CEAP Classification Research Articles

Clinical symptoms and signs and severity of venous disease are not associated with non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions in patients with primary varicose veins

Introduction and purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine relationship between non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions and symptomatology of primary varicose veins (PVV). The identification of such association would be helpful in selecting patients with PVV for further diagnostic evaluation. Material and methods. Thirty-two patients with unilateral PVV scheduled for great saphenous vein high ligation and stripping were enrolled in the study. There were 25 (78%) women. The mean age of the patients was 48 years. The patients were asked about pain, oedema, night cramps, heaviness and a history of superficial thrombophlebitis in PVV limb. A clinical stage of CEAP classification was determined and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) was calculated. During the surgery right and left iliac venous axes were interrogated with an intravascular ultrasound with Volcano s5 Imaging System (Volcano Corporation, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA) and catheters Visions PV .035 minimal lumen area (MLA) and percentage of stenosis (%S) of examined veins were calculated. An association between clinical symptoms and signs in PVV limb and %S of ipsilateral common iliac vein (CIV) and external iliac vein (EIV) was statistically analysed. Results. Pain, oedema, night cramps, heaviness and history of superficial thrombophlebitis were reported by 14 (44%), 17 (53%), 11 (34%), 19 (59%) and 6 (19%) of patients respectively. Twenty-five (78%) limbs were classified as C2 and 7 (22%) limbs as C4a according to CEAP classification. The median VCSS was 4. The mean MLA and %S was 92,9 mm2 and 47% and 74,2 mm2 and 48% for CIV and EIV respectively. Neither smaller MLA nor greater %S of CIV and EIV were associated with symptoms, more advanced stage of CEAP classification or higher VCSS. Conclusions. Neither clinical symptoms nor severity of venous disease can identify non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions in patients with primary varicose veins.

The experience of hospital-replacing surgery for varicose veins in St Petersburg outpatient clinics

Introduction.Over the last 20 years the widespread introduction of ultrasound imaging into clinical practice and the emergence of new endovascular technologies in the treatment of varicose veins have brought about a paradigm shift in the surgical treatment and the introduction of innovative minimally invasive technologies (thermoobliteration, chemical obliteration, microphlebectomy), which can be performed on outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Therefore, the widespread introduction of these technologies into the outpatient practice is the foremost task.Objective of the study.Analyse the results of the experience gained in the St Petersburg polyclinics concerning the introduction of hospital-replacing surgical treatment of varicose vein diseases and appropriate training. Materials and methods. We have performed 854 surgeries including endo-venous laser coagulation (EVLС), sclerobliteration (SO) and Varadi miniflebectomy (MF) under local infiltration anesthesia: EVLC + MF in 71%, MF in 12%, EVLC + SO in 9%, EVLC + MF + SО in 3%, EVLC in 3% and SО in 2% of cases. The patients operated on ranged in age from 19 to 78 years (53 ± 21 g), among them there were 611 women and 202 men. The clinical distribution of patients was in accordance with CEAP classification: C2 – 62%, C3 – 22%, C4a/b – 12%, C5 – 2.5%, C6 – 1.5%.Results and discussion.The evaluation of treatment results based on a retrospective analysis of patients’ examination findings after 1, 39, 180 and 365 postoperative days has demonstrated that there is no evidence of intra- and postoperative complications requiring hospitalization, disease recurrence. However, ecchymosis in 35% of cases, limited superficial infiltrates - in 18%, limited superficial thrombophlebitis - in 0.8% have been reported after MF. They have been treated using topical agents. According to the questionnaire, after a year of treatment 96% of patients appear to be satisfied with the results obtained. After a year payback financial costs have been achieved. An effective practical training program has been developed and implemented for innovative technologies for surgery of varicose veins of lower extremities. 42 physicians of outpatient clinics underwent the program.Conclusions.It can therefore be concluded that the further introduction of innovative technologies into the polyclinics is reasonably practicable as it is safe, effective, expands the population’s access to modern technologies, is economically feasible and is perceived positively by patients, reduces the burden on surgical hospitals, improves professional qualifications and expands the professional competencies of surgeons in outpatient settings.

Practical experience with adjustable, non-extensible compression bandages in patients with nonhealing trophic ulcers

Introduction. The adjustable non-extensible compression bandage is a new product recently registered and approved for clinical use in the Russian Federation. The main indications for its use are severe chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema, which cannot be corrected with traditional bandages and flat knit medical compressions. On the affected limb, an adjustable, non-extensible compression bandage allows high working pressure to be created at low, approaching zero, resting pressure. And depending on the tension of the velcro fastener, the working pressure can be adjusted between 20 and 50 mmHg or more. At the same time, the patient can maintain the actual pressure independently, regardless of the reduction in the volume of the limb. Low resting pressure makes it possible to use this type of bandage all day without the discomfort that is typical for traditional bandages and therapeutic compression knitwear felt by patients during sleep.Clinical case. Patient diagnosed with chronic lymphovenous insufficiency in both lower limbs. CEAP class C5 on the left, CEAP class C5 on the right. After undergoing acute iliofemoral thrombosis on the left, complicated by thromboembolism of small branches of the pulmonary artery, he was treated in a specialized vascular unit, where anticoagulant, antiplatelet and phlebotropic therapy was carried out. After the second episode of deep vein thrombosis, pain in the lower extremities, swelling of the tibia, skin itching and the appearance of small trophic ulcers started to worry, which temporarily closed against the background of increased compression therapy, prescription of phlebotropic drugs and local treatment. Subsequently, large trophic ulcers were formed on the inner surface of both shins above the ankle joint. An adjustable, non-extensible compression bandage was used on the right shin to correct chronic venous insufficiency and heal a trophic ulcer. The use of an adjustable, non-extensible compression bandage within 2 to 4 weeks resulted in the disappearance of chronic swelling, reduction of the pain syndrome, and then 5 months later – led to a reduction in trophic ulcer and the disappearance of infection signs.Conclusions. This clinical case of the successful closure of a large infected trophic ulcer that occurred after deep vein thrombosis against the background of coxarthrosis and which remained unhealed for 7 years clearly illustrates the broad possibilities of an adjustable, nonextensible compression bandage.

A comparison of cyanoacrylate glue and radiofrequency ablation techniques in the treatment of superficial venous reflux in CEAP 6 patients

ObjectiveVenous leg ulcers (CEAP [clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic] class 6) represent the most severe form of chronic venous insufficiency. As closure techniques for superficial venous reflux evolve, direct outcome comparisons of treatments are integral, because many studies have already demonstrated that early endovenous intervention improves wound healing. The present study compared the rates of venous wound healing between two techniques of superficial vein closure: ClosureFast radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and adhesive closure (VenaSeal; both Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn). MethodsWe performed a multi-institutional retrospective review of all patients with CEAP class 6 who had undergone closure of their truncal veins from 2015 to 2020. Patients undergoing ClosureFast RFA were compared with those undergoing VenaSeal adhesive closure. The primary endpoint was the interval to wound healing from initial vein closure. The secondary endpoints included ulcer recurrence and infection rates. Bivariate analysis involved the χ2, Fisher exact, t, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the factors affecting the time to wound healing in the most predictive model. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. ResultsA total of 119 patients with CEAP 6 were included, with a median follow-up of 105 days (interquartile range, 44-208 days). Of the 119 limbs, 68 were treated with RFA and 51 with VenaSeal. Significantly more patients undergoing RFA had had a history of deep vein thrombosis (29% vs 10%; P = .01) and deep venous reflux (82% vs 51%; P = .003). The VenaSeal patients were older (72 years vs 65 years; P = .02) with a greater rate of coronary artery disease (16% vs 37%; P = .01). The median time to wound healing after the procedure was significantly shorter for VenaSeal than for RFA (43 vs 104 days; P = .001). Two RFA patients developed a postprocedure infection. The ulcer recurrence rate was 19.3% (22.1% for RFA vs 13.7% for VenaSeal; P = .25). On multivariate analysis, the treatment modality was the only significant predictor of the time to wound healing. When stratified by ulcer size as small (<3 cm2) vs large (>3 cm2), VenaSeal closure healed the wounds significantly faster for all ulcers. ConclusionsClosureFast and VenaSeal are both safe and effective treatments to eliminate truncal venous insufficiency. VenaSeal showed a superior time to wound healing compared with ClosureFast in both large and small ulcers.

Connection of perforating and intramuscular veins of the crus in varicosity

This study was undertaken to investigate the clinical anatomy of indirect perforating veins and their connection to the intramuscular venous collector of the crus by means of MSCT phlebography. From 2015 till now, MSCT phlebography was used to examine a total of 400 patients with chronic diseases of lower limb veins. According to the CEAP classification, clinical class C0-C1 was present in 108 (27%) subjects, C2-C3 - in 173 (43.3%) patients, and C4-C6 - in 119 (29.7%) patients. All examinations were performed using a 128-slice multispiral CT scanner Philips Ingenuity, followed by 3D reconstruction with the help of the IntelliSpace Portal Image Editing Software package. In the 400 extremities examined, we identified a total of 11 655 indirect perforating veins of the calf. Studying the anatomical localization of perforating veins demonstrated that 3248 veins belonged to the posterior tibial group, 1830 veins - to the lateral group, 873 veins - to the paraachillary group, 276 veins - to the intergemellary group, 4451 veins - to the medial group, and 997 perforating veins - to the lateral group. 3D imaging made it possible to trace the entire course of the perforating veins originating from the posterior arched, intersaphenous, oblique veins or other communicating branches to the subfascial and intramuscular portions to the connection with the gastrocnemius and soleus veins which as the disease progresses undergo ectasia with the formation therein of pathological segmental hypervolemia. Studying the ratio of the revealed indirect perforating veins of the determined groups and the presence of gradually developing ectasia of the intramuscular venous collectors in patients of various clinical classes from C0-C1 to C4-C6 made it possible to draw a conclusion on the involvement of perforating veins and intramuscular veins of the crus into the common pathohaemodynamic circle of the development and progression of chronic venous insufficiency in patients with varicose veins.

Diagnosis of arteriovenous compression in small pelvic varicose veins

The study was aimed at assessing the incidence of arteriovenous compression in women with chronic venous insufficiency of the inferior vena cava and at developing an optimal diagnostic algorithm. During the period 2019-2020, we performed a cross-sectional study including a total of sixty-six 18-to-55-year-old (mean 33.5±5.0) women with clinical manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency of the basin of the inferior vena cava. A diagnostic algorithm included questionnaire, transvaginal ultrasound examination, multislice computed tomography, direct phlebography in combination with phlebotonometry. Chronic venous insufficiency of lower limbs was diagnosed in 66 (100%) cases and was presented by the following clinical classes according to the CEAP classification: C0 - 4.5%, C1 - 60.6%, C2 - 27.2%, C3 - 3%. Symptoms of pelvic venous plethora were revealed in 36 (55.5%) examined patients. Arteriovenous compression syndrome according to the findings of multislice computed tomography was verified in 16 (24%) women, including May-Turner syndrome in 5 (7.6%), aortomesenteric compression syndrome in 8 (12%) women, with a combination of both syndromes observed in 3 cases; the frequency of their detection did not differ statistically in subgroups of women with and without clinical signs pelvic varicose veins. Direct phlebography in combination with phlebotonometry was performed in 9 women, the diagnosis of arteriovenous compression (May-Thurner syndrome) was confirmed in 1 case only. In women with signs of chronic venous insufficiency in the system of the inferior vena cava the frequency of detecting arteriovenous compression on multislice computed tomography may reach 24% and does not depend on the presence of symptoms of pelvic venous plethora. The proportion of arteriovenous compression according to the findings of direct phlebography and phlebotonometry in the structure of causes of the development of pelvic varicose veins did not exceed 11%. An algorithm for diagnosing arteriovenous compression syndromes should obligatorily include multislice computed tomography, direct phlebography and phlebotonometry.

A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION VERSUS SUBFASCIAL ENDOSCOPIC PERFORATOR SURGERY FOR THE TREATMENT OF VARICOSITIES IN VARICOSE VEINS PATIENTS.

Introduction: Dilated &amp; tortuous subcutaneous veins 3mm or more in diameter are known as varicose veins. When perforating veins become incompetent, it causes chronic venous insufficiency. Majority cases are managed conservatively. Cases with significant skin changes and ulcers, requires surgical procedures.&#x0D; Methods: A prospective comparative study of 30 patients of varicosities, divided into two groups, A and B according to CEAP classification were assessed for VCSS preoperatively. They underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) respectively and postoperative VCSS was calculated at follow up at 4 weeks. Collected data was assessed for the change in clinical severity of the disease and compared for the complications of both surgical methods.&#x0D; Results: The mean difference of pre op and post op VCSS in patient treated by RFA is 6.0 and the mean difference of pre op and post op VCSS in patient treated by SEPS is 5.4. Post RFA complications include pain (20%) and ecchymosis (13.3%). Paraesthesia and DVT was not noted. Post SEPS complications include pain (40%), ecchymosis (40%) and paresthesia (13.33%). DVT was not noted post SEPS. Only 1 case (6.66%) treated by SEPS developed recurrence post operatively. Conclusion: RFA and SEPS are two different approaches for varicosities, RFA being truncal therapy and SEPS for perforators, both are almost equally effective in context of postoperative hospital stay and improvement of VCSS; safe in terms of post op complications.&#x0D; Keywords: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS), venous clinical severity score (VCSS), varicose veins

Adjunctive techniques to minimize thrombotic complications following microfoam sclerotherapy of saphenous trunks and tributaries

ObjectiveThrombus extension into the deep venous system following superficial vein chemical ablation with Varithena polidocanol microfoam has been reported. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of intraoperative improved techniques during treatment for patients with symptomatic varicose veins and their impact on extension of thrombus into deep veins. MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All patients who underwent endovenous chemical ablation with polidocanol microfoam (Varithena, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Mass) for symptomatic superficial axial and tributary vein reflux were identified. Patients had postoperative duplex (48-72 hours) scanning after the procedure; those who did not adhere to the recommended follow-up were excluded. Demographic data, CEAP Classification, Venous Clinical Severity Score, procedure details, and follow-up data were abstracted. ResultsBetween April 2018 and August 2020, 157 limbs in 122 patients were treated with Varithena microfoam; 129 limbs in 99 patients met our inclusion criteria. Veins treated included the great saphenous vein (n = 89), anterior accessory saphenous vein (n = 15), small saphenous vein (n = 14), and tributary veins (n = 56). Adjunctive techniques during treatment included intraoperative elevation of the limb to greater than 45°, ultrasound mapping and digital occlusion of large perforator veins, limitation of foam volume per session, injection of sterile saline before treatment, and compression of the limb in the elevated position. The preoperative Venous Clinical Severity Score was 11.4 and decreased after treatment to 9.7. The immediate closure rate was 95% with 81% overall symptomatic relief at last follow-up. The mean follow-up was 113.5 days for the entire cohort; two limbs (1.5%) required postoperative anticoagulation for thrombus extension into the deep venous system (common femoral vein n = 1; popliteal vein n = 1) postoperatively for a mean of 22 days. Both resolved with anticoagulation. One asymptomatic limb developed a femoral vein deep venous thrombosis and one symptomatic late deep venous thrombosis was noted 4 months after the procedure. Postoperative pain and phlebitis were reported in 15.6% and 14.8% of patients, respectively, and all had resolved at last follow-up. No pulmonary emboli were noted and no neurologic or visual adverse events were recorded. ConclusionsAdjunctive techniques during microfoam ablation decreased thrombotic complications in our series compared with those reported in earlier phase III clinical trials. Excellent early closure and symptomatic improvement were also noted. Endovenous microfoam ablation with Varithena is a safe and effective nontumescent, nonthermal alternative to laser and radiofrequency ablation.

Internal compression therapy, a novel method in the treatment of deep venous insufficiency: 18-month clinical results.

To present 18-month clinical results for internal compression therapy (ICT) applied percutaneously and as a novel method in the treatment of primary deep venous insufficiency. Thirty patients diagnosed with isolated primary femoral vein (FV) insufficiency between October 2017 and February 2018 were included in the study. Pre-procedural femoral vein diameters and reflux durations were measured. CEAP classification and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) were recorded. Pre-procedural CEAP classifications were CEAP 4 in nine patients and CEAP 3 in 21. Quality of life assessments were carried out using a Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ-2). FV diameters were then reduced, and valve coaptation was established with the percutaneous application of hyaluronic acid and cyanoacrylate injected adjacent to a valve with non coapting leaflets. Venous diameters and reflux duration were again measured immediately after the procedure. Patients were followed-up at months 1, 6, and 18, at which times all parameters were re-evaluated. Eighteen of the 30 patients were women, and 12 were men. The mean duration of the procedure was 22.7 ± 2.9 (20-30) min. Patients' FV diameters were 12.8 (11-14.7) mm before the procedure, 9.9 (9-11.5) mm immediately after, and also 9.9 (9-11.2) mm after 1.5 years (p < 0.001). Pre-procedural reflux duration ranged between 2 and 6 (median: 3) sec, and no reflux was observed in any patient immediately or one month after the procedure (p < 0.001). At 18-month follow-up, reflux lasting only 1 sec was determined in two patients. VCSS scores were 11 (10-12) pre-procedurally and 6 (4-9) at 18 months (p < 0.001). Venous Quality of Life scores were 32 (30-36) before the procedure and 18 (14-24) at 18 months (p < 0.001). Preliminary investigation of the injection of cyanoacrylate and hyaluronic acid around one valve in an incompetent FV can result in improved hemodynamics, CEAP, VCSS and patient QOL at 18 months, without complications.

What is evidence-based in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous diseases belong to the most frequent diseases. They can be asymptomatic, cause subjective symptoms or lead to objectif alterations, such as edema, cutaneous alterations and venous leg ulcers. This ultimately results in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Varicose veins are a progressive degenerative disease of the venous walls in the superficial venous system of the legs, which can decisively impair the quality of life of those affected. The classification of chronic venous diseases is carried out with the CEAP classification according to clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathophysiological criteria. Instruments, such as the venous clinical severity score, are used for assessment of the severity. The treatment of chronic venous diseases targets the improvement of the subjective complaints and objectifiable alterations. In addition, complications, such as phlebitis and formation of ulcers should be avoided. Invasive procedures, compression treatment and pharmaceutical treatment are complementary and a combination of these procedures can be meaningful. General physical measures, such as propping up the legs and frequent walking, are part of the basic measures for every patient with venous diseases. Compression therapy with medical compression stockings is the gold standard in the noninvasive treatment of symptomatic venous diseases, possibly supplemented by anti-inflammatory drugs. A varicose vein should be eliminated whenever possible. Stripping operations and the less invasive endovenous thermal ablation show comparable results for saphenous vein varicosis. Foam sclerotherapy and percutaneous phlebectomy are the methods of choice for elimination of side branch varicosis; however, recurrences of varicose veins are frequent.

What is new in the 2020 update of the CEAP classification?

What is new in the 2020 update of the CEAP classification?

Venous Ulcer Assessment and Management: Using the Updated CEAP Classification System.

Venous Ulcer Assessment and Management: Using the Updated CEAP Classification System.

Iliac vein pathology and short-term stenting outcomes in a South-East Asian population: A single-centre experience.

Current literature regarding iliofemoral intervention and stenting is mostly based on Western populations. We present our experience of iliofemoral stenting for chronic venous disease within a South-East Asian population. This is a single-centre retrospective review of a prospectively collected registry. Seventy-one patients with 105 limbs underwent iliac vein IVUS and stenting between 2016 and 2019. All patients underwent pre-procedure ultrasound venous scan and MRI venogram. Pre- and post-operative CEAP classification, Villalta score and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), technical results, stent patency rates and complication rates are documented. Seventy-six per cent of the cases are non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion, and 68% of patients have C4 to C6 disease. Ten percentage of patients had acute thrombosis on presentation. There was 100% technical success. A 6- and 7-point reduction in the mean VCSS and Villalta score, respectively, were noted post-stenting (baseline of 10 points and P<0.001 in both categories). Post-stenting ulcer healing rate was 91% at 6 and 12months. One-year ulcer recurrence and cellulites recurrence were at 8% and 7%, respectively. One unplanned 30-day readmission (not related to procedure) and no 30-day mortality were noted. Bleeding complication from anticoagulation was 3%. There was 10% in-stent non-flow limiting stenosis on surveillance. One-year primary patency was 91%, and secondary patency was 100%. Within our series, iliofemoral stenting has 100% technical success, with statistically significant reduction in VCSS and Villalta score, good wound healing rates, low ulcer and cellulites recurrence and good primary and secondary patency rates at 1year.

Multidetector spiral computed tomography–venography in outpatient phlebological practice

Duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS) and magnetic resonance imaging are sometimes insufficient to meet our clinical needs due to specifics of given pathology and intrinsic technical limitations of these methods. This study aims to assess the need for multispiral computed tomography–venography (CT-venography) and to evaluate its diagnostic capabilities for various disorders in primary ambulatory patients in phlebology practice.Material and Methods. From January, 2017 to December,2019, a total of 10,112 patients sought initial consultation of a phlebologist. Upon examination, the physician assigned patients to one of the proposed categories using dedicated software. Analysis of these categories demonstrated the following pattern of morbidity: 2,167 patients (21.4%) had chronic venous disorders of class С0S-1 (CEAP classification); 4,460 patients (44.1%) had varicose veins of class C2-3 (CEAP classification); 351 patients (3.5%) had varicose veins of class C4-6; 570 patients (5.6%) had other diseases including post-thrombotic syndrome, acute thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, and venous malformations; and 2,564 patients (25.4%) were suffering from non-venous disorders. DUS was performed in all cases.Results. The study demonstrated that 260 patients required CT-venography constituting 2.6% of the total number of patients who came to the clinic in the indicated period. The direct venography with contrast medium injection through the peripheral veins was used in 156 cases (60%). Patients did not have any significant complications, such as acute kidney injury or worsening of chronic renal failure, severe allergic reactions to the contrast agent, or problems with the puncture site of peripheral veins.Conclusions: 1) CT-venography allowed to achieve the accurate three-dimensional imaging of the venous system, providing, in some cases, the necessary information for finding solutions on optimal management. 2) The need for CT-venography may occur in 2.6% of patients in ambulatory phlebology practice. 3) CT-venography is useful for diagnosing angiodysplasias, postthrombotic and non-thrombotic lesions, complicated varicose veins, especially in recurrence, and in some cases of acute deep vein thrombosis. 4) DUS is mandatory for hemodynamic assessment in all patients before CT-venography.

Detection of skin alterations in mild-to-moderate chronic venous disease using non-invasive techniques

BackgroundChronic venous disease (CVD) is secondary to venous hypertension, leading to vascular inflammation and tissue changes. The impact of CVD on skin structure and barrier function is not well characterized.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the characteristics of skin alterations in mild-to-moderate CVD by non-invasive techniques based on a prospective exploratory study.Material & MethodsFemale subjects (30–75 years) with CVD (Stage C2 to C4, CEAP classification) were eligible. Stage C0–C1 CVD subjects were used as controls. Women with leg surgery or a medical history that could impact the results were excluded. The skin changes on lesional (LS) and non-lesional (NLS) areas were assessed by biometric analysis including skin echography, viscoelasticity evaluation, confocal microscopy and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements.ResultsThirty-four subjects were enrolled. Based on computation of 26 biometric parameters using Principal Component Analysis, a significant difference between LS and NLS zones, regardless of the CEAP class, was evidenced. C2–C4 subjects presented with dermal thickening suggesting oedema associated with decreased cell density, while no difference in skin viscoelasticity was observed compared to the C0–C1 control group. Epidermal structural modifications were associated with increased TEWL correlating with CVD severity.ConclusionSkin alterations in CVD patients are detectable by non-invasive methods. These findings may help to better assess new therapeutic strategies.

RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH (RDW) AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

Introduction Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a chronic inflammatory disease and biomarkers are defined to be used as predictive biomarkers for CVI patients. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of heterogeneity of erythrocytes in circulation. With this study we aim to investigate the relationship between RDW and CVI classification Materials and Methods 102 consecutive patients with lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasound were evaluated for the study. The Doppler ultrasound results, hematological and biochemical laboratory results were obtained retrospectively from hospital medical records. The study population was divided to chronic venous insufficiency group and control group according to Doppler ultrasound results. Chronic venous insufficiency group also classified according to clinical findings of CEAP classification Results A total of 102 patients were included in the study. Mean age of the study population was 52.3 ± 14.6 and 54 (52.9%) was male. 25.5% of the patients were included in CVI group and 74.5% of the patients were included in the control group. 21.6% (n=26) of the study population was classified as Class 1, 44.1% (n=45) was classified as Class 2 and 8.8% (n=9) of the patients were classified as Class3 according to the clinical findings of the CEAP classification. RDW was significantly higher in venous insufficiency group compared to control group (p=0.02). The pairwise comparison of Class 1 to Class 2 was 0.150, Class 1 to Class 3 was p=0.125 and Class 2 to Class 3 was 0.05. Conclusion Our results propose that RDW may be used as a diagnostic tool for CVI but severity of CVI cannot be determined by RDW.

Treatment of Superficial Venous Reflux in CEAP 6 Patients: A Comparison of Cyanoacrylate Glue and Radiofrequency Ablation Techniques

Abstract Objective Venous leg ulcers (CEAP [clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic] class 6) represent the most severe form of chronic venous insufficiency. As closure techniques for superficial venous reflux evolve, direct outcome comparisons of treatments are integral, because many studies have already demonstrated that early endovenous intervention improves wound healing. The present study compared the rates of venous wound healing between two techniques of superficial vein closure: ClosureFast radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and adhesive closure (VenaSeal; both Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn). Methods We performed a multi-institutional retrospective review of all patients with CEAP class 6 who had undergone closure of their truncal veins from 2015 to 2020. Patients undergoing ClosureFast RFA were compared with those undergoing VenaSeal adhesive closure. The primary endpoint was the interval to wound healing from initial vein closure. The secondary endpoints included ulcer recurrence and infection rates. Bivariate analysis involved the χ2, Fisher exact, t, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the factors affecting the time to wound healing in the most predictive model. Statistical significance was defined as P Results A total of 119 patients with CEAP 6 were included, with a median follow-up of 105 days (interquartile range, 44-208 days). Of the 119 limbs, 68 were treated with RFA and 51 with VenaSeal. Significantly more patients undergoing RFA had had a history of deep vein thrombosis (29% vs 10%; P = .01) and deep venous reflux (82% vs 51%; P = .003). The VenaSeal patients were older (72 years vs 65 years; P = .02) with a greater rate of coronary artery disease (16% vs 37%; P = .01). The median time to wound healing after the procedure was significantly shorter for VenaSeal than for RFA (43 vs 104 days; P = .001). Two RFA patients developed a postprocedure infection. The ulcer recurrence rate was 19.3% (22.1% for RFA vs 13.7% for VenaSeal; P = .25). On multivariate analysis, the treatment modality was the only significant predictor of the time to wound healing. When stratified by ulcer size as small ( 3 cm2), VenaSeal closure healed the wounds significantly faster for all ulcers. Conclusion ClosureFast and VenaSeal are both safe and effective treatments to eliminate truncal venous insufficiency. VenaSeal showed a superior time to wound healing compared with ClosureFast in both large and small ulcers.

Three-year results of a randomized controlled trial comparing mechanochemical and thermal ablation in the treatment of insufficient great saphenous veins

ObjectiveMechanochemical ablation (MOCA) is a nonthermal nontumescent method of treating saphenous vein insufficiency. The feasibility and short-term results of MOCA are good, but its long-term results are unknown. A randomized study was performed to compare MOCA with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the setting of unilateral great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. MethodsVenous outpatient clinic patients with varicose veins (CEAP class C2-C4) caused by GSV insufficiency were invited to participate in the study; in total, 132 patients met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate. Patients were randomized to treatment (2:1:1 for MOCA, EVLA, and RFA, respectively). The state of the GSV with duplex Doppler ultrasound examination and the disease-specific quality of life were assessed at 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years after the treatment. ResultsSome patients declined to continue in the study after randomization; in total, 117 patients underwent treatment. At 3 years, the occlusion rate was significantly lower with MOCA than with either EVLA or RFA (82% vs 100%; P = .005). Quality of life was similar between the groups. In the MOCA group, GSVs that were larger than 7 mm in diameter preoperatively were more likely to recanalize during the follow-up period. The partial recanalizations of proximal GSV observed at 1 year progressed during the follow-up. ConclusionsMOCA is a feasible treatment option in an outpatient setting, but its technical success rates are inferior compared with endovenous thermal ablation. Its use in large-caliber veins should be considered carefully.

Extracellular Fluid Content in the Legs of Patients with Chronic Venous Disease

This study aimed to determine the factors that affect the extracellular fluid (ECF) content in the legs of patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). Bioimpedance analysis and air plethysmography (APG) were performed in 79 patients with CVD who visited our clinic between September 2016 and March 2019. The normal right legs (N) of 14 healthy volunteers were also reviewed for comparison. The ratio of ECF resistance (Re) of the leg to that of the arm (ReL/ReA) was used to express the ECF content in the tested leg. The severity of CVD was expressed using the clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological (CEAP) classification. The ReL/ReA decreased as the CEAP class increased (N: median; 0.81 [range 0.66-0.95], C0-1: 0.79 [0.60-0.98], C2: 0.77 [0.56-1.08], C3: 0.67 [0.57-0.85], C4: 0.64 [0.44-0.89]). Older age, female sex, and CEAP class affected the ReL/ReA, but body mass index did not. The ReL/ReA did not correlate with the parameters that were derived from APG, including the venous filling index. We found that the ECF content in legs of patients with CVD might be primarily affected by patient-related factors and CEAP class, as opposed to venous hemodynamics.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT FOR SAPHENOUS VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY IN HUE CENTRAL HOSPITAL

Saphenous venous insufficency (VI) is more and more common. This disease is diagnosed by clinical symptoms and doppler US. In the last decade, ligation and stripping was main treatment modalities. Recently, there are many alternative methods for this disease such as sclerotherapy, thermal therapies… Laser is one of effective procedure for VI. Objective: To evaluate short-term outcomes of endovenous laser ablation for the treatment of saphenous venous insufficiency. Methods: This retrospective study included 124 patients at C2 stage and above (CEAP classification) who underwent endovenous laser ablation at Hue Central Hospital from 12/2014 to 02/2017. Results: The patients’ average median age was 52 ± 12.18. Patients with great saphenous insufficency were 98.4% (181 limbs) and only 1.6% with small saphenous disease. Most of them were treated with laser wavelength at 1470nm, power at 6-10W. There were 82 patients needed phlebectomy (Muller) and 20 patients associated with sclerotherapy. Most of cases underwent local anesthesia. The initial outcomes of the patient are excelent, there were no major complication related to the procedure. Most of patient were no pain significantly after treatment. The number of patient with mild (no need of antalgics) and severe pain (needed fort antalgics for 5 days) due to laser ablation were 4 cases and 1 case, respectively. Patients could return to daily activities at the day after. A follow – up postoperative ultrasound after 10 days: 100% of cases presented sclerosant veins and no intravenous flow, no deep venous thrombose. There were no recurrence at 3 and 6 month of medical revisit. Conclusion: Endovenous laser treatment was proven as a method of preference for chronic vein insufficiency because of its advandtages such as minimal invasive technique, high successive percentage, least of complication, high aesthetics and early to return daily activities. Key words: Saphenous venous insufficency (VI), laser, endovenous laser ablation