AUSTIN, TEX. — A new microfoam in trials in the United States holds promise for sclerotherapy, said Dr. Girish Munavalli, who also discussed other techniques currently available for addressing varicose veins.
It is important to address these veins, as they are indicative of venous insufficiency and saphenous reflux, Dr. Munavalli of Charlotte, N.C., said at the annual meeting of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
Some 60% of the U.S. population has varicose veins, and the frequency increases with age. Approximately 6 million workdays are lost annually because of complications from varicose veins, which can include venous leg ulcers, he said. Current treatment options include surgery (ligation and stripping); endovenous heat ablation; sclerotherapy; and a newer device, called ClosureFAST (VNUS Medical Technologies), which ablates the veins with a radiofrequency catheter. He said that he tends not to use lasers for sclerotherapy.
Dr. Munavalli is currently investigating the new microfoam, which is being used in Europe. It "is a really interesting technique. Hopefully, we'll get [Food and Drug Administration] approval soon," he said.
The product is contained in a can that holds air, but with less nitrogen than room air. When the sclerosant is pumped through the can, it creates much smaller bubbles, which increases the surface area of contact. The microfoam is thicker, compared with a sclerosant that's mixed with room air, said Dr. Munavalli. It still should be administered with ultrasound guidance.
In addition to being an investigator for the microfoam, Dr. Munavalli disclosed that he is on the speakers bureau and is a consultant for DUSA Pharmaceuticals.