A proof-of-concept study of the VeinScrew: A new percutaneous venous closure device

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated the concept of percutaneous closure of insufficient veins using the VeinScrew principle.

Methods

The VeinScrew is designed to place a spring-shaped implant that contracts and clamps around the vein. The ability of the device to occlude adequately was tested in a bench model experiment. The feasibility of accurate placement and adequate venous occlusion was evaluated in an animal experiment and in a human cadaveric experiment.

Results

The VeinScrew implant occluded up to a pressure of 135 mmHg. In vivo studies confirmed that deployment was challenging but technically feasible, and subsequent phlebography showed closure of the vein. The cadaveric study showed that percutaneous placement of the evolved VeinScrew around the great saphenous vein was feasible and accurate.

Conclusions

The current studies show the feasibility of the VeinScrew concept. Future developments and translational studies are necessary to determine the potential of this technique as a new option in the phlebologist’s toolbox.