Successful ablation of remnant tortuous varicosities with Varithena after failing multiple PCF treatments
Case Study Contributor
Daniel L. Monahan, MD
Monahan Vein Clinic, Roseville, CA
Specialty: General Surgery
Biography: West Coast Vein Forum Planning Committee Chair and American Venous Forum Health Policy Committee Member
“The visual improvement in his venous cluster was dramatic even after a single treatment with Varithena.”
Patient Characteristics
A 58-year-old male presented with extensive bilateral CEAP C3 disease which he has had for over 20 years (Figure 1). History of bilateral Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) ligation and stripping in 1988 and 1989, radiofrequency ablation on left GSV in 2015, and over 10 physician compounded foam (PCF) treatments for bilateral neovascularization. In addition, the patient trialed compression therapy, NSAIDs, and leg elevation for more than 10 years. Patient had remnant tributary varices and continued to experience throbbing, pain, and achiness in both lower extremities that limited his ability to work certain jobs.
Duplex ultrasound of right anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV): maximum diameter of 6.2mm in the mid-thigh venous cluster and 4.2mm below the knee with 3 seconds reflux in right AAGSV.
Treatment and Results
Initial Varithena treatment consisted of a total 10cc administered over multiple direct needle injections into the right medial thigh venous cluster. Patient returned to the clinic one week later for an additional 8cc of Varithena for treatment of the right lower thigh and calf AAGSV.
During both procedures, patient was placed in steep Trendelenburg position. Ultrasound was utilized throughout the procedure to identify sites for injection and to monitor for response to Varithena.
Immediately following initial treatment of the right medial thigh venous cluster, closure was observed both visually and under ultrasound.
Patient complied with post-procedure care instructions after each treatment: daily compression stockings, full wraps for 48 hours and daily walking.
The right AAGSV was non-compressible, with no flow in treated segments at weeks one and eight. No evidence to suggest thrombus.
Patient was extremely satisfied with the improvement in appearance immediately after treatment (Figure 2).
Conclusion
Varithena resulted in immediate visual improvement following the first treatment and successfully improved symptoms as early as one day post-treatment. Patient reported, “The improvement was like going from night to day.” The patient is now planning to have Varithena treatment in the left leg.
Varithena is a viable and potentially successful intervention for patients who have previously failed PCF or other forms of treatment.
Documentation
Figure 1. Pre-treatment medial view of the right mid-thigh venous cluster and calf.
Figure 2. Post-treatment medial view of the right mid-thigh venous cluster and calf at eight weeks.
* Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Indications
Varithena® (polidocanol injectable foam) is indicated for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins and visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein (GSV) system above and below the knee. Varithena® improves the symptoms of superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities.
Important Safety Information
The use of Varithena® is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to polidocanol and those with acute thromboembolic disease. Severe allergic reactions have been reported following administration of liquid polidocanol, including anaphylactic reactions, some of them fatal. Observe patients for at least 10 minutes following injection and be prepared to treat anaphylaxis appropriately. Intra-arterial injection or extravasation of polidocanol can cause severe necrosis, ischemia or gangrene. Patients with underlying arterial disease may be at increased risk for tissue ischemia. If intra-arterial injection of polidocanol occurs, consult a vascular surgeon immediately.Varithena® can cause venous thrombosis. Follow administration instructions closely and monitor for signs of venous thrombosis after treatment. Patients with reduced mobility, history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, or recent (within 3 months) major surgery, prolonged hospitalization, or pregnancy are at increased risk for developing thrombosis. The most common adverse events observed were pain/discomfort in extremity, retained coagulum, injection site hematoma or pain, common femoral vein thrombus extension, superficial thrombophlebitis, and deep vein thrombosis.Physicians administering Varithena® must be experienced with venous procedures, possess a detailed working knowledge of the use of the duplex ultrasound in venous disease and be trained in the administration of Varithena®.
See Full Prescribing Information for Varithena®
Varithena™ is a registered trademark of Boston Scientific. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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