Vascular Clinic Dr. Baraldi
Via Vincenzo Aloi, 1
Catanzaro
Expert in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Biography
Dr. Christian Baraldi is among the leading experts in the field of minimally invasive varicose vein surgery. After graduating in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Catanzaro, she specialized in Cardiac Surgery in 2002 at the University of Siena with 70/70 and honors. Following more than a year and a half training in Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular surgery carried out in Belgium (Catholic University of Leuven) and Spain (University of Pais Vasco), Dr. Baraldi specializes in arterial endovascular surgery by starting the treatment endoprosthetic of the thoraco-abdominal aorta at the S. Anna Hospital of Catanzaro in 2005. In 2006 Dr. Baraldi perfected himself in the endovascular treatment of the VARICOSE VEINS with LASER.
In 2007 he was the first to carry out thermo-ablation operations on the large and small saphenous veins with LASER in Calabria and Eastern Sicily. In 2009, after perfecting with Dr. Francesco Zini and Dr. Lorenzo Tessari, he began to perform the Scleromousse according to the Tessari method first. In 2010, he publishes at the International Congress of the ESCVS (European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery) a scientific work on the personalization of the endovascular method with laser according to the caliber of the target vein.
In 2019 Dr. Baraldi was elected National Councilor of one of the most prestigious Phlebological Societies, the "Italian Society of Phlebo-Lymphology".
Education & Training
1997
Degree in medicine and surgery University of Catanzaro
2002
Specialization in Cardiac Surgery
University of Siena with a score of 70/70 and praise
2000
Fellowship, Cardio-Vascular Surgery
Hospital de Mont Godine - Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
2000-2001
Fellowship, Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Surgery
Hospital de Cruces, Barakaldo (Bilbao) and Virgen Blanca, Bilbao - Spain
2005
Specialization in Aortic Endovascular Surgery
Hospital Cardiologique CHU of Lille, France
2021-2022-2023-2025
Organizer and President
of the international LIVE VENOUS SYMPOSIUM
2023
Organizer and Trainer of Flebocorso Italia - Hands on Training Course
2024
Lecturer/Professor and Head of the Catanzaro Training Center. SIC-SICVE National Reference School of Phlebologic Surgery.
2025
Lecturer/Professor and Head of the Catanzaro Training Center. SIC-SICVE National Reference School of Phlebologic Surgery.
2025
Lecturer/Professor and Head of the Catanzaro Training Center. SIC-SICVE National Reference School of Phlebologic Surgery.
Publications
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 2024;58(1):60-64.
Safety and Ef๏ฌcacy of Combining Saphenous Endovenous Laser Ablation and Varicose Veins Foam Sclerotherapy: An Analysis on 5500 Procedures in Patients With Advance Chronic Venous Disease (C3-C6).
C. Baraldi, MD
Abstract
Background: endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) represents the gold standard in treating both great and small saphenous veins (GSV and SSV) incompetence. To achieve a “no-scalpel” procedure in patients with chronic venous insuf๏ฌciency (CVI, CEAP C3-C6), concomitant phlebectomies could be replaced by ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) into varicose tributaries. The aim of this study is to present a single-centre experience on EVLA + UGFS for patients with CVI secondary to varicose veins and saphenous trunk incompetence, analysing ling-term outcomes.
Methods: all consecutive patients with CVI and treated by EVLA + UGFS from 2010 to 2022 were included in the analysis. EVLA was performed using a 1470-nm diode laser (LASEmaR® 1500, Eufoton, Trieste, Italy), adapting the linear endovenous energy density (LEED) depending on saphenous trunk diameter. Tessari method was used for UGFS. Patients were evaluated clinically and by duplex scanning at 1, 3 and 6 months, and annually up to 4 years, to assess treatment ef๏ฌcacy and adverse reactions.
Results: 5500 procedures in 4895 patients (3818 women, 1077 men) with a mean age of 51.4 years were analysed during the study period. A total of 3950 GSVs and 1550 SSVs were treated with EVLA + UGFS (C3 59%, C4 23%, C5 17% and C6 1%). Neither deep vein thrombosis nor pulmonary embolism were detected during follow-up, as well as super๏ฌcial burns. Ecchymoses (7%), transitory paraesthesia (2%), palpable vein induration/super๏ฌcial vein thrombosis (15%) and transient dyschromia (1%) were registered. Saphenous and tributaries closure rate at 30 days, 1 and 4 years were 99.1%, 98.3% and 97.9%, respectively. Conclusions: EVLA + UGFS for an extremely minimally invasive procedure appears to be a safe technique, with only minor effects and acceptable long-term outcomes, in patients with CVI. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to con๏ฌrm the role of this combined therapy in such patients.
Acta Phlebologica 2024 August;25(2):81-4
Endovenous laser ablation in treating perforating veins: technical notes and 1-year outcomes.
C. Baraldi, MD
Abstract
Background: endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) represents the gold standard in treating both great and small saphenous veins (GSV and SSV) incompetence, despite few data have been reported on perforating veins (PVs). the aim of this study is to collect PVs treatment outcomes after eVlA, highlighting technical notes and decision making for the treatment.
Methods: From September 2012 to December 2022, all consecutive patients with PVs matching with inclusion criteria for endovenous ablation were selected and treated. A 1470-nm diode laser (LASEmaR 1500, Eufoton, Trieste, Italy), with a kit that including 400-600-micron frontal optical fibers (Eufoton, Italy) was used. The optimal linear intravenous energy density (LEED) for the treatment was set according to PV diameter measured in an upright position in transversal section. The fiber tip was placed 1 cm from the deep venous PV margin. PVs’ characteristics as well as concomitant endovenous procedures were collected. Patients were evaluated clinically and by duplex scan 7 days, 6 months, and at 1 year after the procedure, assessing PV
closure rate and adverse events.
Results:
During the study period, a total of 147 PVs were treated in 143 patients (86 men, 57 women with a mean age of 51 years [range, 34 to 86 years] with CEAP classes of C2 (N.=47), C3C4 (N.=69), C5-C6 (N.=27). EVLA was used to treat Hach (N.=26), Cockett (N.=29), Cockett (N.=31), Sherman (N.=12), Dodd (N.=49) perforating veins. The mean PV diameter was 6.5 mm (range, 4.0 to 6.5). The LEED was adjusted from 40 J/cm (4.0 mm) up to 60 J/cm (6.5 mm). concomitant procedures were GSV/SSV EVLA ablation (N.=49), tributaries foam sclerotherapy (N.=141), others (two phlebectomies). At 7-day follow-up period, the closure rate was 100% and remained constant 1-year after the treatment. In 87 (60.8%) cases, complete disappearance of the perforators veins or residual fibrous cord
was noted. No major complications were described; ecchymosis was seen in 17 (11.8%) patients.
Conclusions:
The EVLA of PVs with a 1470-nm diode laser and a frontal fiber seems to be an extrem ely safe technique, particularly when the applied leeD is calculated as a function of the PV diameter. Careful decision making is essential in choosing to treat PVs, balancing venous hemodynamic changes and clinical outcomes.
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 2024;58(1):60-64.
Combined technique for sapheno-femoral junction recurrences
Christian BARALDI 1, 2, 3, 4 โ, Pier L. ANTIGNANI 5, Felipe ELIAS RENDON 6
โ
BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) represents the gold standard in treating both great and small saphenous veins (GSV and SSV) incompetence, despite few data have been reported on treatment of saphenous-femoral junction recurrences (JRec) by laser endovascular technique and even less by combined laser/foam technique. The aim of this study was to collect JRec treatment outcomes after EVLA and ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), highlighting technical notes and decision making for the treatment.
METHODS: From February 2014 to March 2024, all consecutive patients with JRec matching with inclusion criteria for endovenous ablation and foam sclerotherapy were selected and treated. A 1470-nm diode laser (LASEmaR® 1500; Eufoton, Trieste, Italy), with a kit including 400-600-micron frontal optical fibers (Eufoton, Italy) was used. The optimal linear endovenous energy density (LEED) for the treatment was set according to target vein diameter measured in an upright position in transversal section at the level of the saphenic stump (SS). The fiber tip was placed 1 cm from the saphenous-femoral junction (SFJ). Foam prepared with poloidocanol 1-2% (depending on diameter) with liquid/air ratio of 1-4 was injected before laser energy delivery. JRec characteristics as well as concomitant endovenous procedures were collected. Patients were evaluated clinically and by duplex scan 7 days, 1-3-6 months, and at 1 year after the procedure, assessing JRec closure rate and adverse events.
RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 320 JRec were treated (241 women, 79 men with a mean age of 54 years [range: 32 to 84 years] with CEAP classes of C2 [89], C3-C4 [164], C5-C6 [67]). The mean JRec diameter was 9.35 mm (range: 6.0 to 12.5). The LEED was adjusted from 60 J/cm (6.0 mm) up to 80 J/Cm (12.5 mm). Concomitant procedures were anterior saphenous vein (AASV)/anterior thigh circumflex vein (ATCV)/ posterior accessory saphenous vein (PASV)/posterior thigh circumflex vein (PTCV) with EVLA ablation (34) or UGFS (286). At 7-day follow-up period, the closure rate was 98% and remained constant 1 year after the treatment in 240 JRec (75.1%); additional UGFS was required in 2% of cases two months after the first intervention. In 223 (69.8%) cases, residual fibrous cord was noted, indicating successful treatment. No major complications were reported, such as thrombotic complications (from proximal JRec ablation extension to deep system, to deep/ superficial vein thrombosis), but ecchymosis was observed in 50 (15.6%) patients. All ecchymoses disappeared within 50 days after the treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: The EVLA and UGFS of JRec with a 1470-nm diode laser and a frontal fiber seems to be an extremely safe technique, particularly when the applied LEED is calculated as a function of the SS diameter. Careful decision making is essential in choosing to treat JRec, balancing venous hemodynamic changes and clinical outcomes.
Acta Phlebologica 2024 August;25(2):81-4
Impact of a New Maneuver on Foam Sclerotherapy for the Treatment of Large Varices With a One-step Approach in Combined EVLA/UGFS Techniques.
Baraldi C.
โ
Objectives
This study assessed the outcomes and impact on the Baraldi's maneuver following one-step outpatient ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) for large varicosities of tributary saphenous veins, during combined techniques EVLA and UGFS, performed for treatment of great saphenous and tributaries veins.
Methods
Eighteen hundred symptomatic patients (1083 women, 717 men) having reflux in the GSV and tributaries varicosities (CEAP C3 to C6) were treated respectively with EVLA (Eufoton LaseMar 1500 nm) and UGFS (with Polidocanol 0.5-1.0%) simultaneously, in a single-step procedure, from September 2015 to December 2023. All patients were treated at the same time as the EVLA by UGFS of the tributary varices of the thigh and leg by practicing Baraldi's maneuver, which consists of performing vigorous rubbing on the skin overlying the varicosities selectively, using the knuckles of the fingers of the right hand. Baraldi's maneuver provides an initial and progressive increase in the pain evoked on the patient, an expression of the increasing and complete action/adhesion of the sclerosing agent on the venous endothelium. All 1800 patients were followed up at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year.
Results
The sample was divided into two groups: (Group 1) GSV diameter ≥13.0 mm (median, 15.0 [IQR, 13-18]), 680 subjects, and (Group 2) GSV diameter ≤12.9 mm (median, 10.1 [IQR, 10-12]), 1120 subjects. The treated saphenous tributary varices ranged in diameter from 7 to 12 mm. Baraldi's maneuver from the study performed is effective on all patients, immediately promoting obliteration of the vessel, allowing to have better sclerofoam action/adhesion determining mechanical damage, added to chemical damage, evidenced at the ultrasound check performed immediately after the maneuver itself and prior to selective compression. No major adverse event was observed. A significant improvement was observed in VCSS and AVVQ from the preoperative levels to the third month and the 1-year follow-up. The entire sample had a significant increase in all patients. Overall first week occlusion rate for the whole sample was 97.9% and 96.7% at the 1-year follow-up. No difference in occlusion rate was observed between the two groups at any time. No skin complications occurred on all patients; inflammatory-based hyperpigmentation (dermatitis) occurred on only 12 patients.
Conclusions
Exclusively outpatient combined techniques were safe and feasible in this study with no major adverse events, despite the large diameters of the GSV and its tributaries. Baraldi's maneuver from the study performed is effective on all patients, immediately promoting obliteration of the vessel, checked by US. Within 1 year, both diameter groups showed equivalent improvement in all QOL parameters, satisfactory axial occlusion, and tributaries veins occlusion.
Acknowledgments
- 2012 -
"O. MARANGONI 2012" AWARD
for the best scientific communication.
"ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF VENOUS DISEASE"
VENEAPOLIS, Naples, 4-5-6 October 2012
- 2012 -
ASAPIED
Salvadoran Association of Diabetic Foot
Presents this AWARD
Dr. Christian Baraldi
For his valuable participation as an International Professor, sharing his experience and knowledge for the benefit of medical education and the treatment of diabetic foot in Latin America.
September 24, 2025
