Ultrasound-guided cyanoacrylate injection for the treatment of incompetent perforator veins

OBJECTIVE: The use of cyanoacrylate products (CA) in incompetent perforator vein (IPV) treatment has not been thoroughly examined. The primary objective of this study is to describe the technique of ultra sound guided direct injection of IPV with CA, and secondarily to determine early closure rates and safety of this technique. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing IPV injection at two centres between 2015-2018 was conducted. Demographics, CEAP classification and IPV location were collected. Outcomes were assessed at two follow-up appointments. RESULTS: A total of 83 perforator vein injections were completed. CEAP classifications include C2 – C6 classes. Location of perforators were posteromedial (6%), femoral canal (9%), paratibial (14%), and posterior-tibial (71%). IPV closure rates were 96.3% at initial follow-up (16 ± 2 days). Closure rates decreased to 86.5% at second follow-up (72 ± 9 days). There were no deep vein thromboses during follow-up. One patient developed septic thrombophlebitis that was successfully managed with antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided CA glue injection is a simple and low risk procedure that effectively closes incompetent perforator veins.