Invagination Stripping with Ultrasound-Guided Perivenous Tumescence: An Original Method of Great Saphenous Vein Stripping

BACKGROUND Although minimally invasive treatment of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is now preferred over stripping, in some cases, stripping is still necessary. However, stripping, as an invasive method of treatment, promotes significant bleeding and trauma to the saphenous vein track. OBJECTIVE To describe an original method of GSV stripping, reducing bleeding during procedure. METHODS AND MATERIALS Seventeen patients underwent stripping of 29 GSVs using tumescent infusion in the saphenous compartment guided by ultrasound, similar to the tumescent anesthesia used in laser ablation during treatment of saphenous vein insufficiency. RESULTS Less bleeding and shorter recovery time was observed than in conventional GSV stripping. CONCLUSION GSV stripping using tumescent ultrasound-guided technique promotes less bleeding than conventional stripping and should be always performed when GSV stripping is considered. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.