Abstract
Transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP) is a minimally invasive technique for
varicose vein removal that addresses some limitations of traditional procedures. The
study objective was to analyze perioperative and follow-up outcomes after TIPP and
present modifications gleaned over 9 years of performing the technique. Four hundred
and thirty-one patients who underwent TIPP performed between June 2002 and April 2011
were included in this retrospective review. Descriptive statistics were used to describe
demographic, treatment, and outcome data. The mean procedure time was 20.2 minutes.
The majority (50.5%) of cases involved 10 to 20 incisions. No significant varicosities
were reported at a follow-up of 12 weeks. Postoperative complications included 2 (0.5%)
deep vein thromboses, 8 (1.9%) cellulitis episodes, 16 (3.7%) hemosiderin staining
cases, 2 (0.5%) abscesses, and 2 (0.5%) cases of excessive or hypertrophic scarring.
All but one patient reported good outcomes and were satisfied with the procedure.
With proper training and experience, TIPP with a lower oscillation frequency and secondary
tumescence results in good outcome and high patient satisfaction.
Keywords
TriVex - transilluminated powered phlebectomy - powered phlebectomy - varicose veins
- venous surgery
