[Endoscopic dissection of perforating veins]

The eradication of incompetent perforating veins in combination with fasciotomy is an effective way of treating advanced postphlebitic leg ulcers. Our newly developed endoscopic instrument can be used with both techniques. First the superficial fasciae of the leg are split, and then the perforating veins at different levels are located, injected with anticoagulant and severed. Preliminary clinical studies have reported very encouraging results: leg ulcers healed in all cases and the venous function was improved.