[Sclerotherapy with ultrasonography in various risk zones (summary of a video film)]

The sclerosing injection of varicose veins remains a technique which is often essential in the management of a patient with superficial venous insufficiency. The sclerosing injection of high reflux sites, in particular the junctions of the great and small saphenous veins with the deep venous system, is technically difficult. Even great skill and long experience cannot necessarily protect the most hardened phlebologist from a complication which may often be catastrophic. An alternative is therefore suggested: the sclerosing injection of junction sites under ultrasonographic control. This method enables endovenous injection under visual control. It would nonetheless be wrong to think that this method finally eliminates all possible risk: clinical, phlebological and ultrasonographic training are the sole guarantees of optimum and constant results from the technique. More than 2,500 injections have be performed in this way since 1987, without any complications. Although the follow-up remains short, results suggest that the use of the method will become more widespread. It is an extremely valuable aid in the training of future phlebologists, but under no circumstances should be used by untrained practitioners.