Early Outcomes after Polidocanol Endovenous Microfoam Therapy for Varicose Veins in Japan

Abstract

Objectives: There has been substantial progress in the treatment of varicose veins. This study aims to examine the early outcomes in patients treated using polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM) (Varithena®, BTG plc., London, United Kingdom) therapy.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the early clinical course of 50 patients with refractory varicose veins who underwent PEM therapy in 2018. Data relating to patient characteristics, disease etiology and post-operative outcomes were collected.

Results: Etiology of varicose veins in 50 patients consisted of five primary diseases; valve impairment of saphenofemoral junction (7 patients), post-operative stasis dermatitis (10 patients), post-operative residual veins (30 patients), veins with significant tortuosity (2 patients) and recurrence due to neovascularization (1 patient). Initial PEM therapy success rate was 86.3 %. No 30-day mortality and no severe complications were noted.

Conclusion: PEM therapy could help to shed light on the treatment of refractory varicose veins with various backgrounds.