Application of ozone-oxygen mixture for scleroobliteration of telangiectasias and reticular veins

Introduction. Telangiectasias and reticular veins (C1 by CEAP) cause aesthetic discomfort; standard sclerotherapy has side effects like pigmentation. Ozone-oxygen mixture offers an alternative via oxidative endothelial damage and tissue oxygenation.

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravascular sclerotherapy using an ozone-oxygen gas mixture for telangiectasias and reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Materials and methods. The study included 30 patients (25 women and 5 men) with telangiectasias and reticular varicose veins (class C1 by CEAP). All patients underwent a course of sclerotherapy consisting of intravascular injections of an ozone-oxygen mixture into the affected superficial veins using a microneedle (ozone concentration was 70%). Procedures were performed on an outpatient basis once per week; the mean number of sessions per patient was 4.2 ± 1.1. Treatment efficacy was evaluated at 30 days after completion of therapy based on the degree of vascular network disappearance and patient satisfaction.

Results. 93% of patients (28/30) achieved complete or significant (>75%) obliteration of telangiectasias and reticular veins after the treatment course. No serious complications were observed. Side effects were limited to transient erythema, mild edema and moderate pain at injection sites, which resolved spontaneously. No cases of skin hyperpigmentation, necrosis or scarring were noted. The cosmetic outcome was high: 97% of patients were satisfied with the results.

Conclusion. Ozone-oxygen injection sclerotherapy is an effective and safe method for sclerobliteration of telangiectasias and reticular varicose veins, providing excellent cosmetic results with minimal invasiveness. The technique does not induce typical adverse reactions such as hyperpigmentation or scarring, and it expands options for minimally invasive treatment of early-stage varicose vein disease, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.

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