In the medical field, ultrasound is commonly used for diagnostic imaging due to its ability to provide real-time images. However, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is also used for other clinical purposes, such as thermal tissue ablation. In the case of varicose veins, the potential role and benefits of HIFU have been known for a long time despite in-vivo results have mostly been preliminary and experimental, particularly regarding its effect on venous wall. The aim of this brief report is to describe how HIFU acts on venous wall in human incompetent great saphenous veins.
Keywords: High intensity focused ultrasound; chronic venous disease; sclerotherapy; varicose veins.