Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy for insufficiency of the great saphenous vein: occlusion rates and patient satisfaction after one year.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe a technique for catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy (CDS) of great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency and report occlusion rate and patient satisfaction after a single treatment.
METHODS: About 100 patients were included. The GSV was accessed at knee level. With the method of Tessari 10 mL sclerosant foam was made (2 mL 3% polidocanol and 8 mL air) and delivered along the GSV while the catheter was withdrawn. At two weeks and at one year after treatment the patients were evaluated.
RESULTS: CDS was successfully performed in 94 of the 100 patients. After one year, 84% of the patients were satisfied. Seventy percent of the GSV were completely occluded, 14% were partly occluded and 15% were recanalized. No serious side-effects occurred.
CONCLUSIONS: CDS is safe. Patient satisfaction is very satisfying and the occlusion rate is promising after a single treatment. Repeated treatments and technical development may achieve higher occlusion rates.