Successful Treatment of Spider Leg Veins with a High-Energy, Long-Pulse, Frequency-Doubled Neodymium:YAG Laser (HELP-G)

BACKGROUND: While sclerotherapy has been the standard treatment for spider leg veins for many years, recent advances have allowed lasers to be considered as a treatment option. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm with a 50 ms pulse width and chill tip device in the treatment of spider leg veins. METHODS: Forty-six patients with spider leg veins with a diameter of less than 1 mm or 1-2 mm were treated with a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm with a pulse width of 50 ms (VersaPulse HELP-G laser) while using a water-cooled chill tip device. RESULTS: Of patients with veins less than 1 mm in diameter, 60% had greater than 50% clearing after one treatment and 80% had greater than 50% clearing after two treatments. Of patients with veins 1-2 mm in diameter, 39% achieved greater than 50% clearing after one treatment and 67% had greater than 50% clearing after two sessions. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser with a pulse width of 50 ms and chill tip device offers an excellent alternative to sclerotherapy in the treatment of small spider leg veins.     

下肢毛细血管扩张的微创治疗进展

下肢毛细血管扩张的常见临床表现为蜘蛛样、细线样等肉眼可见的血管扩张,颜色呈红色、紫色或蓝色.尽管部分患者可能无自主症状,但由于其肉眼可见外观损害,因此,在很大程度上影响了患者的美观.随着经济的发展和人们生活水平的提高,越来越多的患者寻求诊治.由于下肢毛细血管扩张的发病率高,并影响患者的肢体外观和社交生活,甚至对患者的心...     

Clinical Comparison of Sclerotherapy Versus Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser Treatment for Lower Extremity Telangiectases

BACKGROUND: Sclerotherapy has traditionally been considered the gold standard of treatment for leg veins, but patient fear of multiple needle injections and side effects of treatment have fueled investigation into other treatment alternatives. As a result, vascular-specific laser and light sources have been developed in an effort to treat these vessels with minimal morbidity and improved efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of leg telangiectasia treatment with sodium tetradecyl sulfate sclerotherapy to long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation. METHODS: A series of 20 patients with size-matched superficial telangiectases of the lower extremities were randomly assigned to receive two consecutive monthly treatments with injectable sodium tetradecyl sulfate on one leg and long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the other. Patients were evaluated by two masked assessors at each treatment visit and at 1 and 3 months after treatment to assess clinical improvement within matched sites. RESULTS: Leg telangiectases responded best to sclerotherapy in fewer treatment sessions than to long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation. The incidence of adverse sequelae was minimal and equivocal in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Despite recent advances in laser technology for treatment of lower extremity telangiectases, sclerotherapy continues to offer superior clinical effect in the majority of cases. Laser leg vein treatment appears to be most beneficial in patients with telangiectatic matting, needle phobia, or sclerosant allergy.     

Transcutaneous laser treatment of leg veins

Leg telangiectasias and reticular veins are a common complaint affecting more than 80 % of the population to some extent. To date, the gold standard remains sclerotherapy for most patients. However, there may be some specific situations, where sclerotherapy is contraindicated such as needle phobia, allergy to certain sclerosing agents, and the presence of vessels smaller than the diameter of a 30-gauge needle (including telangiectatic matting). In these cases, transcutaneous laser therapy is a valuable alternative. Currently, different laser modalities have been proposed for the management of leg veins. The aim of this article is to present an overview of the basic principles of transcutaneous laser therapy of leg veins and to review the existing literature on this subject, including the most recent developments. The 532-nm potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser, the 585–600-nm pulsed dye laser, the 755-nm alexandrite laser, various 800–983-nm diode lasers, and the 1,064-nm neodymium yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and various intense pulsed light sources have been investigated for this indication. The KTP and pulsed dye laser are an effective treatment option for small vessels (<1 mm). The side effect profile is usually favorable to that of longer wavelength modalities. For larger veins, the use of a longer wavelength is required. According to the scarce evidence available, the Nd:YAG laser produces better clinical results than the alexandrite and diode laser. Penetration depth is high, whereas absorption by melanin is low, making the Nd:YAG laser suitable for the treatment of larger and deeply located veins and for the treatment of patients with dark skin types. Clinical outcome of Nd:YAG laser therapy approximates that of sclerotherapy, although the latter is associated with less pain. New developments include (1) the use of a nonuniform pulse sequence or a dual-wavelength modality, inducing methemoglobin formation and enhancing the optical absorption properties of the target structure, (2) pulse stacking and multiple pass laser treatment, (3) combination of laser therapy with sclerotherapy or radiofrequency, and (4) indocyanin green enhanced laser therapy. Future studies will have to confirm the role of these developments in the treatment of leg veins. The literature still lacks double-blind controlled clinical trials comparing the different laser modalities with each other and with sclerotherapy. Such trials should be the focus of future research.     

Comparative pilot study evaluating the treatment of leg veins with a long pulse ND:YAG laser and sclerotherapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To date there have been very few side by side comparison studies of laser versus sclerotherapy in treating small leg veins. This study compares a long pulsed Nd:YAG laser with contact cooling to sclerotherapy for treating small diameter leg veins by evaluating objective and subjective clinical effects. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were selected with leg veins ranging from 0.25 to 3 mm at two comparable sites. One site was treated with long pulsed Nd:YAG laser and the other received sotradecol sclerotherapy. The patients followed up at 8 weeks for another possible laser retreatment and 3 months following the last treatment. Photographs were taken pre- and post-operatively and at each follow-up visit and used for objective comparative analysis. The patients also completed a Quality of Life survey. RESULTS: Improvement was tabulated from the photographic assessment on an improvement scale from 0 (no change)-4 (greater than 75% clearing). The laser treated areas averaged 2.50 and sclerotherapy treated sites averaged 2.30. Patient surveys show 35% preferred laser and 45% choose sclerotherapy. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrates that the Lyra Long Pulse Nd:YAG laser can yield results similar to sclerotherapy in the treatment of small leg veins.     

Endovascular treatment of varicose veins

Within the past 5 years, radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser treatment have been introduced as important new endovenous ablative techniques for the minimally invasive treatment of superficial venous reflux and varicose veins. Although sclerotherapy has been a well-established technique for spider telangectasia, recent reports have documented that administration of aerated or foamed sclerosants provides an excellent cost-effective option for treatment of varicose veins. This report reviews the indications for these minimally invasive techniques, the technical aspects of these approaches, and describes in detail the short and long-term success rates. To date, results of minimally invasive therapies are equivalent to or surpass those of surgical vein stripping, while offering dramatically reduced recovery time and complication rates.     

Diagnosis and treatment of atypical forms of varicose disease of pelvic veins

Results of sclerotherapy of 59 patients with atypical forms of varicose disease of pelvic veins were analyzed. Four atypical forms of the disease were revealed: suprapubic (30.5%), vulvar (20.3%), perineal (25.5%) and gluteal (23.7%). Clinical, ultrasonic and phlebographic investigations have found that a pathological caval reflux of blood involving the internal ileac vein and its inflows underlie the development of atypical forms. An original technology of sclerotherapy of atypical forms of varicose disease by means of multiple repeated administration of sclerosant in minimal doses has been developed capable to cause but proliferative processes in the varicose vein walls. Elastic compression was not used. Varicose disease of the lower extremity veins was revealed in 36 (61%) patients with atypical forms of varicose disease of the pelvic veins. The volume of treatment of such patients was supplemented with operation of crossectomy, catheter sclerotherapy of the main trunk of the large subcutaneous vein and injectional sclerotherapy of its inflows. Results of treatment were assessed by clinical examination of the patients, duplex scanning and investigation of quality of life on the basis of self-appraisal of the patients according to recommendations of the international association of phlebologists. Excellent results were obtained in 32.6%, good - in 46.1%, satisfactory - in 19.1%, unsatisfactory - in 2.2% of the patients.     

Comparison and sequential study of long pulsed Nd:YAG 1,064 nm laser and sclerotherapy in leg telangiectasias treatment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Millisecond pulsed 1,064 nm Nd:YAG lasers have been developed for the treatment of leg telangiectasias. To date there have been very few side by side comparison studies of laser versus the gold standard sclerotherapy in treating small leg veins. This study aims to compare a long pulsed Nd:YAG laser with contact cooling to sclerotherapy for treating small diameter leg telangiectasias by evaluating objective and subjective clinical effects. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients were selected with leg telangiectasias ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm at four comparable sites. One site was treated with long pulsed Nd:YAG alone, the second received sclerotherapy alone, the third laser then sclerotherapy, and the last one sclerotherapy then laser. The patients were followed up at 3 months after the last treatment. Photographs were taken pre-operatively and at 3 months after the last session. They were used for objective and comparative analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Friedman's test controlling for subject. RESULTS: Improvement was tabulated from the photographic assessment on an improvement scale from 0 (no change) to 4 (greater than 75% clearing). There were clinical improvements in the laser group than sclerotherapy without statistical significance. Side effects were minimal and included hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that the Smartepil LS long pulse Nd:YAG 1,064 nm laser can yield results similar to sclerotherapy in the treatment of small leg telangiectasias. Combination of both methods could increase response to treatment.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ablation for the treatment of perforating vein incompetence

Recent advances in catheter-based endovenous interventions have broadened our understanding in the pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that can be caused by abnormality of various lower extremity venous structures, including superficial or deep vein reflux or incompetent perforating veins. This article reviews the history and therapeutic principles of percutaneous ablation of perforators (PAPs). Discussions related to treatment strategies and procedural techniques of PAPs using radiofrequency ablation, laser energy, and sclerosant injection are provided. Current clinical results of PAPs with radiofrequency and laser energy ablation as a treatment modality of chronic venous insufficiency are also discussed.     

Treatment of Spider Veins Using a 10 Millisecond Pulse-Duration Frequency-Doubled Neodymium YAG Laser

BACKGROUND: The pulsed dye laser has been the standard for treating vascular lesions. Although quite effective for treating facial vessels and port-wine stains, spider veins of the lower extremities are more difficult to treat. Recent studies have shown that lasers with longer pulse durations are more effective at treating spider veins. A new long-pulse frequency-doubled Neodymium:YAG laser has been developed with a 10-ms pulse duration and sufficient energy to enable treatment with a 3- or 4-mm diameter treatment beam. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of the long pulse Neodymium:YAG laser for treating spider veins of the lower extremities. METHODS: Spider veins less than 0.75 mm in diameter on the legs of 15 female volunteers were treated in 1 or 2 areas. Treatments were administered through a water-cooled chill tip using the frequency-doubled Neodymium:YAG laser with a 10-ms pulse duration. A dose of 16 J/cm2 was administered, completing 3 passes over each visible vein during each session, for a total of 2 sessions administered 6 weeks apart. Photographs of treatment areas were digitally analyzed for degree of vessel clearance. RESULTS: Computer-based image analysis revealed clearing of over 75% of veins following 2 treatments with 16 J/cm2. Side effects were minimal, and the treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The 532 nm, 10 ms pulse duration, frequency-doubled Neodymium:YAG laser is safe and effective for treating spider veins of the lower extremities less than 0.75 mm in diameter, in patients with Fitzpatrick skin Types I-III.     

Sclerotherapy: it is back and better

With the recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of polidocanol in the United States, there has been a resurgence of interest in sclerotherapy. Despite the popularity of laser therapy, sclerotherapy remains the gold standard for treating spider and reticular veins. Although this traditional method of treatment has been around for more than 100 years, better sclerosing agents and newer techniques have made sclerotherapy safer and more efficacious than ever before. This article is a primer for physicians interested in updating their skills in sclerotherapy. It reviews common sclerosants, sclerotherapy techniques, patient evaluation, complications, and recent advancements in sclerotherapy.     

Treatment of spider leg veins with the KTP (532 nm) laser--a prospective study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spider leg veins are telangiectasias located intracutaneously. This condition poses a cosmetic problem. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENTS AND METHODS: The purpose of this study was to determine what influence the KTP (532 nm) laser has on spider leg veins dependent on the vascular diameter and to what extent the skin has been affected. Seventy female patients were treated in three laser sessions. Analysis was done 30 weeks after the last laser treatment session. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients completed the study. In group 1 (vascular diameter < or = 0.6 mm), spider leg veins were no longer visible in 33%; in 40%, a decrease in vascular diameter could be observed; in 27%, no change in size occurred. In group 2 (vascular diameter 0.7-1.0 mm), laser-treated spider leg veins were visible in all patients. Hyperpigmentation occurred in 13 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The KTP (532 nm) laser is an effective for treating spider leg veins having a vascular diameter under 0.7 mm.     

腔内激光联合Trivex 旋切术治疗重度下肢浅静脉曲张的临床效果

目的：探讨腔内激光治疗术联合Trivex旋切术治疗重度下肢浅静脉曲张的临床疗效。 方法：分析2012年7月—2013年10月收治的20例（26条肢体）重度下肢原发性下肢静脉曲张患者临床资料。患者均行腔内激光治疗术联合Trivex旋切术治疗。 结果：全部患者顺利完成手术。术后下肢静脉曲张均消失,色素沉着、瘙痒、湿疹、皮肤溃疡等并发症不同程度的减轻;并发皮下淤斑、局部肿胀4例,均在1个月内消失;1例出现患肢小腿外侧肿胀,穿刺抽吸积液并以弹力绷带加压包扎后肿胀消退;2例出现患肢皮肤麻木,2个月后消失;2例大隐静脉主干部位和曲张静脉烧灼处出现条索状硬结,并伴有局部轻中度疼痛,2~3周症状逐渐消失。术后平均随访8个月,无曲张静脉复发及小腿无明显瘢痕。 结论：腔内激光治疗术联合Trivex旋切术对原发性下肢静脉曲张具有良好的治疗效果治疗,且具有微创及美容效果好等优点。     

下肢静脉造影在下肢静脉曲张患者中的应用及阻塞性下肢静脉曲张发生的预测因素

目的 探讨下肢静脉造影检查在下肢静脉曲张中应用的临床意义,并分析阻塞性下肢静脉曲张可能相关的预测因素.方法 选取2019年1月至2021年12月因下肢静脉曲张于海军军医大学第二附属医院诊治的74例患者(111条患肢)为研究对象,对所有患肢行下肢静脉造影检查,采用病例报告表形式记录患者相关信息,根据有无深静脉阻塞表现分为...     

Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) irradiation for lower extremity telangiectases and small reticular veins: efficacy as measured by vessel color and size.

BACKGROUND: Laser treatment of lower extremity telangiectases and small reticular veins has remained difficult because of vessel color, diameter, depth, and associated high-pressure flow. Traditionally, larger-caliber blue leg veins do not respond well to laser treatment. Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) irradiation is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin and is associated with greater depth of penetration than other previously studied vascular lasers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a millisecond contact-cooled 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of telangiectases and small reticular veins. METHODS: Twenty-one lower extremity sites, with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV, received two laser treatments separated by a 4 to 6-week period. Blue and red vessels, ranging in size from 0.25 to 4.0 mm were treated. Pulse durations of 10-50 msec were utilized at fluences of 90-187 J/cm2. Three months after the last treatment, patients were evaluated for vessel improvement and complications. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent of lower extremity vessels had improvement graded as significant. All vessel colors and sizes were successfully treated. The only complication at 3 months was postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSION: 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation with associated contact cooling is a safe and effective treatment for telangiectases and small reticular veins of the lower extremities.     

DSA引导泡沫硬化治疗下肢静脉曲张中长期效果

目的 观察DSA引导泡沫硬化治疗下肢静脉曲张的效果及对患者生活质量的影响。方法 对573例（744肢）下肢静脉曲张患者行泡沫硬化治疗;随访4年,统计治疗前和治疗后1、2、3、4年健康调查12条简表（SF-12）评分及静脉疾病临床严重程度评分（VCSS）,4年后填写下肢症状改善情况问卷,记录期望值达到情况及治疗满意度。结果 所有患肢治疗均成功,平均泡沫硬化剂用量为每肢（21.62±10.83）ml;治疗中及治疗后均未见深静脉血栓、肺栓塞等严重并发症。治疗后1、2、3、4年SF-12中躯体健康成分（PCS）总分和精神健康成分（MCS）总分均较术前增加（P均<0.05）,VCSS均较术前降低（P均<0.01）。治疗后4年患者对患肢外观、疼痛、瘙痒、肿胀及沉重感改善超过预期+达到预期者分别占100%（91/91）、100%（36/36）、93.55%（29/31）、88.46%（23/26）及91.38%（53/58）;患者满意度100%（72/72）。结论 DSA引导泡沫硬化治疗下肢静脉曲张中长期疗效较好,并可改善患者生活质量。     

Compression after sclerotherapy for telangiectasias and reticular leg veins: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of wearing compression stockings on clinical vessel disappearance following sclerotherapy of telangiectasias and reticular veins has been a matter of debate for half a century. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative efficacy of compression following sclerotherapy and to determine its impact on general quality of life in a prospective randomized open-label trial. METHODS: Female patients seeking treatment of telangiectasias and reticular veins and presenting comparable areas of telangiectasias on the lateral aspect of the thigh (C1AorSEPAS1PN) were randomized to wear medical compression stockings (23 to 32 mm Hg) daily for 3 weeks or no such treatment following a single session of standardized liquid sclerotherapy. Outcome was assessed by patient satisfaction analysis and quantitative evaluation of photographs taken from the lateral aspect of the thigh before and again at 52 days on the average after sclerotherapy by two blinded expert reviewers. Patients completed a quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) before treatment and again at the control. RESULTS: Data of 96 of 100 randomized patients could be evaluated. Patient satisfaction with the outcome of treatment was similar in the two groups. Objective assessment of clinical vessel disappearance revealed a benefit of wearing stockings (P=.026) corresponding to a NNT (number needed to treat) of 4.7 patients to get a vessel disappearance score higher than 6. The interobserver agreement was very high (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.93). Compression was well tolerated with a low rate of discomfort claims (mean 17.5%). Micro-thrombi were rarely observed in either group, but still less prevalent in the compression group. The rate of pigmentation and matting was low and did not differ significantly between the two groups. Physical and mental quality of life scores in women seeking treatment of telangiectasias were similar to those of a healthy control population. Treatment had no impact on general quality of life. CONCLUSION: Wearing compression stockings (23 to 32 mm Hg) for 3 weeks enhance the efficacy of sclerotherapy of leg telangiectasias by improving clinical vessel disappearance.     

激光闭合在小腿交通支静脉功能不全治疗中的临床应用

目的评价经皮穿刺激光腔内闭合小腿交通支静脉治疗下肢大隐静脉曲张合并交通支静脉功能不全的临床疗效。方法全组36例(42条肢体)下肢大隐静脉曲张伴交通支静脉功能不全患者均行大隐静脉全程加下肢浅表曲张静脉穿刺激光烧灼闭合,同时在超声引导下经皮穿刺激光腔内闭合有病变交通支静脉。结果全组42条肢体术前检查有82支病变交通支静脉,术后随访1～18个月内彩超检查证实82支交通支静脉闭合。C6级的10条小腿溃疡肢体,于术后2～8周全部愈合。结论经皮穿刺激光腔内闭合小腿交通支静脉,是治疗下肢大隐静脉曲张合并交通支静脉病变可行的微创治疗方法,安全、有效、创伤小,对于合并有小腿溃疡的患者尤为适宜。     

Sclerotherapy of sapheno-femoral reflux of blood in patients with initial stages of varicose disease of the lower extremity veins

The results of ultrasonic investigation and the following phlebosclerosing treatment of an incompetent saphenofemoral anastomosis were analyzed in two groups of patients with initial stages of varicose disease of the lower extremity veins. The first group included 48 patients treated by injection-sclerosing therapy by the technology of "empty vein". The second group consisted of 82 patients treated by catheter sclerotherapy of the sapheno-femoral anastomosis. In the first group the treatment was effective in 73.1%, in the second group - in 91.5%. The terminal hemodynamic criteria of performing the injectional and catheter sclerotherapy were determined in elimination of high sapheno-femoral reflux of blood.     

Microfoam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins: a Retrospective Analysis of a Modified Technique

Varicose veins (VVs) are generally characterized by their elongated, twisted, bulging, superficial appearance on the lower extremities and usually present with acute or chronic venous diseases. Despite diagnostic and surgical advances in the management of VV, patients suffer from post-therapeutic complications and recurrence. We present findings from a retrospective study of a modified treatment modality in patients with varicose veins who attended St. Thomas Institute of Research on Venous Diseases, Changanassery, Kerala. The hospital caters to patients from India and outside. Out of 14,707 patients treated from 1997 till May 2013, 6,350 patients from January to March 2011 were selected for the study from the routine clinical practice (mid-segment) to facilitate follow-up. They were categorized according to Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic (CEAP) clinical classification system. Baseline data were accrued using a questionnaire. Patients were treated by microfoam sclerotherapy giving a maximum importance to smaller veins, depicting a modified technique of microfoam sclerotherapy (MMFST). This is based on the significance of microscopic venous valves (MVVs) in the development of chronic venous disease (CVD). Follow-up was according to a predefined schedule, and improvements and complications were recorded. A positive family history of VVs was reported in 85.23 % of patients. Half the study population belonged to CEAP clinical class IV. There were no significant complications in patients throughout the 2 to 6 years of follow-up. Recurrence was rarely reported during follow-up and was corrected by repeating the procedure as required during follow-up. MMFST is an innovation in the treatment of VVs based on new principles, with the potential to control and revert the symptoms of CVD, with minimal complications.