Incompetent Perforator Veins; To treat or not to treat

Abstract

The role of perforator vein incompetence (PVI) in the development of venous hypertension, chronic venous insuffi ciency (CVI) and ulceration has been well recognized for over a century. However, while minimally invasive endovenous ablative therapies have revolutionized the management of superfi cial truncal vein insuffi ciency, the defi nitive indications for intervention and management of PVI still remains somewhat debatable and unclear. This review will attempt to clarify the indications for intervention as well as look at the evidence for different methods of treatment in established PVI.