Treatment of lower extremity telangiectasias by thermocoagulation method using TS-3000 apparatus

Abstract

Objective: this paper aims at studying the efficacy of the thermocoagulation (TCG) method using TC-3000 apparatus for the treatment of lower extremity telangiectasias. Materials and methods. The TCG method has been used in 145 patients (223 cases) with telangiectasias (TA) and reticular veins (RV) of the lower extremities for 2 years. 17 patients (11.7%) had classes C1, 2 chronic venous diseases (CHV), and they underwent correction of pathological refluxes in the subcutaneous and perforating veins prior to TCG. Out of 128 patients with class C1 CHV, 25 people (19.5%) underwent microsclerotherapy (MST) in the past, just before the TCG procedure or in combination with it, MST was performed in 46 (35.9%). MST was performed for RV situated outside or within TA areas, and also was performed for TA from 0.6 to 1.0 mm in diameter. The TCG procedures were performed using TC-3000 (Belgium) apparatus, which operation is based on the impact of high-frequency electromagnetic field (4 MHz) on the dilated vessels in the skin. Needles made of nickel with a working diameter of 0.150 mm were used. Thermocoagulation was applied for the treatment of TA with a diameter of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. The results were evaluated within the following time-limits: 3 months (64 patients/97 limbs), 6 months (72/110), 12 months (70/107). Results of the treatment. The patients reported the results of the treatment as «no change and worse» in 73.4% of cases, pigmentation was detected in 73.2%, and residual TA in 81.4% of cases 3 months following the treatment. According to subjective assessment, the results were reported as «excellent» + «better» in 47.2%, pigmentation phenomena and residual TA were observed in 50.0% and in 50.9% of cases 6 months following the treatment. According to subjective assessment, the results were reported as «excellent» + «better» in 75.7%, pigmentation in 14.9%, residual TA in 13.1%, relapses TA in 14.0% 12 month following the treatment. Conclusion. 13.1% of patients with TA showed tolerance towards TCG. A positive effect included the absence of registered necrosis of the skin 3 months following the treatment, as well as atrophic and hypertrophic scars 12 months following the treatment.