The use of transillumination as a rational approach to sclerotherapy and endovascular laser ablation of varices. Results in the use of an original instrument.

AIM: To explain the mode of using and the obtained results during EVLA procedures and sclerotherapies with support of Visioven®, a laser transillumination instrument.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 205 patients suffering from Chronic Venous Insufficiency - CEAP-C stage 1-2 enrolled (103 females and 102 males) and divided into two groups. A Group: patients candidate for sclerotherapy; B Group: patients to be subjected to endovascular laser ablation (EVLA). In both groups patients were divided into two sub-groups on the basis of the use of Visioven® or not during the procedure. The analyzed outcome variables were the total number of cannulations necessary to treat a whole limb, and the total procedure time.

RESULTS: There is a statistically significant difference between the sub-groups in which Visioven® was used and the ones in which the procedure has been performed without using of any tools. Both in the sclerotherapy group than in the EVLA one, there is not a statistically significant difference for the time required to complete the procedures carried out with Visioven® compared with the ones performed without the use of any transillumination.

DISCUSSION: Complete closure of the vein was highlighted. Total number of cannulations in sclerotherapy and EVLA procedures was reduced, as a consequence of a "smart" and "targeted" treatment achieved with Visioven® CONCLUSION: The VISIOVEN® system leads to have a more rational approach to sclerotherapy or Laser Ablation of teleangectasias and reticular veins as we can immediately verify the effectiveness of the treatment and adapting it to the desired effects.

KEY WORDS: Chronic Vein Insufficiency, EVLA, EVLT, Laser, Varicose vein.