Investigation Into the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Varicose Veins
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2015-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Chemical sclerotherapy is commonly used to treat varicose veins which affect superficial
veins in the leg. Sclerotherapy is injected directly into veins where it causes damage to the
vein wall. If sufficient damage occurs, the vein is transformed into a fibrous cord which
does not re-open. This study will investigate the structural changes caused to the wall of
veins following injection with sclerotherapy ex vivo. Vein samples will be obtained from the
Whiteley Clinic in Guildford from patients undergoing phlebectomy operations. These will then
be injected with sclerotherapy and the extent of damage will be investigated. Samples will
also be used for laboratory analysis into the pathophysiology of varicose veins.