The Evolution of Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

UNLABELLED: To know the future one must look to the past. AIM: To review the history of sclerotherapy and the application of duplex ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UFS) to the treatment of varicose veins. METHOD: The development of sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins during the last century is described with the introduction of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy during the last decade. Foam sclerotherapy is described and the possible side effects are discussed. No long-term (10 years) random trial results are yet available. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy is a useful technique in the management of chronic venous disease.