Summary

For a long time, the basic treatment of saphenous varices has been surgical but the development of endovascular techniques in phlebological practice, particuliarly with the use of sclerosing foam, has profoundly changed the situation. In the face of this radical change in practice, it seemed essential to elucidate recommendations defining the scientific and medicolegal background of this technique in response to the HAS (Haute Autorité de Santé = Higher Health Authority], the AFSSPS (Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé = French Agency for Sanitary Security of Health Products), the CNAM (Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie = National Fund for Health Insurance), the ONM (Ordre National des Médecins = General Medical Council), the patients' associations, the insurance companies, etc. To colleagues wishing to learn this method, it provides a text of reference born of the cumulated experience of the authors and of up to date scientific facts. Furthermore, it will form the basis of Assessment of Professional Practice (APP). This guide of good practice is the result of the collective work of a group of vascular physicians experienced in phlebology, mostly members of the Foam Club of the Rhône-Alpes region which is thus its promoter. This consensus document has been formulated in accordance with the criteria used by the HAS. The differentchaptersdealwiththetraining,the equipment,the manufacture of the foam, the indications/contra-indications, the echo-doppler investigations, the injections, the follow-up, the safety precautions, the reports and the legal aspects, particularly concerning information and patient consent.