Techniques of Sclerotherapy: A Method to Distend Leg Veins with the Patient in a Horizontal Position Prior to Needle Insertion

Abstract

Objective:

To demonstrate the efficacy of the use of a large contoured thigh cuff to distend varicose veins, with the patient in a horizontal position, prior to needle insertion for sclerotherapy.

Design:

Prospective study in varicose vein patients treated by injection-compression sclerotherapy.

Setting:

Outpatient Surgery Clinic, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.

Patients:

Patients presenting with varicose veins on the lower thigh and below.

Interventions:

Patients underwent injection-compression sclerotherapy. Needles insertion was done with the patient in a horizontal position after veins were distended using a large contoured thigh cuff.

Main outcome measures:

Successful vein distension and needle insertion.

Results:

Ninety-five percent of patients had adequate vein distension for needle insertion.

Conclusion:

Vein distension, prior to needle insertion for sclerotherapy can be achieved by using a large contoured thigh cuff.