The phlebectomy probe: A new and useful instrument for ambulatory phlebectomy

BACKGROUND. Tethering of varicose veins by periadventitial connective tissu e can limit the length of vein segment that can be avulsed during ambulator y phlebectomy. A thin, malleable blunt probe is described which can dissect connective tissue adhesions surrounding varicose veins. This probe can be used as an endoluminal probe to localize elusive veins. OBJECTIVE. We describe the use of a new type of phlebectomy probe for peria dventitial dissection and endoluminal probing during ambulatory phlebectomy . METHODS. The techniques of periadventitial dissection and endoluminal probi ng are reviewed. RESULTS. The phlebectomy probe seems to permit extraction of longer segment s of varicose veins after releasing periadventitial adhesions. Endoluminal probing can assist in difficult localization of venous segments. CONCLUSION. The phlebectomy probe can be helpful for releasing periadventit ial adhesions that tether varicose veins. Its application is simple and can result in increased length of avulsed varicose vein segments, thereby redu cing the number of incisions needed.