Comparing foam sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy for varicose veins

Randomised Controlled Trial of Foam Sclerotherapy Versus Ambulatory Phlebectomy for the Treatment of Varicose Vein Tributaries

PHASE4 · Imperial College London · NCT03416413

This study is testing which treatment for varicose veins—foam sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy—works better for patients after their saphenous vein has been treated.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London (other)
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT03416413 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares two treatment methods for varicose vein tributaries: foam sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two treatments after their saphenous vein has been treated. The study will evaluate re-intervention rates, safety, patient experience, and cost-effectiveness of each approach. By analyzing these factors, the study aims to determine which treatment is more effective for patients with varicose veins.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 with symptomatic varicose vein reflux requiring treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with current deep vein thrombosis, recurrent varicose veins, or those preferring a specific treatment option may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify the more effective treatment option for patients suffering from varicose veins.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar treatment comparisons, but the specific outcomes of this study may provide new insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults over 18 years of age
* Symptomatic GSV or SSV vein reflux \> 0.5 seconds on colour Duplex
* Varicose vein tributary requiring treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current DVT
* Recurrent varicose veins
* Arterial disease (ABPI\<0.8)
* Vein diameter \< 3mm
* Preference for one of the treatment options
* Patient who are unwilling to participate
* Inability or unwillingness to complete questionnaires
* Inability to attend follow-up appointments
* Patient currently included in a study of varicose vein treatment

Where this trial is running

London

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Varicose Veins

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.