Glue for superficial venous ablation

Abstract

Introduction

Varicose veins of the leg are a common clinical presentation. Management has progressed from open surgery to minimally invasive techniques. This paper reviews the introduction of minimally invasive cyanoacrylate ablation.

Methods

Medline and EMBASE were searched using combined search terms ‘cyanoacrylates’, ‘varicose veins’, ‘varicosis’, ‘vein’ and ‘animal’.

Discussion

Cyanoacrylate is commonly used as an embolising agent in various anatomical locations. Its use is expanding and animal studies have demonstrated promising results for use in superficial venous ablation. Human studies are currently small but also demonstrate positive results with few complications or side effects.

Conclusion

Larger observational studies are required to demonstrate efficacy and future randomised controlled trials are required to directly compare venous treatment methods.