Endovascular techniques for the treatment of chronic insufficiency of the lower limb׳s superficial venous system

Endovenous procedures have nowadays mostly replaced classic surgery in the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency. Over the past 15 years substantial evidence has accumulated for two thermal endovenous procedures (endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency segmental ablation) and novel methods has been developing with the aim to make the treatments even simpler, safer but equally efficacious as the well established thermal methods. Here we have reviewed principles and evidence behind all endovenous procedure with the exception of foam sclerotherapy. Covered are also other thermal interventions like steam ablation, bipolar radiofrequency and microwave ablation, and mechanochemical ablation and cyanoacrylate glue embolization.