BACKGROUND: The introduction of cyanoacrylate (CA) within a blood vessel triggers polymerization, followed by an inflammatory reaction. METHODS: A sheath was positioned 2.0 cm caudad to the junction of the superficial epigastric and abdominus rectus veins in 2 swine, followed by ultrasound-guided injection of 0.16 mL of CA glue. After glue delivery, the catheter was pulled back 3 cm, compression was applied to the treatment site, and the process was repeated for the entire length. At 60 days postimplantation, the veins were harvested surgically and examined histologically. RESULTS: The histologic changes were consistent with a chronic foreign-body-type inflammatory response. Venous closure, segmental wall thickening, and fibrosis were observed. CONCLUSION: Injection of CA is feasible for closure of superficial veins in animal models. Vein closure is achieved via an inflammatory process which ultimately leads to fibrosis.
BACKGROUND: The introduction of cyanoacrylate (CA) within a blood vessel triggers polymerization, followed by an inflammatory reaction. METHODS: A sheath was positioned 2.0 cm caudad to the junction of the superficial epigastric and abdominus rectus veins in 2 swine, followed by ultrasound-guided injection of 0.16 mL of CA glue. After glue delivery, the catheter was pulled back 3 cm, compression was applied to the treatment site, and the process was repeated for the entire length. At 60 days postimplantation, the veins were harvested surgically and examined histologically. RESULTS: The histologic changes were consistent with a chronic foreign-body-type inflammatory response. Venous closure, segmental wall thickening, and fibrosis were observed. CONCLUSION: Injection of CA is feasible for closure of superficial veins in animal models. Vein closure is achieved via an inflammatory process which ultimately leads to fibrosis.