polidocanol and Phlebitis

Different catheters (angiography, single-balloon) have been used for foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein (GSV).. Is there greater efficacy and safety in the use of a double-balloon catheter?. Twenty patients were treated with a double-balloon catheter and 3% polidocanol foam. Follow-up after one day, one and six weeks, six and 12 months.. Up to week six complete success was seen in 95% (19/20) patients. Only eight patients attended the checks after six and 12 months. The occlusion rates were 75% (6/8, 6 months) resp. 50% (4/8, 12 months). A further 10 patients refused these checks as they were free of symptoms but could be questioned. Side-effects were haematoma (100%), limited phlebitis (15%) and one extended thrombophlebitis followed by hyperpigmentation.. A double-balloon catheter is a safe treatment option for foam sclerotherapy of the GSV. However, in this case series efficacy is not superior to the use of an angiography-catheter, a single-balloon catheter or just the direct puncture of the vein.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Catheterization; Catheters; Female; Hematoma; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phlebitis; Polidocanol; Polyethylene Glycols; Saphenous Vein; Sclerotherapy; Thrombophlebitis