Transdermal radiofrequency (V ERASER®) plus polidocanol sclerotherapy versus polidocanol sclerotherapy alone for the treatment of reticular veins and telangiectasias. A randomized controlled trial (TYPER trial)

Abstract

Background

Sclerotherapy with polidocanol is the gold standard treatment for telangiectasias and varicose veins, but technologies such as transdermal radiofrequency are also available. Transdermal radiofrequency (V Eraser^®), a device that combines transdermal radiofrequency and sclerotherapy, was developed to treat these conditions.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, and comparative study between transdermal radiofrequency and sclerotherapy for treating telangiectasias and reticular veins. Forty-one patients were randomized to either transdermal radiofrequency plus polidocanol sclerotherapy or polidocanol sclerotherapy alone and underwent a single treatment session. Efficacy was assessed using vessel clearance analysis in pre- and post-treatment images and the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire.

Results

Forty-six patients were enrolled. Both treatments significantly reduced vessel length in a single session (p < .001). Sclerotherapy showed an average reduction of 30.7%, while transdermal radiofrequency reduced it by 33%, with no statistically significant difference (p = .596). Quality of life improved, with pain reduction in 40% and 55% of patients in the right and left lower limbs, respectively (p = .030 and p = .002).

Conclusion

Transdermal radiofrequency was not superior to standard of care polidocanol sclerotherapy. Both methods improved quality of life, particularly in reducing pain associated with varicose veins.