By Omer Hamza Dinç – Founder & Editor, Phlebology News
A recent study in Phlebology (2025; DOI: 10.1177/02683555251333010) by R. Rodríguez Carvajal, A. Ruales Romero, R. Láinez Rube and T. Hernández Carbonell reports encouraging results using extracorporeal High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to treat superficial venous insufficiency.
In their observational analysis of 102 consecutive patients and 164 treated veins, the authors documented vein occlusion rates between 85% and 96% shortly after treatment, and 85%–90% at one year. Reflux-free rates ranged from 85%–96% early on to 85%–93% at 12 months, while vein shrinkage remained high (96%–97% early, 94%–97% at one year). Patients also saw clinically significant improvements in both CEAP classification and the Venous Clinical Severity Score, with no major adverse events reported. PMC
The procedures were performed using the SONOVEIN® S HIFU system (Theraclion, France) in an outpatient setting. Under ultrasound guidance, the device delivers targeted thermal energy to the venous wall while a cooling system protects the skin. The team used a low-volume peri-venous anaesthesia protocol, delivering lidocaine via small injections, and mechanically compressed the vein before each HIFU “shot” to ensure effective thermal damage.
What makes this approach particularly compelling is its non-invasive nature. Unlike catheter-based thermal ablation techniques, HIFU does not require venous cannulation, making it well-suited for superficially located or anatomically challenging veins such as perforators or tortuous tributaries.
While these initial data are very promising in terms of safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction, the authors note that further larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these results and to compare HIFU directly with established endothermal and non-thermal methods. The potential, however, for a non-invasive, effective treatment for varicose veins is clearly demonstrated in their early experience.
At Phlebology News, we strive to bring concise, evidence-based updates on emerging venous therapies. Learn more about this study and what it could mean for the future of non-invasive vein treatment.
