Ann Phlebology.  2024 Dec;22(2):57-60. 10.37923/phle.2024.22.2.57.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in the Treatment of Varicose Veins: A Comprehensive Review

• Shin CS
• Kim JI

• KMID: 2565360
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.37923/phle.2024.22.2.57

Abstract

Varicose veins are a prevalent vascular disorder affecting a significant portion of the global population, leading to reduced quality of life and potential health risks if left untreated. Traditional treatments, while effective, are often invasive and associated with complications and prolonged recovery times. To provide a comprehensive review of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) as a non-invasive treatment modality for varicose veins, discussing its mechanism of action, clinical applications, efficacy, advantages, limitations, and future prospects. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies published up to October 2023 that evaluated the use of HIFU in varicose vein treatment. HIFU demonstrates high efficacy in vein closure rates, comparable to traditional endovenous therapies, with the added benefits of being completely non-invasive, minimizing patient discomfort, and reducing recovery times. Clinical studies report closure rates exceeding 95% with low complication rates. Limitations include longer treatment durations and limited availability due to high costs. HIFU emerges as a promising noninvasive alternative for the treatment of varicose veins, offering significant advantages over traditional therapies. Further advancements and broader accessibility may position HIFU as a standard treatment option in the future. Additionally, we discuss the potential application of HIFU for treating superficial venous lesions such as telangiectasia.

Keyword

Varicose vein; High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation; Ultrasonic therapy