A preclinical animal study of a novel, simple, and secure percutaneous vessel occluder for the treatment of varicose veins

Secure and permanent occlusion of refluxing veins, the saphenous vein, tributaries, and perforators is critical to the successful treatment of symptomatic varicose veins. We describe a novel injectable mechanical occluder, delivered percutaneously through a fine hypodermic needle under ultrasound guidance, which provides secure and permanent occlusion of the targeted veins with elimination of the problems of recanalization associated with current interventional technologies. This may provide a useful, time-saving and cost-effective adjunct to current primary methods for treating primary and recurrent varicose veins.