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[[File:Sclerotherapy.png|thumb|Sclerotherapy]]
[[File:Sclerotherapy.png|thumb|Sclerotherapy]]
'''Sclerotherapy''' (the word reflects the Greek ''skleros'', meaning ''hard'')<ref>
'''Sclerotherapy''' (the word reflects the Greek ''skleros'', meaning ''hard'')<ref>
{{OEtymD|sclero- |accessdate=2017-11-08}}
{{OEtymD|sclero- |access-date=2017-11-08}}
</ref>
</ref>
is a procedure used to treat blood vessel malformations ([[vascular malformation]]s) and also malformations of the [[lymphatic system]]. A medicine is injected into the vessels, which makes them shrink. It is used for children and young adults with vascular or lymphatic malformations. In adults, sclerotherapy is often used to treat [[spider veins]], smaller [[varicose veins]], [[hemorrhoid]]s,<ref name="William R. Finkelmeier 2004">William R. Finkelmeier, Sclerotherapy, Ch. 12, ACS Surgery: Principles & Practice, 2004, WebMD (hardcover book)</ref> and [[hydrocele]]s.<ref name="Beiko">Darren T Beiko, Aspiration and Sclerotherapy versus hydrocelectomy for treatment of hydroceles, Urology Vol 61, Issue 4 (Apr 2003)</ref>
is a procedure used to treat blood vessel malformations ([[vascular malformation]]s) and also malformations of the [[lymphatic system]]. A medicine is injected into the vessels, which makes them shrink. It is used for children and young adults with vascular or lymphatic malformations. In adults, sclerotherapy is often used to treat [[spider veins]], smaller [[varicose veins]], [[hemorrhoid]]s,<ref name="William R. Finkelmeier 2004">{{cite book | vauthors = Finkelmeier R | chapter = Sclerotherapy, Ch. 12| veditors = Souba WW | date = 2005 | title = ACS Surgery: Principles & Practice | location = United Kingdom | publisher = WebMD }}</ref> and [[hydrocele]]s.<ref name="Beiko">{{cite journal | vauthors = Beiko DT, Kim D, Morales A | title = Aspiration and sclerotherapy versus hydrocelectomy for treatment of hydroceles | journal = Urology | volume = 61 | issue = 4 | pages = 708–712 | date = April 2003 | pmid = 12670550 | doi = 10.1016/s0090-4295(02)02430-5 }}</ref>


Sclerotherapy is one method for the treatment of spider veins, varicose veins (which are also often treated with surgery, [[Endovenous thermal ablation|radiofrequency]], and [[laser ablation]]), and venous malformations. In [[ultrasound]]-guided sclerotherapy, [[ultrasound]] is used to visualize the underlying [[vein]] so the physician can deliver and monitor the injection. Sclerotherapy often{{quantify|date=November 2017}} takes place under ultrasound guidance after venous abnormalities have been diagnosed with duplex ultrasound. Sclerotherapy under ultrasound guidance and using microfoam sclerosants has been shown{{by whom|date=November 2017}} to be effective in controlling reflux from the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions.<ref name="Thibault">{{cite journal |vauthors= Kanter A, Thibault P |title= Saphenofemoral incompetence treated by ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy |journal= Dermatol Surg |volume= 22 |issue= 7 |pages= 648–52 |year= 1996 |pmid= 8680788 |doi= 10.1016/1076-0512(96)00173-2}}
Sclerotherapy is one method for the treatment of spider veins, varicose veins (which are also often treated with surgery, [[Endovenous thermal ablation|radiofrequency]], and [[laser ablation]]), and venous malformations. In [[ultrasound]]-guided sclerotherapy, [[ultrasound]] is used to visualize the underlying [[vein]] so the physician can deliver and monitor the injection. Sclerotherapy often{{quantify|date=November 2017}} takes place under ultrasound guidance after venous abnormalities have been diagnosed with duplex ultrasound. Sclerotherapy under ultrasound guidance and using microfoam sclerosants has been shown{{by whom|date=November 2017}} to be effective in controlling reflux from the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions.<ref name="Thibault">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kanter A, Thibault P | title = Saphenofemoral incompetence treated by ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy | journal = Dermatologic Surgery | volume = 22 | issue = 7 | pages = 648–652 | date = July 1996 | pmid = 8680788 | doi = 10.1016/1076-0512(96)00173-2 }}</ref><ref name="Padbury">{{cite journal | vauthors = Padbury A, Benveniste GL | title = Foam echosclerotherapy of the small saphenous vein | journal = Australian and New Zealand Journal of Phlebology | volume = 8 | issue = 1 | date = December 2004 }}</ref> However, some authors{{which|date=November 2017}} believe that sclerotherapy is not suitable for veins with reflux from the greater or lesser [[saphenous junction]], or for veins with axial reflux.<ref name="William R. Finkelmeier 2004" /> This is due to the emergence of more effective technologies, including laser ablation and radiofrequency, which have demonstrated superior efficacy to sclerotherapy for treatment of these veins.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Novak CJ, Khimani N, Kaye AD, Jason Yong R, Urman RD | title = Current Therapeutic Interventions in Lower Extremity Venous Insufficiency: a Comprehensive Review | journal = Current Pain and Headache Reports | volume = 23 | issue = 3 | pages = 16 | date = March 2019 | pmid = 30830460 | doi = 10.1007/s11916-019-0759-z | s2cid = 73513411 }}</ref>
</ref><ref name="Padbury">
Padbury A, Benveniste G L, Foam echosclerotherapy of the small saphenous vein, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Phlebology Vol 8, Number 1 (Dec 2004)
</ref>
However, some authors{{which|date=November 2017}} believe that sclerotherapy is not suitable for veins with reflux from the greater or lesser [[saphenous junction]], or for veins with axial reflux.<ref name="William R. Finkelmeier 2004" /> This is due to the emergence of more effective technologies, including laser ablation and radiofrequency, which have demonstrated superior efficacy to sclerotherapy for treatment of these veins.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Cj|first1=Novak|last2=N|first2=Khimani|last3=Ad|first3=Kaye|last4=R|first4=Jason Yong|last5=Rd|first5=Urman|date=2019-03-04|title=Current Therapeutic Interventions in Lower Extremity Venous Insufficiency: a Comprehensive Review|url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11916-019-0759-z|access-date=2020-08-08|journal=Current Pain and Headache Reports|volume=23 |issue=3 |page=16 |doi=10.1007/s11916-019-0759-z |language=en|pmid=30830460|s2cid=73513411 }}</ref>


== Historical aspects ==
== Historical aspects ==
Sclerotherapy has been used in the treatment of spider veins and occasionally varicose veins for over 150 years. Like varicose vein surgery, sclerotherapy techniques have evolved during that time. Modern techniques including ultrasonographic guidance and foam sclerotherapy are the latest developments in this evolution.
Sclerotherapy has been used in the treatment of spider veins and occasionally varicose veins for over 150 years. Like varicose vein surgery, sclerotherapy techniques have evolved during that time. Modern techniques including ultrasonographic guidance and foam sclerotherapy are the latest developments in this evolution.


The first reported attempt at sclerotherapy was by D Zollikofer in Switzerland in 1682, who injected an acid into a vein to induce [[thrombus]] formation.<ref name="goldman">[[Mitchel P. Goldman|Goldman, M.]], Sclerotherapy Treatment of varicose and telangiectatic leg vein, Hardcover Text, 2nd Ed, 1995</ref> Both Debout and Cassaignaic reported success in treating varicose veins by injecting perchlorate of iron in 1853.<ref name="sharma">Sharmi S, Cheatle T. Fegan's Compression Sclerotherapy of Varicose Veins, Hardcover Text, 2003.</ref> Desgranges in 1854 cured 16 cases of varicose veins by injecting iodine and tannin into the veins.<ref name="goldman" /> This was approximately 12 years after the probable advent of [[great saphenous vein]] [[vein stripping|stripping]] in 1844 by Madelung.<ref name="sharma" /> However, due to high rates of side-effects with the drugs used at the time, sclerotherapy had been practically abandoned by 1894.<ref name="Coppleson">Coppleson VM, The Treatment of Varicose Veins by Injection, Hardcover text, 2nd Ed. 1929.</ref> With the improvements in surgical techniques and [[anaesthetic]]s over that time, stripping became the treatment of choice.
The first reported attempt at sclerotherapy was by D Zollikofer in Switzerland in 1682, who injected an acid into a vein to induce [[thrombus]] formation.<ref name="goldman">{{cite book | vauthors = Goldman MP | author-link1 = Mitchel P. Goldman |title=Sclerotherapy: treatment of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins |date=1995 |publisher=Mosby |location=St. Louis |isbn=978-0-8151-4011-5 |edition=2nd}}</ref> Both Debout and Cassaignaic reported success in treating varicose veins by injecting perchlorate of iron in 1853.<ref name="sharma">{{cite book | veditors = Shami SK, Cheatle TR | title = Fegan’s compression sclerotherapy for varicose veins. | publisher = Springer Science & Business Media | date = December 2012 | isbn = 978-1-4471-3473-2 }}</ref> Desgranges in 1854 cured 16 cases of varicose veins by injecting iodine and tannin into the veins.<ref name="goldman" /> This was approximately 12 years after the probable advent of [[great saphenous vein]] [[vein stripping|stripping]] in 1844 by Madelung.<ref name="sharma" /> However, due to high rates of side-effects with the drugs used at the time, sclerotherapy had been practically abandoned by 1894.<ref name="Coppleson">{{cite book | vauthors = Coppleson VM | title = Treatment of Varicose Veins by Injection | publisher = Cornstalk Publishing Company | date = 1929 | edition = 2nd }}</ref> With the improvements in surgical techniques and [[anaesthetic]]s over that time, stripping became the treatment of choice.


Work continued on alternative sclerosants in the early 20th century. During that time carbolic acid and perchlorate of mercury were tried and whilst these showed some effect in obliterating varicose veins, side-effects also caused them to be abandoned. Prof. Sicard and other French doctors developed the use of sodium carbonate and then sodium salicylate during and after the First World War.<ref name="Coppleson" /> Quinine was also used with some effect during the early 20th century. At the time of Coppleson's book in 1929, he was advocating the use of sodium salicylate or quinine as the best choices of sclerosant.<ref name="Coppleson" />
Work continued on alternative sclerosants in the early 20th century. During that time carbolic acid and perchlorate of mercury were tried and whilst these showed some effect in obliterating varicose veins, side-effects also caused them to be abandoned. Prof. Sicard and other French doctors developed the use of sodium carbonate and then sodium salicylate during and after the First World War.<ref name="Coppleson" /> Quinine was also used with some effect during the early 20th century. At the time of Coppleson's book in 1929, he was advocating the use of sodium salicylate or quinine as the best choices of sclerosant.<ref name="Coppleson" />
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Further work on improving the technique and development of safer more effective sclerosants continued through the 1940s and 1950s. Of particular importance was the development of [[sodium tetradecyl sulfate]] (STS) in 1946, a product still widely used to this day. George Fegan in the 1960s reported treating over 13,000 patients with sclerotherapy, significantly advancing the technique by focussing on fibrosis of the vein rather than thrombosis, concentrating on controlling significant points of reflux and emphasizing the importance of compression of the treated leg.<ref name="sharma" /> The procedure became medically accepted in mainland Europe during that time. However, it was poorly understood or accepted in England or the United States, a situation that continues to this day amongst some sections of the medical community.<ref name="goldman" />
Further work on improving the technique and development of safer more effective sclerosants continued through the 1940s and 1950s. Of particular importance was the development of [[sodium tetradecyl sulfate]] (STS) in 1946, a product still widely used to this day. George Fegan in the 1960s reported treating over 13,000 patients with sclerotherapy, significantly advancing the technique by focussing on fibrosis of the vein rather than thrombosis, concentrating on controlling significant points of reflux and emphasizing the importance of compression of the treated leg.<ref name="sharma" /> The procedure became medically accepted in mainland Europe during that time. However, it was poorly understood or accepted in England or the United States, a situation that continues to this day amongst some sections of the medical community.<ref name="goldman" />


The next major development in the evolution of sclerotherapy was the advent of [[duplex ultrasonography]] in the 1980s and its incorporation into the practise of sclerotherapy later that decade. Knight<ref>Knight R.M, Vin F, Zygmut J.A, Ultrasonic guidance of injection into the superficial venous system. Phlebologie '89 Davy A, Stemmer R (eds), 1989. John Libbey Eurotext Ltd pp. 339-341.</ref> was an early advocate of this new procedure and presented it at several conferences in Europe and the United States. Thibault's article<ref>Thibault P.K., Lewis W.A., recurrent varicose veins, Part 2: Injection of incompetent perforating veins using ultrasound guidance. J. Dermatol. Surg. Onc. 1992; 18: 895-900</ref> was the first on this topic to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The next major development in the evolution of sclerotherapy was the advent of [[duplex ultrasonography]] in the 1980s and its incorporation into the practise of sclerotherapy later that decade. Knight<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Knight RM, Vin F, Zygmunt JA | title = Ultrasonic guidance of injection into the superficial venous system. | journal = Phlebologie | date = 1989 | volume = 89 | pages = 339-341 | veditors = Davy A, Stemmer R }}</ref> was an early advocate of this new procedure and presented it at several conferences in Europe and the United States. Thibault's article<ref name="pmid1430545">{{cite journal | vauthors = Thibault PK, Lewis WA | title = Recurrent varicose veins. Part 2: Injection of incompetent perforating veins using ultrasound guidance | journal = The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology | volume = 18 | issue = 10 | pages = 895–900 | date = October 1992 | pmid = 1430545 | doi = 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1992.tb02923.x }}</ref> was the first on this topic to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.


The work of Cabrera<ref>Cabrera Garrido Jr, Cabrera Garcia-Olmeda Jr, Garcia-Olmedo Dominguez MA. Elargissment des limites de la schleotherapie: Nouveaux produits sclerosants. Phlebologie:1997;50:181-188</ref> and Monfreaux<ref>Monfreux A, Traitement sclerosant des trones saphen'nies et collaterales de gros calibre par le method MUS. Phlebologie 1997;50:351-353</ref> in utilising foam sclerotherapy along with Tessari's "3-way tap method" of foam production<ref>Tessari L. Nouvelle technique d'obtention de la sclero-mousse, Phlebologie 1997; 53:129</ref> further revolutionised the treatment of larger varicose veins with sclerotherapy. This has now been further modified by Whiteley and Patel<ref name="Whiteley MS, Patel SB">{{cite journal |title=Modified Tessari Tourbillon technique for making foam sclerotherapy with silicone-free syringes.. |vauthors=Whiteley MS, Patel SB |date=Oct 2014 |journal=Phlebology |pmid=25288590 |doi=10.1177/0268355514554476 |volume=30 |issue=9 |pages=614–7|s2cid=5383064 }}</ref> to use 3 non-silicone syringes for more long lasting foam.
The work of Cabrera<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cabrera Jr G, Garcia-Olmeda Jr C, Dominguez MA | title = Elargissment des limites de la schleotherapie: Nouveaux produits sclerosants. | journal = Phlebologie | date = 1997 | volume = 50 | pages = 181-188 }}</ref> and Monfreaux<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Monfreux A | title = Traitement sclerosant des trones saphen'nies et collaterales de gros calibre par le method MUS. | journal = Phlebologie | date = 1997 | volume = 50 | pages = 351-353 }}</ref> in utilising foam sclerotherapy along with Tessari's "3-way tap method" of foam production<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Tessari L | title = Nouvelle technique d'obtention de la sclero-mousse | journal = Phlebologie | date = 1997 | volume = 53 | pages = 129 }}</ref> further revolutionised the treatment of larger varicose veins with sclerotherapy. This has now been further modified by Whiteley and Patel<ref name="Whiteley MS, Patel SB">{{cite journal | vauthors = Whiteley MS, Patel SB | title = Modified Tessari Tourbillon technique for making foam sclerotherapy with silicone-free syringes | journal = Phlebology | volume = 30 | issue = 9 | pages = 614–617 | date = October 2015 | pmid = 25288590 | doi = 10.1177/0268355514554476 | s2cid = 5383064 }}</ref> to use 3 non-silicone syringes for more long lasting foam.


== Methods ==
== Methods ==


Injecting the unwanted veins with a sclerosing solution causes the target vein to immediately shrink, and then dissolve over a period of weeks as the body naturally absorbs the treated vein. The initial "shrinkage" is caused by spasm of the muscular layer of the vein wall. The sclerosing solution damages the vein wall, causing inflammation and gradual scarring ("sclerosis") over the following weeks. The sclerosis is caused by an increase in fibroblasts in the cell wall which causes contraction of the vein. The process requires carefully assessing the strength of the sclerosing solution so it is strong enough to cause a clinically significant effect in the target vein without causing excessive damage to surrounding tissues.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Albanese |first=Giustino |last2=Kondo |first2=Kimi L. |date=2010 |title=Pharmacology of Sclerotherapy |url=http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0030-1267848 |journal=Seminars in Interventional Radiology |language=en |volume=27 |issue=4 |pages=391–399 |doi=10.1055/s-0030-1267848 |issn=0739-9529 |pmc=3324200 |pmid=22550381}}</ref> Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure taking only about 10 minutes to perform. The downtime is minimal, in comparison to an invasive varicose vein surgery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.novasans.com/content,Sclerotherapy-Varicose-Vein-Treatment.html |title=Articles – Sclerotherapy (Varicose Vein Treatment) |publisher=Novasans.com |access-date=2013-03-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917042714/http://www.novasans.com/content,Sclerotherapy-Varicose-Vein-Treatment.html |archive-date=2011-09-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Injecting the unwanted veins with a sclerosing solution causes the target vein to immediately shrink, and then dissolve over a period of weeks as the body naturally absorbs the treated vein. The initial "shrinkage" is caused by spasm of the muscular layer of the vein wall. The sclerosing solution damages the vein wall, causing inflammation and gradual scarring ("sclerosis") over the following weeks. The sclerosis is caused by an increase in fibroblasts in the cell wall which causes contraction of the vein. The process requires carefully assessing the strength of the sclerosing solution so it is strong enough to cause a clinically significant effect in the target vein without causing excessive damage to surrounding tissues.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Albanese G, Kondo KL | title = Pharmacology of sclerotherapy | journal = Seminars in Interventional Radiology | volume = 27 | issue = 4 | pages = 391–399 | date = December 2010 | pmid = 22550381 | pmc = 3324200 | doi = 10.1055/s-0030-1267848 }}</ref> Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure taking only about 10 minutes to perform. The downtime is minimal, in comparison to an invasive varicose vein surgery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.novasans.com/content,Sclerotherapy-Varicose-Vein-Treatment.html |title=Articles – Sclerotherapy (Varicose Vein Treatment) |publisher=Novasans.com |access-date=2013-03-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917042714/http://www.novasans.com/content,Sclerotherapy-Varicose-Vein-Treatment.html |archive-date=2011-09-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Sclerotherapy is the "gold standard" and is preferred over laser for eliminating large spider veins [[telangiectasias]]. [Telangiectasia is a condition in which broken or widened small blood vessels that sit near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes create visible], and smaller varicose leg veins.<ref>Sadick N, Sorhaindo L, Laser Treatment of Telangiectatic and Reticular Veins, Ch 16, p157. The Vein Book / editor, John J. Bergan, 2007.</ref> Unlike a laser, the sclerosing solution additionally closes the [[reticular veins]] also known as ''feeder veins'' under the skin that are causing the spider veins to form, thereby making a recurrence of the spider veins in the treated area less likely. Multiple injections of dilute sclerosant are injected into the abnormal surface veins of the involved leg. The patient's leg is then compressed with either stockings or bandages that they wear usually for one week after treatment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sclerotherapy Spider Vein Treatment |url=https://www.8west.ca/non-surgical/sclerotherapy-spider-vein-treatment/ |website=8 West Cosmetic Surgery Clinic |access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> Patients are also encouraged to walk regularly during that time. It is common practice for the patient to require at least two treatment sessions separated by several weeks to significantly improve the appearance of their leg veins.
Sclerotherapy is the "gold standard" and is preferred over laser for eliminating large spider veins [[telangiectasias]]. [Telangiectasia is a condition in which broken or widened small blood vessels that sit near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes create visible], and smaller varicose leg veins.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Sadick N, Sorhaindo L | chapter = Laser Treatment of Telangiectatic and Reticular Veins, Ch 16 | page = 157 | title = The Vein Book | veditors = Bergan JJ | date = 2007 }}</ref> Unlike a laser, the sclerosing solution additionally closes the [[reticular veins]] also known as ''feeder veins'' under the skin that are causing the spider veins to form, thereby making a recurrence of the spider veins in the treated area less likely. Multiple injections of dilute sclerosant are injected into the abnormal surface veins of the involved leg. The patient's leg is then compressed with either stockings or bandages that they wear usually for one week after treatment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sclerotherapy Spider Vein Treatment |url=https://www.8west.ca/non-surgical/sclerotherapy-spider-vein-treatment/ |website=8 West Cosmetic Surgery Clinic |access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> Patients are also encouraged to walk regularly during that time. It is common practice for the patient to require at least two treatment sessions separated by several weeks to significantly improve the appearance of their leg veins.


Sclerotherapy can also be performed using microfoam sclerosants under ultrasound guidance to treat larger varicose veins, including the great and small saphenous veins.<ref>Paul Thibault, Sclerotherapy and Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy, The Vein Book / editor, John J. Bergan, 2007</ref> After a map of the patient's varicose veins is created using ultrasound, these veins are injected whilst real-time monitoring of the injections is undertaken, also using ultrasound. The sclerosant can be observed entering the vein, and further injections performed so that all the abnormal veins are treated. Follow-up ultrasound scans are used to confirm closure of the treated veins and any residual varicose veins can be identified and treated.
Sclerotherapy can also be performed using microfoam sclerosants under ultrasound guidance to treat larger varicose veins, including the great and small saphenous veins.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Thibault P | chapter = Sclerotherapy and Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy | title = The Vein Book | veditors = Bergan JJ | date = 2007 }}</ref> After a map of the patient's varicose veins is created using ultrasound, these veins are injected whilst real-time monitoring of the injections is undertaken, also using ultrasound. The sclerosant can be observed entering the vein, and further injections performed so that all the abnormal veins are treated. Follow-up ultrasound scans are used to confirm closure of the treated veins and any residual varicose veins can be identified and treated.


== Foam sclerotherapy ==
== Foam sclerotherapy ==


Foam sclerotherapy<ref>Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkl6btffR0A</ref> is a technique that involves injecting "foamed sclerosant drugs" within a blood vessel using a pair of syringes – one with sclerosant in it and one with gas (originally air). The original Tessari method has now been modified by the Whiteley-Patel modification which uses 3 syringes, all of which are silicone-free.<ref name="Whiteley MS, Patel SB" /> The [[sclerosant]] drugs ([[sodium tetradecyl sulfate]], [[bleomycin]] or [[polidocanol]]) are mixed with air or a physiological gas ([[carbon dioxide]]) in a syringe or by using mechanical pumps. This increases the [[surface area]] of the [[drug]]. The foam sclerosant drug is more efficacious than the liquid one in causing [[Sclerosis (medicine)|sclerosis]]<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Yamaki T, Nozaki M, Iwasaka S |title=Comparative study of duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy and duplex-guided liquid sclerotherapy for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency |journal=Dermatol Surg |volume=30 |issue=5 |pages=718–22; discussion 722 |year=2004 |pmid=15099313 |doi=10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30202.x |s2cid=32591367 }}</ref> (thickening of the vessel wall and sealing off the blood flow), for it does not mix with the blood in the vessel and in fact displaces it, thus avoiding dilution of the drug and causing maximal sclerosant action. It is therefore useful for longer and larger veins. Experts in foam sclerotherapy have created “tooth paste” like thick foam for their injections, which has revolutionized the non-surgical treatment of [[varicose veins]]<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Frullini A, Cavezzi A | year = 2002 | title = Sclerosing Foam in the Treatment of Varicose Veins and Telangiectases: History and Analysis of Safety and Complications | journal = Dermatologic Surgery | volume = 28 | issue = 1| pages = 11–15 | doi=10.1097/00042728-200201000-00003| pmid = 11991262 }}</ref> and venous malformations, including [[Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome]].<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=McDonagh B, Sorenson S |display-authors=etal | year = 2005 | title = Management of venous malformations in Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy | journal = Phlebology | volume = 20 | issue = 2| pages = 63–81 | doi=10.1258/0268355054069188|s2cid=71504108 }}</ref>
Foam sclerotherapy<ref>{{cite web | title = Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkl6btffR0A | via = YouTube }}</ref> is a technique that involves injecting "foamed sclerosant drugs" within a blood vessel using a pair of syringes – one with sclerosant in it and one with gas (originally air). The original Tessari method has now been modified by the Whiteley-Patel modification which uses 3 syringes, all of which are silicone-free.<ref name="Whiteley MS, Patel SB" /> The [[sclerosant]] drugs ([[sodium tetradecyl sulfate]], [[bleomycin]] or [[polidocanol]]) are mixed with air or a physiological gas ([[carbon dioxide]]) in a syringe or by using mechanical pumps. This increases the [[surface area]] of the [[drug]]. The foam sclerosant drug is more efficacious than the liquid one in causing [[Sclerosis (medicine)|sclerosis]]<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Yamaki T, Nozaki M, Iwasaka S | title = Comparative study of duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy and duplex-guided liquid sclerotherapy for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency | journal = Dermatologic Surgery | volume = 30 | issue = 5 | pages = 718–22; discussion 722 | date = May 2004 | pmid = 15099313 | doi = 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30202.x | s2cid = 32591367 }}</ref> (thickening of the vessel wall and sealing off the blood flow), for it does not mix with the blood in the vessel and in fact displaces it, thus avoiding dilution of the drug and causing maximal sclerosant action. It is therefore useful for longer and larger veins. Experts in foam sclerotherapy have created “tooth paste” like thick foam for their injections, which has revolutionized the non-surgical treatment of [[varicose veins]]<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Frullini A, Cavezzi A | title = Sclerosing foam in the treatment of varicose veins and telangiectases: history and analysis of safety and complications | journal = Dermatologic Surgery | volume = 28 | issue = 1 | pages = 11–15 | date = January 2002 | pmid = 11991262 | doi = 10.1097/00042728-200201000-00003 }}</ref> and venous malformations, including [[Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome]].<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=McDonagh B, Sorenson S |display-authors=etal | year = 2005 | title = Management of venous malformations in Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy | journal = Phlebology | volume = 20 | issue = 2| pages = 63–81 | doi=10.1258/0268355054069188|s2cid=71504108 }}</ref>


== Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy ==
== Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy ==


Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy consists of locally delivering the sclerosant bleomycin and applying short high voltage electrical pulses to the area to be treated, resulting in a local and temporary increased permeability of the [[cell membrane]]s, increasing the intracellular concentration of bleomycin by a factor of up to several thousand.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Jaroszeski|first1=M. J.|last2=Dang|first2=V.|last3=Pottinger|first3=C.|last4=Hickey|first4=J.|last5=Gilbert|first5=R.|last6=Heller|first6=R.|date=2000|title=Toxicity of anticancer agents mediated by electroporation in vitro|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10831279|journal=Anti-Cancer Drugs|volume=11|issue=3|pages=201–208|doi=10.1097/00001813-200003000-00008|issn=0959-4973|pmid=10831279|s2cid=34355191}}</ref> Preclinical studies also indicated that electroporation in combination with bleomycin impaired the barrier function of the [[endothelium]] by interacting with the organization of the [[cytoskeleton]] and the integrity of the junctions. This can lead to extravasation, interstitial edema and a desired collapse of the vascular structures.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Serša|first1=Gregor|title=Blood Flow Modifying and Vascular-Disrupting Effects of Electroporation and Electrochemotherapy|date=2017|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-32886-7_165|work=Handbook of Electroporation|pages=691–705|editor-last=Miklavčič|editor-first=Damijan|place=Cham|publisher=Springer International Publishing|language=en|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-32886-7_165|isbn=978-3-319-32885-0|access-date=2021-08-23|last2=Čemažar|first2=Maja|last3=Markelc|first3=Bostjan}}</ref>
Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy consists of locally delivering the sclerosant bleomycin and applying short high voltage electrical pulses to the area to be treated, resulting in a local and temporary increased permeability of the [[cell membrane]]s, increasing the intracellular concentration of bleomycin by a factor of up to several thousand.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Jaroszeski MJ, Dang V, Pottinger C, Hickey J, Gilbert R, Heller R | title = Toxicity of anticancer agents mediated by electroporation in vitro | journal = Anti-Cancer Drugs | volume = 11 | issue = 3 | pages = 201–208 | date = March 2000 | pmid = 10831279 | doi = 10.1097/00001813-200003000-00008 | s2cid = 34355191 }}</ref> Preclinical studies also indicated that electroporation in combination with bleomycin impaired the barrier function of the [[endothelium]] by interacting with the organization of the [[cytoskeleton]] and the integrity of the junctions. This can lead to extravasation, interstitial edema and a desired collapse of the vascular structures.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Serša|first1=Gregor|title=Blood Flow Modifying and Vascular-Disrupting Effects of Electroporation and Electrochemotherapy|date=2017|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-32886-7_165|work=Handbook of Electroporation|pages=691–705|editor-last=Miklavčič|editor-first=Damijan|place=Cham|publisher=Springer International Publishing|language=en|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-32886-7_165|isbn=978-3-319-32885-0|access-date=2021-08-23|last2=Čemažar|first2=Maja|last3=Markelc|first3=Bostjan}}</ref>
The procedure has been researched as [[electrochemotherapy]] of skin tumors since the early 1990s<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Mir|first1=L. M.|last2=Belehradek|first2=M.|last3=Domenge|first3=C.|last4=Orlowski|first4=S.|last5=Poddevin|first5=B.|last6=Belehradek|first6=J.|last7=Schwaab|first7=G.|last8=Luboinski|first8=B.|last9=Paoletti|first9=C.|date=1991|title=[Electrochemotherapy, a new antitumor treatment: first clinical trial]|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1723647|journal=Comptes Rendus de l'Académie des Sciences, Série III|volume=313|issue=13|pages=613–618|issn=0764-4469|pmid=1723647}}</ref> and was first used in 2017 for vascular malformations.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=McMorrow|first1=L.|last2=Shaikh|first2=M.|last3=Kessell|first3=G.|last4=Muir|first4=T.|date=2017|title=Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy: new treatment to manage vascular malformations|url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0266435617306903|journal=British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery|language=en|volume=55|issue=9|pages=977–979|doi=10.1016/j.bjoms.2017.10.002|pmid=29055573}}</ref> Initial reports indicated that the use of bleomycin in combination with reversible electroporation can potentially enhance the sclerotherapy effect.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Horbach|first1=Sophie E.R.|last2=Wolkerstorfer|first2=Albert|last3=Jolink|first3=Folkert|last4=Bloemen|first4=Paul R.|last5=van der Horst|first5=Chantal M.A.M.|date=2020|title=Electrosclerotherapy as a Novel Treatment Option for Hypertrophic Capillary Malformations: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial|url=https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000002191|journal=Dermatologic Surgery|language=en|volume=46|issue=4|pages=491–498|doi=10.1097/DSS.0000000000002191|pmid=31574025|s2cid=203639470|issn=1076-0512}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Dalmády|first1=Szandra|last2=Csoma|first2=Zsanett|last3=Besenyi|first3=Zsuzsanna|last4=Bottyán|first4=Krisztina|last5=Oláh|first5=Judit|last6=Kemény|first6=Lajos|last7=Kis|first7=Erika|date=2020|title=New Treatment Option for Capillary Lymphangioma: Bleomycin-Based Electrochemotherapy of an Infant|url=http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/lookup/doi/10.1542/peds.2020-0566|journal=Pediatrics|language=en|volume=146|issue=6|pages=e20200566|doi=10.1542/peds.2020-0566|pmid=33234668|s2cid=227167518|issn=0031-4005}}</ref> A retrospective study of 17 patients with venous malformations who did not respond to previous invasive therapies showed an average decrease in lesion volume measured on [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] images of 86% with clinical improvement in all patients after an average of 3.7 months and 1.12 sessions per patient, with a reduced dose of bleomycin and a reduced number of sessions compared to standard bleomycin sclerotherapy<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Wohlgemuth|first1=Walter A.|last2=Müller-Wille|first2=Rene|last3=Meyer|first3=Lutz|last4=Wildgruber|first4=Moritz|last5=Guntau|first5=Moritz|last6=Heydt|first6=Susanne von der|last7=Pech|first7=Maciej|last8=Zanasi|first8=Alessandro|last9=Flöther|first9=Lilit|last10=Brill|first10=Richard|date=2021|title=Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy in therapy-resistant venous malformations of the body|url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2213333X20305424|journal=Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders|language=en|volume=9|issue=3|pages=731–739|doi=10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.09.009 | issn=2213-333X|pmid=33045393|s2cid=222319263}}</ref>
The procedure has been researched as [[electrochemotherapy]] of skin tumors since the early 1990s<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mir LM, Belehradek M, Domenge C, Orlowski S, Poddevin B, Belehradek J, Schwaab G, Luboinski B, Paoletti C | display-authors = 6 | title = [Electrochemotherapy, a new antitumor treatment: first clinical trial] | journal = Comptes Rendus De l'Academie Des Sciences. Serie III, Sciences De La Vie | volume = 313 | issue = 13 | pages = 613–618 | date = 1991 | pmid = 1723647 | url = https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1723647 }}</ref> and was first used in 2017 for vascular malformations.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = McMorrow L, Shaikh M, Kessell G, Muir T | title = Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy: new treatment to manage vascular malformations | journal = The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | volume = 55 | issue = 9 | pages = 977–979 | date = November 2017 | pmid = 29055573 | doi = 10.1016/j.bjoms.2017.10.002 }}</ref> Initial reports indicated that the use of bleomycin in combination with reversible electroporation can potentially enhance the sclerotherapy effect.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Horbach SE, Wolkerstorfer A, Jolink F, Bloemen PR, van der Horst CM | title = Electrosclerotherapy as a Novel Treatment Option for Hypertrophic Capillary Malformations: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial | journal = Dermatologic Surgery | volume = 46 | issue = 4 | pages = 491–498 | date = April 2020 | pmid = 31574025 | doi = 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002191 | s2cid = 203639470 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dalmády S, Csoma Z, Besenyi Z, Bottyán K, Oláh J, Kemény L, Kis E | title = New Treatment Option for Capillary Lymphangioma: Bleomycin-Based Electrochemotherapy of an Infant | journal = Pediatrics | volume = 146 | issue = 6 | pages = e20200566 | date = December 2020 | pmid = 33234668 | doi = 10.1542/peds.2020-0566 | s2cid = 227167518 }}</ref> A retrospective study of 17 patients with venous malformations who did not respond to previous invasive therapies showed an average decrease in lesion volume measured on [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] images of 86% with clinical improvement in all patients after an average of 3.7 months and 1.12 sessions per patient, with a reduced dose of bleomycin and a reduced number of sessions compared to standard bleomycin sclerotherapy<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wohlgemuth WA, Müller-Wille R, Meyer L, Wildgruber M, Guntau M, Heydt SV, Pech M, Zanasi A, Flöther L, Brill R | display-authors = 6 | title = Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy in therapy-resistant venous malformations of the body | journal = Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and Lymphatic Disorders | volume = 9 | issue = 3 | pages = 731–739 | date = May 2021 | pmid = 33045393 | doi = 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.09.009 | s2cid = 222319263 }}</ref>


== Clinical evaluations ==
== Clinical evaluations ==


A study by Kanter and Thibault in 1996 reported a 76% success rate at 24 months in treating saphenofemoral junction and great saphenous vein incompetence with STS 3% solution.<ref name="Thibault" /> Padbury and Benveniste<ref name="Padbury" /> found that ultrasound guided sclerotherapy was effective in controlling reflux in the small saphenous vein. Barrett et al. found that microfoam ultrasound guided sclerotherapy was "effective in treating all sizes of varicose veins with high patient satisfaction and improvement in quality of life".<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Barrett JM, Allen B, Ockelford A, Goldman MP |title=Microfoam ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy treatment for varicose veins in a subgroup with diameters at the junction of 10&nbsp;mm or greater compared with a subgroup of less than 10&nbsp;mm |journal=Dermatol Surg |volume=30 |issue=11 |pages=1386–90 |year=2004 |pmid=15522019 |doi=10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30430.x |s2cid=12925122 }}</ref>
A study by Kanter and Thibault in 1996 reported a 76% success rate at 24 months in treating saphenofemoral junction and great saphenous vein incompetence with STS 3% solution.<ref name="Thibault" /> Padbury and Benveniste<ref name="Padbury" /> found that ultrasound guided sclerotherapy was effective in controlling reflux in the small saphenous vein. Barrett et al. found that microfoam ultrasound guided sclerotherapy was "effective in treating all sizes of varicose veins with high patient satisfaction and improvement in quality of life".<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Barrett JM, Allen B, Ockelford A, Goldman MP | title = Microfoam ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy treatment for varicose veins in a subgroup with diameters at the junction of 10 mm or greater compared with a subgroup of less than 10 mm | journal = Dermatologic Surgery | volume = 30 | issue = 11 | pages = 1386–1390 | date = November 2004 | pmid = 15522019 | doi = 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30430.x | s2cid = 12925122 }}</ref>


A [[Cochrane Collaboration]] review of the medical literature concluded that "the evidence supports the current place of sclerotherapy in modern clinical practice, which is usually limited to treatment of recurrent varicose veins following surgery and thread veins."<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=de Ávila Oliveira |first1=Ricardo |last2=Riera |first2=Rachel |last3=Vasconcelos |first3=Vladimir |last4=Baptista-Silva |first4=Jose Cc |date=2021-12-10 |title=Injection sclerotherapy for varicose veins |journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |volume=2021 |issue=12 |pages=CD001732 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD001732.pub3 |issn=1469-493X |pmc=8660237 |pmid=34883526}}</ref> A second [[Cochrane Collaboration]] review comparing surgery to sclerotherapy concluded that sclerotherapy has greater benefits than surgery in the short term but surgery has greater benefits in the longer term. Sclerotherapy was better than surgery in terms of treatment success, complication rate and cost at one year, but surgery was better after five years. However, the evidence was not of very good quality and more research is needed.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Rigby KA, Palfreyman SJ, Beverley C, Michaels JA |title=Surgery versus sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |issue=4 |pages=CD004980 |year=2004 |volume=2021 |pmid=15495134 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD004980 |pmc=8786268 |editor1-last=Rigby |editor1-first=Kathryn A}}</ref>
A [[Cochrane Collaboration]] review of the medical literature concluded that "the evidence supports the current place of sclerotherapy in modern clinical practice, which is usually limited to treatment of recurrent varicose veins following surgery and thread veins."<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = de Ávila Oliveira R, Riera R, Vasconcelos V, Baptista-Silva JC | title = Injection sclerotherapy for varicose veins | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 12 | issue = 12 | pages = CD001732 | date = December 2021 | pmid = 34883526 | pmc = 8660237 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD001732.pub3 }}</ref> A second [[Cochrane Collaboration]] review comparing surgery to sclerotherapy concluded that sclerotherapy has greater benefits than surgery in the short term but surgery has greater benefits in the longer term. Sclerotherapy was better than surgery in terms of treatment success, complication rate and cost at one year, but surgery was better after five years. However, the evidence was not of very good quality and more research is needed.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rigby KA, Palfreyman SJ, Beverley C, Michaels JA | title = Surgery versus sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2004 | issue = 4 | pages = CD004980 | date = October 2004 | pmid = 15495134 | pmc = 8786268 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD004980 | editor1-last = Rigby | editor1-first = Kathryn A }}</ref>


A Health Technology Assessment found that sclerotherapy provided less benefit than surgery, but is likely to provide a small benefit in varicose veins without reflux from the sapheno-femoral or sapheno-popliteal junctions. It did not study the relative benefits of surgery and sclerotherapy in varicose veins with junctional reflux.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2006-05-16|title=Randomised clinical trial, observational study and assessment of cost-effectiveness of the treatment of varicose veins (REACTIV trial)|url=https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/hta10130/|journal=Health Technology Assessment|language=EN|volume=10|issue=13|doi=10.3310/hta10130|issn=2046-4924|last1=Michaels |first1=J. |last2=Campbell |first2=W. |last3=Brazier |first3=J. |last4=MacIntyre |first4=J. |last5=Palfreyman |first5=S. |last6=Ratcliffe |first6=J. |last7=Rigby |first7=K. |pages=1-196, iii-iv |pmid=16707070 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
A Health Technology Assessment found that sclerotherapy provided less benefit than surgery, but is likely to provide a small benefit in varicose veins without reflux from the sapheno-femoral or sapheno-popliteal junctions. It did not study the relative benefits of surgery and sclerotherapy in varicose veins with junctional reflux.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Michaels JA, Campbell WB, Brazier JE, Macintyre JB, Palfreyman SJ, Ratcliffe J, Rigby K | title = Randomised clinical trial, observational study and assessment of cost-effectiveness of the treatment of varicose veins (REACTIV trial) | language = EN | journal = Health Technology Assessment | volume = 10 | issue = 13 | pages = 1–196, iii-iv | date = April 2006 | pmid = 16707070 | doi = 10.3310/hta10130 | doi-access = free }}</ref>


The European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy in 2003 concluded that "Foam sclerotherapy allows a skilled practitioner to treat larger veins including saphenous trunks".<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Breu FX, Guggenbichler S |title=European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy, April, 4-6, 2003, Tegernsee, Germany |journal=Dermatol Surg |volume=30 |issue=5 |pages=709–17; discussion 717 |year=2004 |pmid=15099312 |doi=10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30209.x |s2cid=34232249 }}</ref> A second European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy in 2006 has now been published.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Breu FX, Guggenbichler S, Wollmann JC |title=Duplex ultrasound and efficacy criteria in foam sclerotherapy from the 2nd European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy 2006, Tegernsee, Germany|journal=VASA. Zeitschrift für Gefässkrankheiten|volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=90–5|year=2008 |pmid=18512547 |doi=10.1024/0301-1526.37.1.90}}</ref>
The European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy in 2003 concluded that "Foam sclerotherapy allows a skilled practitioner to treat larger veins including saphenous trunks".<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Breu FX, Guggenbichler S | title = European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy, April, 4-6, 2003, Tegernsee, Germany | journal = Dermatologic Surgery | volume = 30 | issue = 5 | pages = 709–17; discussion 717 | date = May 2004 | pmid = 15099312 | doi = 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30209.x | s2cid = 34232249 }}</ref> A second European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy in 2006 has now been published.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Breu FX, Guggenbichler S, Wollmann JC | title = Duplex ultrasound and efficacy criteria in foam sclerotherapy from the 2nd European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy 2006, Tegernsee, Germany | journal = VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten | volume = 37 | issue = 1 | pages = 90–95 | date = February 2008 | pmid = 18512547 | doi = 10.1024/0301-1526.37.1.90 }}</ref>


== Complications ==
== Complications ==
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Complications, while rare, include [[venous thromboembolism]], visual disturbances, [[allergic reaction]],<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Scurr JR, Fisher RK, Wallace SB |title=Anaphylaxis Following Foam Sclerotherapy: A Life Threatening Complication of Non Invasive Treatment For Varicose Veins |journal=EJVES Extra |volume=13 |issue=6 |pages=87–89 |year=2007|doi=10.1016/j.ejvsextra.2007.02.005|doi-access=free }}</ref> [[thrombophlebitis]], skin necrosis, and hyperpigmentation or a red treatment area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.novasans.com/blog/2011/09/sclerotherapy-and-cosmetic-surgery-in-the-philippines-interview-with-dr-john-cenica-at-jancen/ |title=Sclerotherapy and Cosmetic Surgery in the Philippines, Interview with Dr. John Cenica at Jancen |publisher=Novasans.com |date=2011-09-19 |access-date=2013-03-09}}</ref>
Complications, while rare, include [[venous thromboembolism]], visual disturbances, [[allergic reaction]],<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Scurr JR, Fisher RK, Wallace SB |title=Anaphylaxis Following Foam Sclerotherapy: A Life Threatening Complication of Non Invasive Treatment For Varicose Veins |journal=EJVES Extra |volume=13 |issue=6 |pages=87–89 |year=2007|doi=10.1016/j.ejvsextra.2007.02.005|doi-access=free }}</ref> [[thrombophlebitis]], skin necrosis, and hyperpigmentation or a red treatment area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.novasans.com/blog/2011/09/sclerotherapy-and-cosmetic-surgery-in-the-philippines-interview-with-dr-john-cenica-at-jancen/ |title=Sclerotherapy and Cosmetic Surgery in the Philippines, Interview with Dr. John Cenica at Jancen |publisher=Novasans.com |date=2011-09-19 |access-date=2013-03-09}}</ref>


If the sclerosant is injected properly into the vein, there is no damage to the surrounding skin, but if it is injected outside the vein, tissue necrosis and scarring can result.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Campbell B |title=Varicose veins and their management |journal=BMJ |volume=333 |issue=7562 |pages=287–92 |year=2006 |pmid=16888305 |pmc=1526945 |doi=10.1136/bmj.333.7562.287 }}</ref> Skin necrosis, whilst rare, can be cosmetically "potentially devastating", and may take months to heal. It is very rare when small amounts of dilute (<0.25%) sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) is used, but has been seen when higher concentrations (3%) are used. Blanching of the skin often occurs when STS is injected into arterioles (small artery branches). Telangiectatic matting, or the development of tiny red vessels, is unpredictable and usually must be treated with repeat sclerotherapy or laser.<ref>[http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/457768] Medscape. William R. Finkelmeier, What's New in ACS Surgery: Sclerotherapy. ACS Surgery 2003. [free signup required]</ref>
If the sclerosant is injected properly into the vein, there is no damage to the surrounding skin, but if it is injected outside the vein, tissue necrosis and scarring can result.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Campbell B | title = Varicose veins and their management | journal = BMJ | volume = 333 | issue = 7562 | pages = 287–292 | date = August 2006 | pmid = 16888305 | pmc = 1526945 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.333.7562.287 }}</ref> Skin necrosis, whilst rare, can be cosmetically "potentially devastating", and may take months to heal. It is very rare when small amounts of dilute (<0.25%) sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) is used, but has been seen when higher concentrations (3%) are used. Blanching of the skin often occurs when STS is injected into arterioles (small artery branches). Telangiectatic matting, or the development of tiny red vessels, is unpredictable and usually must be treated with repeat sclerotherapy or laser.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/457768 | work = Medscape | vauthors = Finkelmeier WR | title = What's New in ACS Surgery: Sclerotherapy. ACS Surgery | date = 2003 }}</ref>


Most complications occur due to an intense inflammatory reaction to the sclerotherapy agent in the area surrounding the injected vein. In addition, there are systemic complications that are now becoming increasingly understood. These occur when the sclerosant travels through the veins to the heart, lung and brain. A recent report attributed a stroke to foam treatment,<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Forlee MV, Grouden M, Moore DJ, Shanik G |title=Stroke after varicose vein foam injection sclerotherapy |journal=J. Vasc. Surg. |volume=43 |issue=1 |pages=162–4 |year=2006 |pmid=16414404 |doi=10.1016/j.jvs.2005.09.032 |doi-access=free }}</ref> although this involved the injection of an unusually large amount of foam.
Most complications occur due to an intense inflammatory reaction to the sclerotherapy agent in the area surrounding the injected vein. In addition, there are systemic complications that are now becoming increasingly understood. These occur when the sclerosant travels through the veins to the heart, lung and brain. A recent report attributed a stroke to foam treatment,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Forlee MV, Grouden M, Moore DJ, Shanik G | title = Stroke after varicose vein foam injection sclerotherapy | journal = Journal of Vascular Surgery | volume = 43 | issue = 1 | pages = 162–164 | date = January 2006 | pmid = 16414404 | doi = 10.1016/j.jvs.2005.09.032 | doi-access = free }}</ref> although this involved the injection of an unusually large amount of foam.
More recent reports have shown that bubbles from even a small amount of sclerosant foam injected into the veins quickly appear in the heart, lung and brain.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Morrison N, Neuhardt DL|title=Foam Sclerotherapy: cardiac and cerebral monitoring |journal=Phlebology |volume=24 |issue=6 |pages=252–259 |year=2009 |doi= 10.1258/phleb.2009.009051|pmid=19952381|s2cid=38233220 }}</ref> The significance of this is not fully understood at this point and large studies show that foam sclerotherapy is safe.<ref>{{cite journal|author1-link=Kenneth Arthur Myers |vauthors=Myers KA, Roberts S|title=Evaluation of published reports of foam sclerotherapy |journal=Phlebology |volume=24 |issue=6 |pages=275–280 |year=2009 |doi= 10.1258/phleb.2009.009048|pmid=19952384|s2cid=33243276 }}</ref> Sclerotherapy is fully FDA approved in the USA.{{Citation needed|reason="fully approved" is a medical-legal term that the FDA employs, so requires a citation to what this means in context|date=June 2019}}
More recent reports have shown that bubbles from even a small amount of sclerosant foam injected into the veins quickly appear in the heart, lung and brain.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Morrison N, Neuhardt DL | title = Foam sclerotherapy: cardiac and cerebral monitoring | journal = Phlebology | volume = 24 | issue = 6 | pages = 252–259 | date = December 2009 | pmid = 19952381 | doi = 10.1258/phleb.2009.009051 | s2cid = 38233220 }}</ref> The significance of this is not fully understood at this point and large studies show that foam sclerotherapy is safe.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Myers KA, Roberts S | title = Evaluation of published reports of foam sclerotherapy: what do we know conclusively? | journal = Phlebology | volume = 24 | issue = 6 | pages = 275–280 | date = December 2009 | pmid = 19952384 | doi = 10.1258/phleb.2009.009048 | s2cid = 33243276 | author1-link = Kenneth Arthur Myers }}</ref> Sclerotherapy is fully FDA approved in the USA.{{Citation needed|reason="fully approved" is a medical-legal term that the FDA employs, so requires a citation to what this means in context|date=June 2019}}


Contraindications include: bed rest, severe systemic diseases, poor patient understanding, needle phobia, short life expectancy, late stage cancer, known allergy to the sclerosing agent, and treatment with [[tamoxifen]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Guex |first1=JJ |title=Contra indications of sclerotherapy, update 2005 |journal=Journal des Maladies Vasculaires |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=144–9 |publisher=Journal des Maladies Vasculaires (J Mal Vasc) |language=fr |date=July 30, 2005|pmid=16142178 |doi=10.1016/S0398-0499(05)83831-4 }}</ref>
Contraindications include: bed rest, severe systemic diseases, poor patient understanding, needle phobia, short life expectancy, late stage cancer, known allergy to the sclerosing agent, and treatment with [[tamoxifen]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Guex JJ | title = [Contra indications of sclerotherapy, update 2005] | language = fr | journal = Journal Des Maladies Vasculaires | volume = 30 | issue = 3 | pages = 144–149 | date = July 2005 | pmid = 16142178 | doi = 10.1016/S0398-0499(05)83831-4 | publisher = Journal des Maladies Vasculaires (J Mal Vasc) }}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 20:31, 4 October 2023

Sclerotherapy
ICD-9-CM39.92
MeSHD015911
Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy (the word reflects the Greek skleros, meaning hard)[1] is a procedure used to treat blood vessel malformations (vascular malformations) and also malformations of the lymphatic system. A medicine is injected into the vessels, which makes them shrink. It is used for children and young adults with vascular or lymphatic malformations. In adults, sclerotherapy is often used to treat spider veins, smaller varicose veins, hemorrhoids,[2] and hydroceles.[3]

Sclerotherapy is one method for the treatment of spider veins, varicose veins (which are also often treated with surgery, radiofrequency, and laser ablation), and venous malformations. In ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, ultrasound is used to visualize the underlying vein so the physician can deliver and monitor the injection. Sclerotherapy often[quantify] takes place under ultrasound guidance after venous abnormalities have been diagnosed with duplex ultrasound. Sclerotherapy under ultrasound guidance and using microfoam sclerosants has been shown[by whom?] to be effective in controlling reflux from the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions.[4][5] However, some authors[which?] believe that sclerotherapy is not suitable for veins with reflux from the greater or lesser saphenous junction, or for veins with axial reflux.[2] This is due to the emergence of more effective technologies, including laser ablation and radiofrequency, which have demonstrated superior efficacy to sclerotherapy for treatment of these veins.[6]

Historical aspects

Sclerotherapy has been used in the treatment of spider veins and occasionally varicose veins for over 150 years. Like varicose vein surgery, sclerotherapy techniques have evolved during that time. Modern techniques including ultrasonographic guidance and foam sclerotherapy are the latest developments in this evolution.

The first reported attempt at sclerotherapy was by D Zollikofer in Switzerland in 1682, who injected an acid into a vein to induce thrombus formation.[7] Both Debout and Cassaignaic reported success in treating varicose veins by injecting perchlorate of iron in 1853.[8] Desgranges in 1854 cured 16 cases of varicose veins by injecting iodine and tannin into the veins.[7] This was approximately 12 years after the probable advent of great saphenous vein stripping in 1844 by Madelung.[8] However, due to high rates of side-effects with the drugs used at the time, sclerotherapy had been practically abandoned by 1894.[9] With the improvements in surgical techniques and anaesthetics over that time, stripping became the treatment of choice.

Work continued on alternative sclerosants in the early 20th century. During that time carbolic acid and perchlorate of mercury were tried and whilst these showed some effect in obliterating varicose veins, side-effects also caused them to be abandoned. Prof. Sicard and other French doctors developed the use of sodium carbonate and then sodium salicylate during and after the First World War.[9] Quinine was also used with some effect during the early 20th century. At the time of Coppleson's book in 1929, he was advocating the use of sodium salicylate or quinine as the best choices of sclerosant.[9]

Further work on improving the technique and development of safer more effective sclerosants continued through the 1940s and 1950s. Of particular importance was the development of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) in 1946, a product still widely used to this day. George Fegan in the 1960s reported treating over 13,000 patients with sclerotherapy, significantly advancing the technique by focussing on fibrosis of the vein rather than thrombosis, concentrating on controlling significant points of reflux and emphasizing the importance of compression of the treated leg.[8] The procedure became medically accepted in mainland Europe during that time. However, it was poorly understood or accepted in England or the United States, a situation that continues to this day amongst some sections of the medical community.[7]

The next major development in the evolution of sclerotherapy was the advent of duplex ultrasonography in the 1980s and its incorporation into the practise of sclerotherapy later that decade. Knight[10] was an early advocate of this new procedure and presented it at several conferences in Europe and the United States. Thibault's article[11] was the first on this topic to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

The work of Cabrera[12] and Monfreaux[13] in utilising foam sclerotherapy along with Tessari's "3-way tap method" of foam production[14] further revolutionised the treatment of larger varicose veins with sclerotherapy. This has now been further modified by Whiteley and Patel[15] to use 3 non-silicone syringes for more long lasting foam.

Methods

Injecting the unwanted veins with a sclerosing solution causes the target vein to immediately shrink, and then dissolve over a period of weeks as the body naturally absorbs the treated vein. The initial "shrinkage" is caused by spasm of the muscular layer of the vein wall. The sclerosing solution damages the vein wall, causing inflammation and gradual scarring ("sclerosis") over the following weeks. The sclerosis is caused by an increase in fibroblasts in the cell wall which causes contraction of the vein. The process requires carefully assessing the strength of the sclerosing solution so it is strong enough to cause a clinically significant effect in the target vein without causing excessive damage to surrounding tissues.[16] Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure taking only about 10 minutes to perform. The downtime is minimal, in comparison to an invasive varicose vein surgery.[17]

Sclerotherapy is the "gold standard" and is preferred over laser for eliminating large spider veins telangiectasias. [Telangiectasia is a condition in which broken or widened small blood vessels that sit near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes create visible], and smaller varicose leg veins.[18] Unlike a laser, the sclerosing solution additionally closes the reticular veins also known as feeder veins under the skin that are causing the spider veins to form, thereby making a recurrence of the spider veins in the treated area less likely. Multiple injections of dilute sclerosant are injected into the abnormal surface veins of the involved leg. The patient's leg is then compressed with either stockings or bandages that they wear usually for one week after treatment.[19] Patients are also encouraged to walk regularly during that time. It is common practice for the patient to require at least two treatment sessions separated by several weeks to significantly improve the appearance of their leg veins.

Sclerotherapy can also be performed using microfoam sclerosants under ultrasound guidance to treat larger varicose veins, including the great and small saphenous veins.[20] After a map of the patient's varicose veins is created using ultrasound, these veins are injected whilst real-time monitoring of the injections is undertaken, also using ultrasound. The sclerosant can be observed entering the vein, and further injections performed so that all the abnormal veins are treated. Follow-up ultrasound scans are used to confirm closure of the treated veins and any residual varicose veins can be identified and treated.

Foam sclerotherapy

Foam sclerotherapy[21] is a technique that involves injecting "foamed sclerosant drugs" within a blood vessel using a pair of syringes – one with sclerosant in it and one with gas (originally air). The original Tessari method has now been modified by the Whiteley-Patel modification which uses 3 syringes, all of which are silicone-free.[15] The sclerosant drugs (sodium tetradecyl sulfate, bleomycin or polidocanol) are mixed with air or a physiological gas (carbon dioxide) in a syringe or by using mechanical pumps. This increases the surface area of the drug. The foam sclerosant drug is more efficacious than the liquid one in causing sclerosis[22] (thickening of the vessel wall and sealing off the blood flow), for it does not mix with the blood in the vessel and in fact displaces it, thus avoiding dilution of the drug and causing maximal sclerosant action. It is therefore useful for longer and larger veins. Experts in foam sclerotherapy have created “tooth paste” like thick foam for their injections, which has revolutionized the non-surgical treatment of varicose veins[23] and venous malformations, including Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome.[24]

Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy

Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy consists of locally delivering the sclerosant bleomycin and applying short high voltage electrical pulses to the area to be treated, resulting in a local and temporary increased permeability of the cell membranes, increasing the intracellular concentration of bleomycin by a factor of up to several thousand.[25] Preclinical studies also indicated that electroporation in combination with bleomycin impaired the barrier function of the endothelium by interacting with the organization of the cytoskeleton and the integrity of the junctions. This can lead to extravasation, interstitial edema and a desired collapse of the vascular structures.[26] The procedure has been researched as electrochemotherapy of skin tumors since the early 1990s[27] and was first used in 2017 for vascular malformations.[28] Initial reports indicated that the use of bleomycin in combination with reversible electroporation can potentially enhance the sclerotherapy effect.[29][30] A retrospective study of 17 patients with venous malformations who did not respond to previous invasive therapies showed an average decrease in lesion volume measured on MRI images of 86% with clinical improvement in all patients after an average of 3.7 months and 1.12 sessions per patient, with a reduced dose of bleomycin and a reduced number of sessions compared to standard bleomycin sclerotherapy[31]

Clinical evaluations

A study by Kanter and Thibault in 1996 reported a 76% success rate at 24 months in treating saphenofemoral junction and great saphenous vein incompetence with STS 3% solution.[4] Padbury and Benveniste[5] found that ultrasound guided sclerotherapy was effective in controlling reflux in the small saphenous vein. Barrett et al. found that microfoam ultrasound guided sclerotherapy was "effective in treating all sizes of varicose veins with high patient satisfaction and improvement in quality of life".[32]

A Cochrane Collaboration review of the medical literature concluded that "the evidence supports the current place of sclerotherapy in modern clinical practice, which is usually limited to treatment of recurrent varicose veins following surgery and thread veins."[33] A second Cochrane Collaboration review comparing surgery to sclerotherapy concluded that sclerotherapy has greater benefits than surgery in the short term but surgery has greater benefits in the longer term. Sclerotherapy was better than surgery in terms of treatment success, complication rate and cost at one year, but surgery was better after five years. However, the evidence was not of very good quality and more research is needed.[34]

A Health Technology Assessment found that sclerotherapy provided less benefit than surgery, but is likely to provide a small benefit in varicose veins without reflux from the sapheno-femoral or sapheno-popliteal junctions. It did not study the relative benefits of surgery and sclerotherapy in varicose veins with junctional reflux.[35]

The European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy in 2003 concluded that "Foam sclerotherapy allows a skilled practitioner to treat larger veins including saphenous trunks".[36] A second European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy in 2006 has now been published.[37]

Complications

Complications, while rare, include venous thromboembolism, visual disturbances, allergic reaction,[38] thrombophlebitis, skin necrosis, and hyperpigmentation or a red treatment area.[39]

If the sclerosant is injected properly into the vein, there is no damage to the surrounding skin, but if it is injected outside the vein, tissue necrosis and scarring can result.[40] Skin necrosis, whilst rare, can be cosmetically "potentially devastating", and may take months to heal. It is very rare when small amounts of dilute (<0.25%) sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) is used, but has been seen when higher concentrations (3%) are used. Blanching of the skin often occurs when STS is injected into arterioles (small artery branches). Telangiectatic matting, or the development of tiny red vessels, is unpredictable and usually must be treated with repeat sclerotherapy or laser.[41]

Most complications occur due to an intense inflammatory reaction to the sclerotherapy agent in the area surrounding the injected vein. In addition, there are systemic complications that are now becoming increasingly understood. These occur when the sclerosant travels through the veins to the heart, lung and brain. A recent report attributed a stroke to foam treatment,[42] although this involved the injection of an unusually large amount of foam. More recent reports have shown that bubbles from even a small amount of sclerosant foam injected into the veins quickly appear in the heart, lung and brain.[43] The significance of this is not fully understood at this point and large studies show that foam sclerotherapy is safe.[44] Sclerotherapy is fully FDA approved in the USA.[citation needed]

Contraindications include: bed rest, severe systemic diseases, poor patient understanding, needle phobia, short life expectancy, late stage cancer, known allergy to the sclerosing agent, and treatment with tamoxifen.[45]

See also

References

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