The Impact of Different Concentrations of Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate and Initial Balloon Denudation on Endothelial Cell Loss and Tunica Media Injury in a Model of Foam Sclerotherapy

IntroductionRecanalisation rates (20–32%) 1–3 years after truncal vein foam sclerotherapy (FS) suggest thrombotic occlusion rather than irreversible vein wall injury. This study examines the injury inflicted by sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STD) foam before and after balloon endothelial denudation (BD).MethodsIn 20 patients undergoing great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping 1.5 cm proximal GSV were harvested (controls). The next 1.5 cm were harvested after in situ BD (n = 10) or no denudation (n = 10). These test segments were filled with 1% or 3% STD foam (5 min), flushed and fixed in formalin. Percentage endothelial cell loss (ECL) and tunica media injury were determined (H&E staining) and collagen structure assessed (transmission electron microscopy, TEM).ResultsControls showed no injury. 1% and 3% STD foam caused 86.3% and 92.2% ECL (p < 0.001 versus controls; 1% versus 3%, p = 0.55). Endothelial cells persisted in all sections. BD increased ECL (1%: 96.9%, 3%: 98.1%, p = 0.01)Tunica media injury (smooth muscle vacuolation) was minimal (8.9% (1% STD) and 12% (3% STD) of its depth) and not enhanced by BD (1%: 8.7%, p = 0.93; 3%: 11.3%; p = 0.86). No collagen disruption occurred (TEM).ConclusionsBalloon denudation increased ECL but did not facilitate tunica media injury. Equivalent injury was inflicted by 1% and 3% STD.