Preliminary experience with an endsvascular catheter for electrocoagulation of peripheral veins

An experimental study using a canine peripheral vein model was carried out to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of a new endovascular electrocoagulation catheter (EECC). Potential uses of the EECC include endsvascular ablation of venous varicosities. Seventeen anesthetized mongrel dogs (range: 20-25 kg) underwent serial placement of a monopolar EECC in suitable (2-10-mm) external jugular, femoral and brachial veins (n = 67). A percutaneous approach was used, assisted by color flow Doppler imaging. The distal end of the EECC was fitted with a cautery tip of variable length (range: 2-8 mm). Vein size was determined and an EECC with similar size cautery tip was chosen. Precise positioning of the EECC was determined by palpating the curved catheter tip through the overlying skin. After occluding the vein with finger pressure, an average of 10 W (range 2-20) was applied for 2-44 sec (mean = 11 sec). The length of each vein received multiple treatments 0.5-1.0 cm apart. Doppler flow imaging was obtained and human criteria for occlusion were used. All of the treated veins were then exposed and inspected. Vein patency was tested with syringe pressure and probing through the lumen. En block samples of vein and surrounding tissue were sent for pathological examination. All treated veins were found to be totally occluded. Gross examination revealed minimal damage to surrounding tissue and microscopic examination revealed peripheral damage limited to less than 1 mm from the treated vein. Preliminary results using a new EECC demonstrates its consistent ability to occlude peripheral veins up to 1 cm in size with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.