A New Method Involving Percutaneous Application in the Treatment of Deep Venous Insufficiency: an Experimental Study with Internal Compression Therapy in a Porcine Model

Introduction: To study the efficiency of internal compression therapy (ICT), a new and promising method of treatment for deep venous insufficiency, how that efficiency is achieved, and its potential side-effects, in a porcine model. Material and Methods: The femoral vein diameters of 4 pigs were first measured. ICT was then applied such as to reduce the diameter of these veins by 50%. The femoral vein diameters of 2 pigs were re-measured after 1 month. The femoral vein and its surrounding tissue were excised for immunohistopathological and genetic examination. The same procedures were applied to the remaining 2 pigs 3 months subsequently. Collagen I and IV immunohistochemical staining and Masson’s trichrome and Alcian blue histochemical staining were applied during immunohistopathological examination. Collagen I, III, and IV and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA expressions were examined for genetic examination. Results: The femoral vein diameters decreased by approximately 50% after ICT application. This decrease persisted after the first and third months. Histopathological examination revealed loose connective tissue around the venous tissue after the operation, particularly in the third month, together with perivascular fibrosis and increased collagen in connective tissue. No difference was observed between regions with and without ICT application in terms of mucinous degeneration, an indicator of tissue injury, during Alcian blue staining. Genetic examination revealed an increase in collagen I and IV and CTGF mRNA expression in perivascular tissue resulting from ICT application. Conclusion: ICT is effective both in terms of creating a durable tissue around the vein and of increasing collagen tissue and stimulating fibrosis, and has no deleterious side-effects on tissue.