Invasive treatment of superficial veins of the lower extremities.

Abstract

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. When necessary, visible collateral varices can be treated with foam sclerotherapy or by surgical excision. The need for associated medication or longer follow-up is limited and recovery is fast. The patients can be mobilized immediately, and only a couple of days of sick leave are usually required.