Validation of Caprini’s Saphenous Ablation Scores

Abstract

Introduction: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after varicose vein surgery is well recognized. Less well documented is Endovenous Heat-Induced Thrombosis (EHIT), thrombus extension into a deep vein after superficial venous thermo ablation. There is no current agreement on the routine use of thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing varicose vein surgery. more data on the incidence of VTE, and the need for postoperative thromboprophylaxis are necessary to formulate evidence-based clinical guidelines. Aim of the study: Comparison of the use of Caprini's Saphenous Ablation Scores versus Standard Caprini’s Score for the prophylaxis of VTE in EVLA. Patients & Methods: 60 patients admitted to Royal Vascular Center, Alexandria - Egypt. From Jan. 1st, 2021, to June 30th 2021 divided in 3 groups. - Group A) Treated by ablation of Great saphenous vein and received VTE prophylaxis according to Caprini’s Saphenous Ablation Scores Fig 1-A & B -Group B) Treated by ablation of Great saphenous vein and received VTE prophylaxis according to Standard Caprini’s Risk Assessment Score for VTE Fig 2-A&B - C) Treated by ablation of Great saphenous vein without VTE prophylaxis Ablation was done using radial 1480 YAG laser fibers and Post-operative Duplex was done one day, 3 month and one-year. Results: Age: 35.6+0.2, 34.3+0.5 and 37.6+0.09 years in the 3 groups M/F: 6/14, 8/12 and 7/13. In group A) all patients showed absent reflux post operatively and in all follow up visits. Duplex examination revealed significant reflux in the great saphenous veins in all patients and ranged from 0.7:0.9 Sec. and mean duration 0.7+0.09 Sec. Vein diameter ranged from (0.6: 0.9,X+0.76 CM.) in group A), (0.6: 0.8,X+0.7 CM.) in group B) , (0.5: 0.8,X+0.65 CM.) in group C) According to Caprini’s saphenous score 14 patients 70% were classified as low risk, 4 patients 20% were of moderate risk and 2 patients 10% of high-risk in Group A, while applying standard Caprini’s Score in group B patients revealed: 6 patients 30% were of moderate risk and 14 patients 70% of high risk in Group B ) . 3 patients developed superficial thrombophlebitis 15% and one patient 5% developed left calf DVT in Group C, while no VTE events were shown in both A&B Groups Significant drop in CVSS in patients in the three groups. Conclusion: Risk assessment of patients undergoing varicose veins ablation should be done and applying Caprini’s saphenous score as a better alternative to Standard Caprini’s score for VTE prophylaxis and is considered a safe and cost-effective tool in VTE prevention in these patients.