High intensity focused ultrasound in small saphenous vein incompetence: a pilot feasibility study

Abstract

Background

This study explores the effectiveness of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in treating incompetence of the small saphenous vein (SSV).

Materials and methods

Patients diagnosed with SSV incompetence received HIFU treatment. The primary outcome measured was the rate of SSV competent shrinkage or closure after 1 year.

Results

Among the 292 legs treated with HIFU for chronic venous disease, 15 (5.1%) were for SSV incompetence. Quality of life, assessed using the CIVIQ-20, showed a significant improvement at 3 months post-treatment, decreasing from 38.9 ± 9.1 to 24.3 ± 2.0 (p < .01). The rVCSS also improved, declining from 6.5 ± 1.7 to 5.0 ± 1.0, although this change was not statistically significant (p = ns). All SSVs were closed or competent with evidence of shrinkage at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year following HIFU. No recurrent varicose veins were identified during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

These initial findings indicate that HIFU may be an effective option for addressing SSV incompetence. Additional studies are necessary to compare this method with other treatments and to evaluate long-term results with a more robust patient cohort.