Application of endovenous mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) with Flebogrif™ to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities: A single center experience over 3 months of observation

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic venous insufficiency is one of the most common medical conditions among highly developed societies. The majority of patients (70%) suffer from saphenous veins incompetency. The study presents results of a 3-month follow-up of application of venous mechanochemical ablation system with the FlebogrifTM catheter. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 200 patients, including 170 women and 30 men treated with ablation with FlebogrifTM to treat varicose veins. All patients were qualified based on the ultrasound in a standing position confirming incompetence of the great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein. The vein was punctured under ultrasound guidance in the distal part of the incompetent segment. The area of vascular access was anesthetized with 0.5 mL of 1% lignocaine. The compression therapy in the form of the first grade medical elastic stocking was used after the surgery. Results. The initial technical success of the surgery was achieved in all the patients. During the 3-month follow-up, recanalization occurred in 8 cases, in 5 patients great saphenous vein and in 3 small saphenous vein recanalised. Based on the recommendations of the European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy, 7 cases were defined as complete recanalization and 1 as partial. The analysis of numerical data obtained with Venous Clinical Severity Score and Clinics Ethiology Anatomy Pathophysiology Classification showed a statistically significant decrease in the severity of clinical symptoms compared to ones before the surgery and between particular days of the observation during the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions. The procedure is highly effective reaching 96% at 3 months of follow-up, provides good cosmetic effect and the low rate of complications. Minimal invasiveness of mechanochemical ablation with Flebogrif™ may improve the quality of life during the postoperative period. A long-term observation is recommended to achieve a full-value assessment of this novel method.