Endovenous Ablation Research Articles

Laser-sclerosing foam hybrid treatment, a non-tumescent technique for insufficient great saphenous vein ablation.

We aim to report on the Laser-Sclerosing Foam Hybrid Treatment (LSFHT) and its outcomes when used on patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. This was a single center retrospective cohort study on patients with GSV insufficiency that were treated with the LSFHT technique, a surgical procedure that comprises the use of both sclerosing foam and endovenous ablation and avoids the use of tumescent anesthesia. Occlusion rates and complications were reported. 139 legs from 106 patients were operated, achieving a 100% occlusion rate, while only a small burn and 2 popliteal vein thrombosis cases occurred. The study suggests that the LSFHT is a feasible fast procedure that proved both effective and safe for the treatment of GSV insufficiency.

Endovenous laser ablation for saphenous veins and tributaries - the LEST technique.

Endovenous thermal ablation is now one of the most important techniques for treating chronic venous insufficiency. Technical refinements and technological innovations have made it possible to employ the method not only in the saphenous veins, but also to treat superficial veins such as varicose tributaries. We describe a technique for surgical treatment of varicose veins using endovenous laser thermal ablation employing multiple punctures and present the experience at our service with analysis of 601 cases operated using this technique. Thermoablative treatment of tributary veins with multiple puncture sites expands the applications for endolaser in treatment of lower limb varicose veins, providing, comprehensive, safe, and effective treatment.

Study design of the VenaSeal Spectrum Program: Two randomized controlled trials and one single-arm prospective study of a cyanoacrylate closure system to treat early to advanced chronic venous disease

Background/ObjectiveChronic venous disease (CVD) affects >25% of adults in developed countries. It is usually a progressive disease; if left untreated, can lead to advanced disease such as venous ulceration. The VenaSeal Spectrum Program compares the VenaSeal closure system (VenaSeal) to the global standards of care for CVD: endothermal ablation and surgical stripping. It also investigates VenaSeal's usefulness for patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). A key component of this clinical program was to measure and quantify patient satisfaction with treatments related to discomfort, healing time, and effectiveness, which often has been overlooked in CVD research. This article describes the rationale and design of the VenaSeal Spectrum Program for patients with CVD. MethodsVenaSeal Spectrum is a prospective, postmarket, clinical trial program reporting outcomes from the periprocedural period through 5 years after treatment with VenaSeal. VenaSeal Spectrum has enrolled 506 participants at 32 sites in 10 countries requiring treatment for symptomatic Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological Classification (CEAP) 2-6 CVD involving the truncal saphenous vein(s). The program is composed of three studies. Two randomized controlled trials compare VenaSeal ablation with either surgical stripping or endovenous thermal ablation in patients with symptomatic CEAP 2-5 disease. A single-arm prospective study investigates participants with active VLUs (CEAP 6) treated with VenaSeal. The unique primary end points for both randomized trials include both periprocedural and postprocedural patient treatment satisfaction measured by a new questionnaire (VenousTSQ) at 30 days post procedure and elimination of clinically relevant superficial truncal reflux in the target vein at index procedure. The primary end point for the VLU study is time to ulcer healing through 12 months. Secondary end points, which are more familiar to clinicians in this disease space, include time to return to work, complication rates, patient-reported outcome measures, and closure rates. ConclusionsVenaSeal Spectrum is a rigorously designed clinical study program with a large study population and unique patient-centric end points after treatment with VenaSeal for early to advanced symptomatic CVD. The studies report on the safety, effectiveness, and patient experience outcomes including two new primary end points assessing the specific needs of patients with venous insufficiency from the periprocedural period through 5-year follow-up.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Comparing Thermal Versus Non-Thermal Endovenous Ablation in Superficial Venous Incompetence

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Comparing Thermal Versus Non-Thermal Endovenous Ablation in Superficial Venous Incompetence

Current practice of cyanoacrylate endovenous ablation: American vein and lymphatic society position statement.

Cyanoacrylate endovenous ablation and closure of incompetent saphenous veins have become increasingly utilized since its approval for use in the United States in 2015. This increase in usage necessitates a societal update to guide treatment and ensure optimal and consistent patient outcomes. The American Vein and Lymphatic Society convened an expert panel to write an updated Position Statement with explanations and recommendations for the appropriate use of cyanoacrylate endovenous ablation for patients with venous insufficiency. A Position Statement was produced by the expert panel with recommendations for appropriate use, treatment technique, outcomes review, and potential adverse events. Their recommendations were reviewed, edited, and approved by the Guidelines Committee of the Society. This societal Position Statement provides a useful document for reference for physicians and venous specialists to assist in the appropriate use of cyanoacrylate endovenous ablation in the treatment of patients with venous insufficiency.

Thromboprophylaxis strategies in patients undergoing endovenous thermal ablation: a UK survey

Introduction: It remains unclear whether patients undergoing endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) for superficial venous incompetence (SVI) should receive pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. A survey was conducted to assess current thromboprophylaxis practices across the UK in patients undergoing EVTA for SVI. Methods: To examine the thromboprophylaxis practices of clinicians performing EVTA for SVI in the UK, an online survey was developed using the Qualtrics online survey tool. The survey link was circulated via email to members of the multidisciplinary collaborative Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (VERN) and promoted through social media. The primary focus of the survey was to gather information regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis during EVTA for SVI. Results: A total of 32 vascular surgeons and one vascular nurse specialist based in the UK participated in the survey. All respondents reported routine prescription of compression therapy in the immediate postoperative period. Of all the respondents, 67% (n=22) reported routine prescription of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis during the peri-procedural period. Extended prophylaxis was routinely offered by 15% (n=5) of all respondents. Among those who provided extended prophylaxis, the majority (80%, n=4) used low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), while 20% (n=1) opted for a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Conclusion: The findings from this survey indicate that a significant proportion of patients undergoing EVTA for SVI routinely receive pharmacological thromboprophylaxis, with a single perioperative dose of LMWH being the prevailing practice. However, there is a notable lack of robust high-quality evidence to substantiate this practice. Grade A evidence is required to assess the potential benefit of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in the context of EVTA to guide the development of clinically relevant guidelines. Should pharmacological thromboprophylaxis prove to offer no additional benefit for this specific patient population, this could result in cost savings for the NHS and enable patients to avoid unwanted side effects associated with anticoagulation therapy.

Effect of junctional reflux on the venous clinical severity score in patients with insufficiency of the great saphenous vein (JURY study)

ObjectiveEffective treatment options are available for chronic venous insufficiency associated with superficial venous reflux. Although many patients with C2 and C3 disease based on the CEAP (Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological) classification have combined great saphenous vein (GSV) and saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) reflux, some may not have concomitant SFJ reflux. Several payors have determined that symptom severity in patients without SFJ reflux does not warrant treatment. In patients planned for venous ablation, we tested whether Venous Clinical Severity Scores (VCSS) are equivalent in those with GSV reflux alone compared with those with both GSV and SFJ reflux. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at 10 centers. Inclusion criteria were: candidate for endovenous ablation as determined by treating physician; 18 to 80 years of age; GSV reflux with or without SFJ reflux on ultrasound; and C2 or C3 disease. Exclusion criteria were prior deep vein thrombosis; prior vein ablation on the index limb; ilio-caval obstruction; and renal, hepatic, or heart failure requiring prior hospitalization. An a priori sample size was calculated. We used multiple linear regression (adjusted for patient characteristics) to compare differences in VCSS scores of the two groups at baseline, and to test whether scores were equivalent using a priori equivalence boundaries of +1 and −1. In secondary analyses, we tested differences in VCSS scores in patients with C2 and C3 disease separately. ResultsA total of 352 patients were enrolled; 64.2% (n = 226) had SFJ reflux, and 35.8% (n = 126) did not. The two groups did not differ by major clinical characteristics. The mean age of the cohort was 53.9 ± 14.3 years; women comprised 74.2%; White patients 85.8%; and body mass index was 27.8 ± 6.1 kg/m2. The VCSS scores in patients with and without SFJ reflux were found to be equivalent; SFJ reflux was not a significant predictor of VCSS score; and mean VCSS scores did not differ significantly (6.4 vs 6.6, respectively, P = .40). In secondary subset analyses, VCSS scores were equivalent between C2 patients with and without SFJ reflux, and VCSS scores of C3 patients with SFJ reflux were lower than those without SFJ reflux. ConclusionsSymptom severity is equivalent in patients with GSV reflux with or without SFJ reflux. The absence of SFJ reflux alone should not determine the treatment paradigm in patients with symptomatic chronic venous insufficiency. Patients with GSV reflux who meet clinical criteria for treatment should have equivalent treatment regardless of whether or not they have SFJ reflux.

Comparison of one-year outcomes and quality of life between endovenous microwave ablation and high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein.

The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) and high ligation and strippingn (HLS) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in the treatment of varicose veins. We included 182 patients in each EMA and HLS groups. Follow-up outcomes included AVVQ, VCSS, chronic venous insufficiency questionnaire-14 (CIVIQ14) score, clinical recurrence rate of varicose vein treatment, and patient satisfaction during the 1-year follow-up period. At the 1-year follow-up, no significant difference was found in the clinical recurrence rate of varicose veins between the EMA and HLS groups (p = .75). The duration of the operation and the length of hospital stay for patients in the EMA group was shorter than that for the HLS group (p < .01). The Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) score, and ecchymosis were lower for patients who underwent EMA surgery (p < .01). Our research results confirm that EMA improves patients' quality of life with lower limb varicose veins, with EMA showing higher patient satisfaction.

Evaluating endovenous laser and glue ablation in the treatment of great saphenous vein insufficiency: A 5-year retrospective comparative study

Aim: The use of endovascular thermal and nonthermal methods in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency has been in practice for over 10 years. The early results of these practices have been published and extensively discussed. Medium and long-term results are now being announced. In our study, we discussed the results of endovenous laser ablation and endovenous glue ablation methods, along with hemodynamic evaluations. Material and Methods: Doppler USG and Digital Photo Plethysmography were used to examine patients with chronic venous insufficiency in the C2-5 group who received endovenous ablation indication. Records of VCSS and CIVIQ-20 were obtained. Measurements were taken at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months. Procedural and post-procedural variables were compared, and the results were obtained for a 5-year period. Results: The demographic profiles of the groups were similar. The duration of the procedure was significantly longer in the EVLA group. Similarly, the pain during the procedure was statistically significantly higher in the EVLA group. Venous refill time and venous half-life time showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups. While there were close to 100% closure rates in both groups during the first 6 months, the rates decreased to 95.2% in EVLA and 93.5% in EVGA by the end of the fifth year. Conclusion: With 5 years of objective and subjective findings, both EVLA and EVGA are effective and reliable methods with their advantages and disadvantages. However, EVGA may be more preferred by patients because it does not require tumescent anesthesia, causes less pain, and has a shorter procedure time.

A histological study of vessel wall reaction after endovenous ultrasound ablation in an animal model

Introduction. Along with the generally accepted thermal methods of saphenous varicose veins ablation, the use of non-thermal and combined methods becomes attractive. Due to the variety of mechanisms of action, low-frequency ultrasound is a promising technology for performing a wide range of minimally invasive intravascular operations, including the treatment of varicose veins. Aim. To elucidate the mechanism of action of a novel endovenous ultrasound ablation method and evaluate its effect on vein wall injury and lumen occlusion in an animal model. Materials and methods. A total of 34 central ear vein (CEV) medial ramus were treated in 17 rabbits according to the follow-up protocol. Six femoral veins from three rabbits enrolled into the acute experiment were harvested 45 min after the procedure. All treated CEV medial ramus in the follow-up experiment were divided into four treatment groups with an observation time of: (0) 30 days, control procedure; (1) 60 days, ultrasound ablation; (2) 95 days, ultrasound ablation; (3) 138 days, ultrasound ablation. Results. Occlusion was achieved in all but one CEV medial ramus (29/30; 97%) treated with ultrasound. Histologic examination of treated veins showed heat- and mechanical-induced changes in the vein wall, such as abrasion of the endothelium and fibrotic lesions in the tunica media and tunica adventitia. The occluded segments consisted mainly of cellular fibrotic material. In the acute group, histological evidence of damage to all vessel wall layers was found. Discussion. Ultrasound ablation results in homogeneous and uniform damage to the venous wall. The results of this study suggest that the ultrasound treatment leads to venous occlusion by the additive thermomechanical mechanism of damage to the vessel wall. Conclusions. Endovenous ultrasound ablation showed a similar pattern of thermal damage as endovenous laser (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and damage to the endothelium as mechanochemical ablation (MOCA). Four months after ultrasound ablation, the occlusion rate was 90%.

A systematic review of endovenous ablation for the treatment of small saphenous varicose veins.

Insufficiency of the small saphenous vein causes 15% of varicose veins in the lower extremities. Endovenous ablation for the treatment of small saphenous vein varices has become a trend, and an increasing number of studies have reported the effects of different types of endovenous ablation in patients with small saphenous varicose veins. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the results of existing studies on endovenous ablation for the treatment of small saphenous varicose veins, compare its role and efficacy, and provide insights into the future development of endovenous ablation for treating small saphenous varicose veins. A systematic review of literature published from January 1, 2002 to January 1, 2022 was conducted from PubMed, Embase, and China Academic Journals full-text databases. The pre-determined inclusion criteria were clinical literature of endovenous ablation for treating small saphenous varicose veins. Keywords included "ablation", "small saphenous vein", "lesser saphenous vein", "short saphenous vein", "xiaoyinjingmai" and "xiaorong". Of the 506 articles screened, 33 articles were included in this review: 19 articles were related to endovenous laser ablation, five were related to mechanochemical ablation, seven were related to radiofrequency ablation, and two were related to both endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation. The anatomical success rate of endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and mechanochemical ablation were 94.3%, 96.0%, and 88.1%, respectively, and the heterogeneities were all moderate. Most of the current studies are of a low-quality level of research. Hence, long-term follow-up studies and large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to obtain high-quality evidence. Although the gold standard for the treatment of small saphenous vein insufficiency remains unclear, endovenous ablation is still the recommended method.

Comment on: Effectiveness of Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation for Elderly Patients with Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities.

Comment on: Effectiveness of Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation for Elderly Patients with Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities.

Long-term results and predictors of failure after mechanochemical endovenous ablation in the treatment of primary great saphenous vein incompetence.

Mechanochemical endovenous ablation (MOCA) was introduced to treat superficial venous insufficiency of the lower leg with less pain and haematoma. Long-term outcome is still lacking. The purpose was to report long-term outcome and to analyse possible predictors for failure. The study was a retrospective pooled analysis of two prospective cohorts previously reported, but with prolonged long-term outcome up to 5-years follow-up. 163 treated legs were analysed. Mean follow-up was 5.4±0.6years, in which 33 total failures occurred. Four procedures were partially successful. VCSS improved significantly and remained stable after 1 and 2-years, but significantly rose again after 5-years. AVVQ dropped significantly, but increased after 1year to 4.3 and 6.1 at 5-years follow-up. MOCA was effective with minimal pain perioperative. However, anatomical success deteriorated after 1-year and showed even less results after 5-years, mainly due to partly recanalization, while clinical results were less affected. There were no clear clinical predictors for failure.

Evaluation of Endovenous Laser Ablation in the Management of Varicose Veins.

Background The treatment of varicose veins has undergone tremendous changes over the years. High ligation of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) and stripping of the great saphenous vein (GSV) have been considered standard treatments for GSV insufficiency for over a century and are still adopted as the preferred method in the majority of surgical centers in North Africa. However, the increase in minimally invasive treatments such as endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, and cryo-stripping has produced excellent results. Most patients who underwent these minimally invasive treatments were satisfied with their outcomes. Methodology and results In this clinical and prospective study, 30 cases (19 male and 11 female) of primary varicose veins underwent endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and their outcomes were reviewed, and their results were satisfying to the patients. After EVLA with or without sclerotherapy, no major complications occurred (recurrence or recanalization) at the time of the study, although minor complications were quite common and included bruising or ecchymosis, postoperative pain that required analgesics, superficial thrombophlebitis, and skin burns that were very responsive to medical treatment. Conclusion Endovenous laser ablation continues to be a valid minimally invasive method for treating varicose veins with minimal complications and a very short recovery period, which appeals to patients.

A comparison of below-knee vs above-knee endovenous ablation of varicose veins

ObjectiveVaricose veins have a significant impact on quality of life and can commonly occur in the thigh and calves. However, there has been no large-scale investigation examining the relationship between anatomic distribution and outcomes after varicose vein treatment. This study sought to compare below-the-knee (BTK) and above-the-knee (ATK) varicose vein treatment outcomes. MethodsEmploying the Vascular Quality Initiative Varicose Vein Registry, 13,731 patients undergoing varicose vein ablation for either BTK or ATK lesions were identified. Outcomes were assessed using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). Continuous variables were compared using the t-test, and categorical variables were analyzed using the χ2 test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of improvement after intervention. The multivariable model controlled for age, gender, race, preoperative VCSS composite score, and history of deep vein thrombosis. ResultsPatients who received below-knee treatment had a lower preoperative VCSS composite (7.0 ± 3.3 vs 7.7 ± 3.3; P < .001) and lower PROs composite scores (11.1 ± 6.4 vs 13.0 ± 6.6; P < .001) compared with those of patients receiving above-knee treatment. However, on follow-up, patients receiving below-knee intervention had a higher postoperative VCSS composite score (4.4 ± 3.3 vs 3.9 ± 3.5; P < .001) and PROs composite score (6.1 ± 4.4 vs 5.8 ± 4.5; P = .007), the latter approaching statistical significance. Patients receiving above-knee interventions also demonstrated more improvement in both composite VCSS (3.8 ± 4.0 vs 2.9 ± 3.7; P < .001) and PROs (7.1 ± 6.8 vs 4.8 ± 6.6; P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis similarly revealed that patients receiving above-knee treatment had significantly higher odds of improvement in VCSS composite in both the unadjusted (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-1.65; P < .001 and adjusted (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.14-1.50; P < .001) models. Patients receiving above-knee treatment also had a significantly higher odds of reporting improvement in PROs composite in both the unadjusted (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.64-2.11; P < .001) and adjusted (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.45-1.88; P < .001) models. ConclusionsTreatment region has a significant association with PROs and VCSS composite scores after varicose vein interventions. Preoperatively, there were significant differences in the composite scores of VCSS and PROs with patients receiving BTK treatment exhibiting less severe symptoms. Yet, the association appeared to reverse postoperatively, with those receiving BTK treatments exhibiting worse PROs, worse VCSS composites scores, and less improvement in VCSS composite scores. Therefore, BTK interventions pose a unique challenge compared with ATK interventions in ensuring commensurate clinical improvement after treatment.

Factors influencing recurrent varicose vein formation after radiofrequency thermal ablation for truncal reflux performed in two high-volume venous centers

ObjectiveRecanalization of the saphenous vein trunk after endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is often associated with recurrent varicose veins (RVVs) or recanalization. This study aimed to assess the long-term results of RFA of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and identify the risk factors for GSV recanalization and RVVs during follow-up for patients presenting to dedicated outpatient vein centers. MethodsAll consecutive patients with incompetent GSVs who underwent RFA between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary study end points were freedom from GSV recanalization and the RVV rate during follow-up. The secondary study end points were the postoperative complication rate and the risk factors for GSV recanalization and RVVs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the potential risk factors for GSV recanalization and RVVs. ResultsDuring the study period, 1568 limbs were treated in 1300 consecutive patients (mean age, 53.5 ± 12.9 years; 71.9% women; CEAP [clinical, etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology] C2-C6; venous clinical severity score >5). Technical success was achieved in 99.7% of cases. At a mean follow-up of 57.2 ± 25.4 months, the GSV occlusion and freedom from reintervention rates were 100% and 100% within 1 week, 97% and 95.7% at 1 year, 95.2% and 93.1% at 3 years, and 92.4% and 92.8% at 5 years, respectively. The recurrence rate was 10% (n = 158) during the follow-up period. On multivariate analysis, a direct confluence of the accessory saphenous vein into the saphenofemoral junction (odds ratio [OR], 1.561; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-7.04; P = .032), a history of pregnancy >2 (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.19-11.36; P = .023), C4 (OR, 6.41; 95% CI, 1.36-30.28; P = .019), and preoperative GSV diameter >10 mm (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.65-4.03; P = .043) were risk factors for GSV recanalization. Moreover, age >70 years (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06; P = .014) and incompetent perforator veins (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.65-2.03; P = .018) were also risk factors for RVVs. ConclusionsRFA is a safe technique to ablate the GSV with a low complication rate and durability during 5 years of follow-up. However, patients with a high clinical score and those with direct confluence of the accessory saphenous vein into the saphenofemoral junction experienced higher long-term GSV recanalization and RVV rates.

Value and limitations of postoperative duplex scans after endovenous thermal ablation

BackgroundEndovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) of the lower extremity veins has risen to become the main treatment modality for symptomatic venous reflux disease. One of the main reported side effects of EVTA is recanalization. As of today, there is no clear protocol as to when follow-up duplex ultrasound scans should be performed. However, the standard for postoperative duplex after truncal ablation is within 1 week of the procedure. Our aim is to try to find whether there is a particular time period when postoperative duplex ultrasound scans should be performed to allow us to best diagnose recanalization. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 9799 procedures in 3237 patients with chronic venous insufficiency owing to great, small, and anterior accessory saphenous vein insufficiency from 2012 to 2018. We excluded 466 perforator veins. All 9799 procedures were performed using EVTA in patients who failed to respond to conservative management initially. Postoperative duplex ultrasound scans were performed within 1 week (3-7 days postoperatively). We defined a successful obliteration as lack of color flow on postoperative scan. We defined symptomatic recanalization as presence of reflux on duplex ultrasound examination in the targeted vessel at follow-up with symptom recurrence. Follow-ups were performed every 3 months in the first year and every 6 months thereafter. ResultsPatient ages ranged from 15 to 99 years. The median patient age at the time of the procedures was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR], 51-73 years). The median overall follow-up was 25 months (IQR, 4-56 months). The Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) class of all the procedures were: C1, 21; C2, 208; C3, 3585; C4, 4680; C5, 188; and C6, 1117. There were 145 redo procedures performed after symptomatic recanalization was diagnosed in patients. CEAP class of the redo patients were: C1, 0; C2, 2; C3, 49; C4, 70; C5, 5; and C6, 19. ConclusionsMost patients underwent a redo procedure performed within the first year after the initial procedure. Conversely, there was great variability as to when redo procedures were performed. Because there is no defined pattern as to when these symptomatic occurrences arise, it may not be required to perform postoperative duplex ultrasound scans after EVTA routinely, but instead when a patient comes back with symptoms such as swelling.

Impact of lymphedema in the management of venous leg ulcers.

Lymphedema (LED) in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLU) [VLU+LED] can impair ulcer healing and predispose to cellulitis. There is little data, however, demonstrating how lymphatic dysfunction may impact the clinical course, treatment, and healthcare expenditures for VLU+LED versus VLU-LED patients. To determine how lymphatic dysfunction might influence treatment and expenditures among VLU patients in a large deidentified healthcare claims database. A retrospective cohort design and data from the IBM MarketScan Database (April 2013 to March 2019) were employed. Study population comprised VLU patients, and was stratified into two subgroups: VLU+LED (index date = date of first LED diagnosis) and VLU-LED (index dates randomly assigned to match distribution of index dates for VLU+LED). Within each subgroup, patients with <1year of healthcare claims information before and after their index dates were excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, procedures/treatments, as well as all-cause post-index medical resource utilization and expenditures ($/patient/year) of the two groups were compared. Stabilized inverse probability treatment weights (IPTWs) were employed to adjust for differences between groups in baseline characteristics. A total of 5466 VLU patients were identified (VLU+LED: N = 299; VLU-LED: N = 5167). Overall ambulatory encounters (AMB ENC) and their components were higher in VLU+LED, which were reflected in increased expenditures for this group (Table 1). Treatment with endovenous ablation (EVA) or stenting for venous hypertension as well as for specific measures for LED were higher in the 1-year post-index period for VLU+LED. The use of LED specific therapy was low for both groups, but a greater percentage of VLU+LED patients received therapy, which was predominantly manual lymphatic drainage (17.4%) rather than pneumatic compression (10.7%). The clinical presence of LED in patients with VLU is a marker for a more complex disease process with more episodes of cellulitis and expenditures, but a surprisingly low specific treatment for LED.

Safety of Ultrasound Guided Endovenous Management of Varicose Veins and How to Avoid Potential Complications

Background Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been used to treat superficial venous insufficiency, Ablation of veins has replaced operative saphenectomy as the procedure of choice for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency. This change has likely taken place due to the minimally invasive nature and acceptable safety of endovenous ablation while remaining as efficacious and durable as saphenous ligation and stripping. Pattern of complications had been changed over the past decade, due to shifting from surgical stripping of varicose veins to endovenous procedures. The incidence of complications vary widely based on the level of operators as ecchymosis incidence post endovenous procedure range from (52-100%), parathesia (0.5 - 41.5%), phlebitis (0.5 – 5.5%), burn (0.46%), DVT (0.27%), and pulmonary embolism in 0.02% of cases. Aim of the Work assessing the incidence of complications during endovenous procedures of varicose veins and possible preventive measures. Assessing incidence of complications during Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation and injection sclerotherapy. Assessing the preventive measures that could be conducted to decrease the incidence of complications of endovenous surgeries. Patients and Methods Type of study retrospective cohort study study setting the study will be conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals, interventional radiology department study period 2 years study population patients admitted in interventional radiology department during the past 2 years and scheduled for varicose veins treatment. Results was conducted on 20 patients, 70.0% were males and 30.0% were females with mean age of the study group was 45.35 ± 11.34 years ranged from 28 to 65 years. Most patients with no known medical or surgical history 65.5%, 25.0% were diabetic and 5.0% were hypertensive. Conclusion because most of the side effects are minor, and major complications are rare, EVLA is a safe and minimally invasive procedure with excellent efficacy in the treatment of varicose veins. Because optimizing laser parameters and the EVLA procedure may reduce the incidence and severity of complications associated with EVLA, additional research is warranted.

Endovenous Thermal Ablation for Treatment of Symptomatic Saphenous Veins-Does the Body Weight Matter?

This study aimed to examine whether body weight may affect the effectiveness and safety of endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) for the treatment of symptomatic varicose veins. This retrospective single-center cohort study analyzed the outcomes and patient demographic data with a focus on the body weight of all patients who had ETA of symptomatic varicose veins between September 2017 and October 2020. A total of 1178 treated truncal veins from 636 patients were analyzed. The mean ± standard deviation body mass index (BMI) was 25.5 ± 4.9. In 2.3% of cases, the patients were underweight (BMI < 18.5), 31.0% were overweight (BMI > 25), and 16.6% were obese (BMI > 30). Complete truncal occlusion was observed 1 year post intervention in 97.6-100% and patients were satisfied or very satisfied in 96.2-100% across BMI groups. Pain was low but significantly higher in the patients with obesity 6 weeks post intervention (visual analog scale 0.84 ± 1.49) and a higher infection rate was observed in the patients with obesity (n = 4/132; 3.0%). No significant association was observed between BMI and bleeding or thromboembolic events. Patients with obesity experienced prolonged pain and more infections after ETA, but ETA for varicose vein treatment remains effective and safe, independent of the patient's BMI.