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Novel microneedle technique effective at treating spider veins in most women

A novel insulated microneedle device utilizing a low voltage current effectively treated most women with spider veins and produced a low level of complications, according to recently published study results.

“This is a simple, effective and inexpensive model to obliterate spider veins without scarring,” researcher Kenna S. Given, MD, FACS, told Healio.com. “This method has a definitive end point, which can be visualized at the time of treatment.”

Kenna S. Given

Given and colleagues treated 30 women (average age, 43 years) with a “Given Needle,” a technique involving a low voltage current delivered though an insulated microneedle with beveled tip, which is inserted into a hand piece connected to a mono-polar electrical generator, according to the researchers.

The needle was inserted into the skin then into or on the spider vein at which time the current is applied to obliterate the vein.

Between 75% and 100% clearance was reported for 14 patients, while seven patients had clearance of 50% to 75%, five patients had 25% to 50% clearance and four patients had 0% to 25% clearance, according to grading by independent plastic surgeons.

Skin erythema was the most common complication, occurring in 15 patients, followed by bruising in 13 patients, with the complications resolving within 2 to 3 weeks. Fourteen patients complained of needle stick pain, which also resolved within 3 days.

“The development of an insulated microneedle with beveled tip utilizes low current to minimize adjacent tissue damage,” the researchers concluded. “The low cost and minor complications offer a valuable alternative to sclerotherapy and laser treatment.”  – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: Mujadzic reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of the other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.