose veins may sometimes lead to ulceration of the leg, which is difficult to manage. Traditionally, treatment was restricted to surgery or conservative management. Read More

Ann Vasc Surg 2017 Feb 22;39:286.e11-286.e14. Epub 2016 Sep 22.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan.

We report a case of pulsatile varicose veins successfully managed by endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) of the great saphenous vein (GSV). A 77-year-old woman taking an anticoagulant was transferred to our hospital for pulsatile varicose veins complicated with repeated venous bleeding from an ulcer of her left lower leg. Doppler echocardiography showed severe tricuspid regurgitation, and duplex ultrasonography revealed an arterial-like pulsating flow in the saphenofemoral junction and along the GSV, but an arteriovenous fistula, obstruction of the deep veins, and the distal incompetent perforators were not detected. Read More

Praxis (Bern 1994) 2016 Jul;105(14):813-9

2 Angiologie, Universitätsspital Basel.

Venous leg symptoms are frequent, but their relevance is frequently underestimated. With the introduction of effective, minimal-invasive endovenous treatment modalities the treatment of varicose veins has recently made major advances. The basis of every treatment decision is a competent anamnesis, clinical investigation and duplex scan. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2016 May;42 Suppl 2:S131-8

*Maryland Laser, Skin and Vein Institute, Hunt Valley, Maryland; †Gold Skin Care Center, Nashville, Tennessee; ‡Division of Dermatology, Section of Procedural Dermatology, Cooper University Health Care, Marlton, New Jersey.

Background: Patients increasingly seek to enhance the appearance of their legs. Elimination of unwanted leg veins, reduction of epidermal photo-aging changes such as solar lentigines and keratoses, tightening of skin laxity and reduction of adipose tissue are among the most commonly requested goals. Many patients require a combination approach to address their concerns. Read More

J Invest Surg 2016 Oct 24;29(5):254-9. Epub 2016 Mar 24.

a Department of Radiology , Wuxi Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital , Wuxi , China.

Background: Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is safe and effective for lower limb venous ulcers. However, severe necrosis and infection in the ulcer area are contraindications of puncture and EVLT. Local bath with ozone gas has been shown to improve the condition of ulcer areas. Read More

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2016 Aug 16;52(2):234-41. Epub 2016 Mar 16.

Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Objective/background: The objective was to identify predictors to develop and validate a prognostic model of recanalization of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in patients treated with endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA).

Methods: The search strategy of Siribumrungwong was updated between August 2011 and August 2014 using MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane register to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in which patients presenting with GSV reflux were treated with radiofrequency or endovenous laser ablation. Leg level data (n = 1226) of 15/23 selected RCTs were pooled. Read More

J Vasc Nurs 2016 Mar;34(1):12-6

The Mapperley Park Clinic, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Objectives: Inadvertent intra-arterial injection is a rare and serious complication of sclerotherapy. Multiple treatments have been used in reported cases, with varying levels of success. We report a rare case of intra-arterial injection being treated with steroids and pulsed dye laser therapy and present a plan for future incidences. Read More

Phlebology 2017 Feb 9;32(1):49-54. Epub 2016 Jul 9.

Australian Laser and Vein Clinic & Sydney Centre for Venous Disease, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Background Neurological complications are well documented in association with both surgical stripping or disconnection and thermal ablation of the small saphenous vein. The sural nerve (medial sural cutaneous nerve) is most vulnerable due to its close relationship to the small saphenous vein. Objective This is a cross-sectional observational study of the sonographic anatomy of 115 Australian patients to determine the course of the sural nerve and its relationship to the small saphenous vein, and to identify its relevance in the thermal ablation of the small saphenous vein. Read More

Vasc Endovascular Surg 2016 Jan 14;50(1):47-51. Epub 2016 Jan 14.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.

Purpose: To compare endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency venous ablation (RFA) in different legs in the same patients with venous insufficiency.

Methods: Sixty patients with bilateral saphenous vein insufficiency were included. Endovenous laser ablation or RFA was applied to one of the patient's legs and the remaining procedure, RFA or EVLA, to the other leg. Read More

Diagn Interv Radiol 2015 Sep-Oct;21(5):410-4

Department of Radiology, Private Ortadoğu Hospital, Adana, Turkey.

Purpose: We aimed to assess hemodynamic changes in calf perforator veins (PVs) after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of saphenous veins.

Methods: The series comprised 60 limbs of 41 patients (27 female, 14 male; median age, 43 years [range, 22-78 years]) who underwent EVLA for varicose veins. All patients were prospectively evaluated by means of color Doppler ultrasonography before and after the procedure. Read More

Phlebology 2016 May 29;31(4):275-82. Epub 2015 May 29.

Hemostasis & Thrombosis Research Laboratories, Loyola University, Maywood, USA.

Objective: Assessments of endogenous pro-thrombotic biomarkers are performed invariably on arm blood. However, the commonest site for thrombosis is in the leg. A leg blood sample may reflect local pro-thrombotic processes more accurately than systemic arm blood. Read More

Angiology 2015 Oct 5;66(9):882-8. Epub 2015 Jan 5.

Hemostasis & Thrombosis Research Laboratories, Loyola University, Maywood, IL, USA.

d-Dimer is a prothrombotic biomarker and a very sensitive measure of endogenous fibrinolysis. It is used as a screening test for suspected deep vein thrombosis. This study investigated whether d-dimer levels were increased in the varicose veins of patients in comparison to their own arm samples. Read More

Trials 2014 Dec 19;15:497. Epub 2014 Dec 19.

Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rubião Junior s/n, CEP 18,618-970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil.

Background: The prevalence of chronic venous disease is high and occurs more frequently in females. According to the clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathological classification (CEAP) definition, the reticular veins are included in the C1 class and are mainly associated with aesthetic complaints. Several invasive techniques are used for treatment, including mini phlebectomy, laser ablation, and radiofrequency ablation. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2014 Dec;40(12):1309-18

*Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; †Maryland Laser, Skin & Vein Institute, Hunt Valley, Maryland; ‡Department of Dermatology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire; §Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, California; ‖Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; ¶Department of Dermatology, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, New York; #Department of Dermatology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.

Background: The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) periodically develops consensus documents for its members concerning various aspects of dermatologic surgery. Unwanted and painful leg veins are a very widespread problem. Many advances in sclerotherapy of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins have occurred since the previous consensus documents. Read More

Phlebology 2015 Oct 8;30(9):627-31. Epub 2014 Oct 8.

Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, USA.

Objective: To identify the anatomical and clinical parameters that predict lack of regression of superficial varicosities after ablation of the great saphenous vein.

Methods: Symptomatic patients treated with endovenous ablation from August 2006 to July 2013, by a single surgeon, were included. Recorded parameters included age, sex, size, and extent of varicosities (class I-IV) (patient standing), and diameter and length (patient supine) of treated great saphenous vein. Read More

N Z Med J 2014 Aug 1;127(1399):43-50. Epub 2014 Aug 1.

Auckland Regional Vascular Services, Auckland City Hospital, Private Bag 92 024, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of adopting endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) as the primary treatment modality for varicose veins at Auckland City Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand).

Methods: The outcomes of 354 consecutive EVLT procedures performed between 2007 and 2013 were reviewed. Data was collected from a prospectively maintained procedural database and by retrospective chart review. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2015 Mar 28;29(3):549-54. Epub 2014 Jul 28.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Bern (Inselspital), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

Background: Telangiectasias of the lower extremities are very common. There are no blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trials comparing laser modalities with the gold standard sclerotherapy, while the few available studies encompass small patients cohorts.

Objective: This prospective, randomized, open-label trial compares the efficacy of sclerotherapy with polidocanol vs. Read More

Phlebology 2015 Jul 30;30(6):397-404. Epub 2014 Apr 30.

Dept. of Dermatology, University Clinic of Mainz, Germany

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endovenous cyanoacrylate-based embolization of incompetent great saphenous veins.

Methods: Incompetent great saphenous veins in 38 patients were embolized by cyanoacrylate bolus injections under ultrasound guidance without the use of perivenous tumescent anesthesia or graduated compression stockings. Follow-up was performed over a period of 24 months. Read More

Practitioner 2013 Nov-Dec;257(1766):21-4, 2-3

Imperial College London.

Up to 30% of the UK population are affected by varicose veins. They are a manifestation of increased venous pressure in the lower limb caused by impaired venous return. Primary varicosities result from poor drainage from the superficial to the deep venous system. Read More

J Mal Vasc 2014 Feb 18;39(1):26-46. Epub 2014 Jan 18.

7, rue Lesdiguières, 38000 Grenoble, France.

Unlabelled: The quality standards of the French Society for Vascular Medicine for the ultrasound assessment of the superficial venous system of the lower limbs are based on the two following requirements: technical know-how (mastering the use of ultrasound devices and the method of examination); medical know-how (ability to adapt the methods and scope of the examination to its clinical indications and purpose and to rationally analyze and interpret its results).

Aims Of The Quality Standards: To describe an optimal method of examination in relation to the clinical question and hypothesis; to achieve consistent practice, methods, glossary terminologies and reporting; to provide good practice reference points and to promote a high quality process.

Themes Of The Quality Standard: The three levels of examination. Read More

Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2014 Jan;96(1):5-10

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, UK.

This review presents the common diseases associated with superficial venous insufficiency of the leg. These include varicose veins, swelling, skin damage and ulceration. The benefits and rationale behind treatment are discussed, followed by the historical advances from ancient mortality and prayer to the modern endovenous revolution. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2014 Mar 24;29(2):393-403. Epub 2013 Dec 24.

Department of Dermatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Burgemeester's Jacobplein 51, 3015 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a commonly used and very effective minimally invasive therapy to manage leg varicosities. Yet, and despite a clinical history of 16 years, no international consensus on a best treatment protocol has been reached so far. Evidence presented in this paper supports the opinion that insufficient knowledge of the underlying physics amongst frequent users could explain this shortcoming. Read More

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2014 Feb 11;47(2):172-9. Epub 2013 Nov 11.

Department of Surgery, Diyarbakır Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Turkey.

Objectives: Ischemic conditioning (IC) is a method of angiogenic stimulus for limb ischemia. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of short-term repeated ischemic stimulus on critical lower limb ischemic injury.

Methods: Rats were divided into four groups consisting of 40 animals in each group: sham, ischemia, local IC, and remote IC groups. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2014 Mar;29(2):405-22

Endovenous laser treatment (ELT) has evolved into a frequently employed modality for the treatment of leg varicose veins. Due to the very high complete response rates, minimal complications and side effects, and the possibility to monitor therapeutic outcome noninvasively by duplex ultrasound, a considerable amount of reports have been published on clinical and translational studies, whereas disproportionally few studies have been performed to elucidate the molecular and cellular basis for post-ELT vessel obliteration. Consequently, this review addresses the putative molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for varicose vein obliteration following laser irradiation in the context of endovenous laser–tissue interactions. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2014 Mar 13;29(2):481-92. Epub 2013 Nov 13.

Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders (SNIP), Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,

Leg telangiectasias and reticular veins are a common complaint affecting more than 80% of the population to some extent. To date, the gold standard remains sclerotherapy for most patients. However, there may be some specific situations, where sclerotherapy is contraindicated such as needle phobia, allergy to certain sclerosing agents, and the presence of vessels smaller than the diameter of a 30-gauge needle (including telangiectatic matting). Read More

J Wound Care 2013 10;22(10 Suppl):S20-2

Medical Director, Vein Experts, Water’s Edge Dermatology, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, US.

The technique of foam sclerotherapy directed at the distal most vessels, draining the ulcer bed was first described in 2010, with excellent penetration into the underlying venous network possible with this technique. Thirty-five patients have now been treated with this technique as the initial treatment at Midwest Vein Laser, USA. There have been no complications with this technique and rapid healing occurred within 4-8 weeks after the initial treatment in 90% of the patients, and all ulcers were healed at 4 months. Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2014 Feb 11;46(2):81-8. Epub 2013 Oct 11.

Main Line Center for Laser Surgery, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, 19003.

Background And Objectives: This study investigated a novel, high-power, 532 nm frequency-doubled Nd:YAG, KTP laser with contact cooling for the treatment of spider veins of the lower extremities.

Study: Twenty female subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III, were treated to 79 sites using the 532 nm wavelength of a dual-wavelength 532/1,064 nm laser (Excel V, Cutera, Brisbane, CA) with a 5 mm-diameter spot, fluences ranging from 13 to 15 J/cm(2) , and a pulse-duration of 40 milliseconds. Two treatments were performed 12 weeks apart. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013 Oct 4(10):CD009494. Epub 2013 Oct 4.

Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, University of Hull/ Hull York Medical School, Vascular Surgical Dept, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, East Yorkshire, UK, HU3 2JZ.

Background: Venous leg ulcers represent the worst extreme within the spectrum of chronic venous disease. Affecting up to 3% of the adult population, this typically chronic, recurring condition significantly impairs quality of life, and its treatment places a heavy financial burden upon healthcare systems. The current mainstay of treatment for venous leg ulcers is compression therapy, which has been shown to enhance ulcer healing rates. Read More

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2013 Nov 5;46(5):588-92. Epub 2013 Sep 5.

Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.

Objectives: To determine if the duration of wearing compression stockings after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) has influence on pain and quality of life.

Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Between December 2006 and February 2008, 109 consecutive patients with EVLA of the GSV were analyzed. Read More

Phlebology 2014 Dec 29;29(10):658-66. Epub 2013 Aug 29.

Instituto Médico Vilafortuny, Cambrils, Tarragona, Spain

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a new method of clearing varicose veins in the long term. It consists of applying the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser following the injection of polidocanol microfoam, in two consecutive sessions, treating both legs in full in each session.

Method: Randomized, Polidocanol-controlled, blind evaluation clinical trial comparing the results between 79 legs treated with Polidocanol and 517 treated with Polidocanol + Laser. Read More

Phlebology 2014 Oct 17;29(9):608-18. Epub 2013 Jul 17.

BTG International, Philadelphia, PA, USA and London, UK

Objective: VANISH-2 Investigator Group: K Gibson, Bellevue, WA, USA; M Goldman, San Diego, CA, USA; P Hertzman, Los Alamos, NM, USA; S Hirsch, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; R Hye, San Diego, CA, USA; M Isaacs, Walnut Creek, CA, USA; M Plaza-Ponte, Monroeville, PA, USA; S Rathbun, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; J Rhodes, Rochester, NY, USA; G Rosenberg, Frederick, MD, USA; M Schul, Lafayette, IN, USA; M Stanbro, Greenville, SC, USA; and R Weiss, Hunt Valley, MD, USA To determine efficacy and safety of polidocanol endovenous microfoam in treatment of symptoms and appearance in patients with saphenofemoral junction incompetence due to reflux of the great saphenous vein or major accessory veins.

Method: Patients were randomized equally to receive polidocanol endovenous microfoam 0.5%, polidocanol endovenous microfoam 1. Read More