Comparing two treatments for incompetent perforating veins

Percutaneous Electrocoagulation Versus Sclerosing Foam for Patients With Incompetent Perforating Veins : A Multi-center Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University · NCT04686097

This study is testing which treatment, either electrocoagulation or sclerotherapy, works better for people with incompetent perforating veins that cause stubborn venous ulcers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorSecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations5 sites (Hefei, Anhui and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04686097 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of percutaneous electrocoagulation and sclerotherapy in treating incompetent perforating veins, which are a significant cause of persistent venous ulcers. It is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 84 patients who will be assigned to either the electrocoagulation group or the sclerotherapy group. The primary outcome will be the occlusion rate of the veins after 12 months, while secondary outcomes will include quality of life assessments and rates of complications. The study seeks to provide evidence on the best treatment approach for this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 80 with incompetent perforating veins classified as C4b to C6 according to the CEAP classification.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or other significant vascular conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from incompetent perforating veins and associated venous ulcers.

How similar studies have performed: While there are no comparative studies of these specific treatment modalities, the approaches have shown promise individually in treating venous conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

(1) outward flow of less than 500 ms duration, with a diameter of \>3.5 mm; (2) According to the CEAP classification method specified by the International Venous Federation, patients with C4b\~C6 grades are included.

Exclusion Criteria:

(1)age \< 18 years or age \> 80 years; (2)with malignant tumors and life expectancy \< 1 year; (3)with past or current history of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism in the lower extremities; (4)with congenital venous malformations (K-T syndrome, arteriovenous fistula and etc.; (5)inability to walk, long-term braking, restrictive bed rest; severe ischemia of lower extremities or diagnosed severity of peripheral artery occlusive disease; (6)according to the researcher's judgment, it is not suitable for foam hardener and puncture coagulation treatment; (7)allergic to the drugs and equipment materials involved in the research; (8)with inferior vena cava and/or iliac vein stenosis or occlusion; (9)with autoimmune disease, receiving chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunomodulatory treatment; (10)other underlying severe diseases; women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have pregnancy plans during the study period; (11)the patient cannot cooperate to complete the inspection and follow-up required by the study.

Where this trial is running

Hefei, Anhui and 4 other locations

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.
Conditions Incompetent Perforating VeinsPerforating veinsVenous diseaseVenous ulcerSclerotherapyElectrocoagulationt
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.