Improvement In Venous Clinical Severity Score Research Articles

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.

A single-center experience of anterior accessory saphenous vein endothermal ablation demonstrates safety and efficacy

ObjectiveEndothermal ablation is well-established for the treatment of the great and small saphenous veins. Data are lacking for treatment of the anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AASV treatment using endothermal ablation. MethodsThis retrospective review included 314 limbs at a single academic institution from 2016 to 2018 using the institutional Vascular Quality Initiative database. All limbs had documented AASV reflux. Baseline characteristics were evaluated including age; sex; ethnicity; clinical, etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology classification; Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS); and vein diameter. Outcomes relating to procedure safety and efficacy included treatment modality and length, successful ablation on postoperative imaging, postprocedural clinical outcomes, incidence of endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT), and any postprocedural complication. ResultsA total of 314 consecutive limbs were identified from 2016 to 2018. The preprocedure VCSS scores were available for 312 limbs and averaged 6.13 ± 3.33. A history of varicose veins were reported in all limbs with 49.4% (n = 155) having previously undergone a procedure. The most common presenting symptom was mild edema in 52.5% (n = 165). Vein diameter and assessment of reflux were obtained by venous duplex ultrasound (DUS) examination. The largest AASV diameter was available for 304 limbs, averaging 7.93 ± 2.69 mm. Treatment modalities included radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in 59.2% (n = 186), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in 37.9% (n = 119), and isolated microphlebectomy in 2.9% (n = 9). In all, 38.5% (n = 121) of limbs underwent concomitant microphlebectomy at the time of EVLA. The total treatment length was obtained in 297 limbs, averaging 23.0 cm ± 12.0. Postoperatively, 94.6% of limbs (n = 297) were prescribed compression stockings. Postoperative DUS examination was performed in 312 limbs, revealing successful ablation in 96.5% (n = 303) with 2 limbs (0.6%) developing an EHIT, both treated with therapeutic enoxaparin for 1 week. Repeat DUS examination revealed thrombus resolution in one limb; the other patient was lost to follow-up. VCSS scores after the procedure were available for 145 limbs and averaged 4.45 ± 2.31. This was a statistically significant decrease from preprocedure VCSS scores (P < .01). Average duration of follow-up was 2.2 years, with two limbs lost to follow-up. Of the nine limbs (3.5%) whose initial procedure failed, five (56%) were treated using RFA and four (44%) were treated using EVLA. There were no other postoperative complications. ConclusionsOur experience over a 3-year period for treating the AASV shows it to be safe and effective in a broad range of disease severity with an improvement in VCSS and a low incidence of EHIT. Additionally, RFA and EVLA exhibit similar treatment efficacy. Long-term follow-up data are needed.

Two-year results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing Mechanochemical endovenous Ablation to RADiOfrequeNcy Ablation in the treatment of primary great saphenous vein incompetence (MARADONA trial)

ObjectiveEndothermal techniques have proved to be effective for treatment of incompetent truncal veins. The tumescentless mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) technique has become an alternative treatment modality, but its outcome with regard to endothermal techniques is still unclear. MethodsA multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial was designed comparing MOCA with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat great saphenous vein incompetence with the hypothesis that MOCA is associated with less postprocedural pain and a comparable anatomic and clinical success rate at 1-year follow-up. Disease-specific quality of life and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were measured using questionnaires. Inclusion was terminated prematurely because reimbursement was suspended. ResultsA total of 213 patients (46.3% of intended number of patients) were randomized, of whom 209 were treated (105 in the MOCA group and 104 in the RFA group). Overall median pain scores during the first 14 days were lower after MOCA (0.2 vs 0.5 after RFA; P = .010), although the absolute difference was small. At 30 days, similar complication numbers (MOCA, n = 62; RFA, n = 63) and HRQoL scores (Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire: MOCA, 8.9; RFA, 7.6; P = .233) were observed. Hyperpigmentation was reported in seven patients in the MOCA group and two patients in the RFA group (P = .038). In the MOCA group, there were four complete failures (3.8%) compared with none in the RFA group (P = .045), although in one patient at 1 year, the vein showed occlusion. Median 30-day Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) was significantly lower at 30 days after MOCA (1.0 vs 2.0 in the RFA group; P = .001), whereas VCSS was comparable at baseline (MOCA, 4.0; RFA, 5.0; P = .155). The 1- and 2-year anatomic success rate was lower after MOCA (83.5% and 80.0%) compared with RFA (94.2% and 88.3%; P = .025 and .066), mainly driven by partial recanalizations. After 2 years of follow-up, no differences were observed in the number of complete failures.Similar clinical success rates at 1 year (MOCA, 88.7%; RFA, 93.2%; P = .315) and 2 years (MOCA, 93.0%; RFA, 90.4%; P = .699) and no differences in HRQoL scores on the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire at 1 year (MOCA, 7.5; RFA, 7.0; P = .753) and 2 years (MOCA, 5.0%; RFA, 4.8%; P = .573) were observed. There were two cardiac serious adverse events, a ventricular fibrillation in the MOCA group (1 year) and an unstable angina in the RFA group (2 years). One deep venous thrombosis occurred in the RFA group on 1-year duplex ultrasound, without clinical sequelae. ConclusionsUnilateral treatment with MOCA in the short term resulted in less postoperative pain but more hyperpigmentation compared with RFA and a faster improvement in VCSS. More anatomic failures were reported after MOCA, mostly driven by partial recanalizations, but both techniques were associated with similar clinical outcomes at 1 year and 2 years.

Improvement in Quality of Life After Iliac Vein Stenting in a Prospective Clinical Study of a Nitinol Venous Stent

Stenting of the iliofemoral venous outflow tract is recommended to treat patients with significant limb symptoms related to obstruction. However, it remains unclear which patients benefit most from iliac vein stenting. In this prospective clinical trial studying the performance of a nitinol stent designed for the treatment of venous obstructive disease, quality of life (QOL) measures were related to patient and procedural characteristics to determine which patients benefit most from venous stenting. There were 170 patients with chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction enrolled in a prospective pivotal trial studying the effectiveness of a nitinol venous stent (Veniti, Inc, Fremont, Calif). Before intervention, QOL was measured with the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ-2) score. Venography was performed, and the presence of vessel stenosis of >50% was required for study inclusion. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was also performed before and after stent insertion to allow calculation of lumen diameter and area. QOL was measured with VCSS and CIVIQ-2 at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after stenting, and repeated venography and IVUS were performed at 12 months. Of the cohort, 140 had QOL measures performed before stenting and at 12 months of follow-up. Of these, 133 had IVUS measurements at the time of stent insertion and 94 had IVUS at 12 months. Both VCSS and CIVIQ-2 score improved significantly at 1 month and 12 months after stenting as noted in the Table. Improvement in VCSS was similar in patients treated for nonthrombotic (5.2 ± 5.6 points) and post-thrombotic (4.0 ± 3.9 points) disease. Patients who experienced significant improvement in VCSS (≥3 points; n = 91) had a significantly higher mean maximal area stenosis on IVUS before stenting (70.1% ± 20%) than 32 patients who had <2 points of improvement on VCSS (57.2% ± 25.9%; P = .007). VCSS improvement at 12 months did not correlate with the maximal percentage diameter or percentage area stenosis on IVUS at 12 months. The majority of patients treated with venous stenting for symptomatic iliofemoral venous obstruction experience significant reduction in symptoms that is durable to 12 months of follow-up. QOL improvement was significantly more frequent in patients stented for more severe venous obstruction.TableVenous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ-2) score at 1 month and 12 monthsBefore stenting1 month after stenting12 months after stentingP value before vs 1 monthP value before vs 12 monthsVCSS9.9 ± 5.06.3 ± 4.35.7 ± 4.3<.00001<.000001CIVIQ-20.44 ± 0.240.30 ± 0.250.27 ± 0.25<.00001<.00001 Open table in a new tab

Use of Polidocanol Endovenous Microfoam to Improve Hemodynamics and Symptomology in Patients with Challenging Clinical Presentations: A Case Series

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a widely prevalent condition. Saphenous venous reflux is the most common underlying pathology that leads to CVI. Endovenous thermal ablations (ETA) are the current gold standard. However, some patients present with some unique challenges making ETA less ideal. Nonthermal nontumescent therapies could be considered as alternative therapy in these patients. We performed a retrospective review of treatment effects with United States Food and Drug Administration-approved polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM; Varithena® 1%) on venous symptomology in 10 (n=10) C3-C6 patients with CVI and concomitant complex disease/pathology that limited the use of ETA. The pathology included risk of bruising or bleeding, severe lipodermatosclerosis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic fibrosis of the vein from prior superficial thrombosis, risk for nerve injury, and failed prior ETA. Before treatment, all patients underwent a venous incompetence study by duplex ultrasound (DUS). Preprocedure pain, symptoms, and Venous Clinical Severity Scores (VCSSs) were recorded. Clinical assessments and DUS were performed 4 days, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after treatment. DUS demonstrated reflux in the great saphenous vein (GSV), anterior accessory GSV, and/or the small saphenous vein. Pain scores and VCSS were reduced 4days and 6weeks after treatment. These lower scores were maintained for up to 1year after treatment. PEM use in C3-C6 patients resulted in successful improvement in VCSS, CVI symptoms, and wound healing among patients in whom ETA was not considered to be the optimal therapy.

Surgical treatment of recurrent varicose veins in the lower limbs associated with endovascular treatment of iliac vein stenosis

ObjectiveWe present our experience with endovascular surgery for recurrent varicose veins (RVV) of the lower limbs combined with the iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS). Materials and methodsThis study was a retrospective analysis of 6 patients with RVVs combined with IVCS who were admitted to our hospital between January 2007 and December 2014. Transfemoral venography was performed to confirm IVCS. Balloon dilation and stent placement were successful in all 6 patients. The varicose veins were treated by traditional surgery after the endovascular therapy. The visual analog pain scale (VAS) score and venous clinical severity score (VCSS) were collected before surgery and at 6-months follow-up, and were analyzed using the paired student t-test. Patency of the iliac vein was assessed via duplex Doppler ultrasound. ResultsThe rate of technical success was 100%. There was a significant (p < .001) improvement in VCSS postoperatively. During the 6-month follow-up period, no RVVs were observed and the rate of iliac vein patency was 100%. Importantly, VAS ratings also decreased significantly (p < .001) during the follow-up. ConclusionEndovascular surgery for IVCS combined with traditional surgery focused on varicose veins is an effective procedure for treating RVVs of the lower limbs associated with IVCS within 6 months.

Duplex Guided Foam Sclerotherapy Versus Surgery in Management of Primary Varicose Veins

Background: Varicose veins is a major problem among adult population. It has a major effect on life quality as well as healthcare system resources, we aim in this study to compare ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) with surgery in management of primary varicose veins patients and to measure patients’ satisfaction with either modalities. Methods: 100 lower limbs of 100 patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence were prospectively randomized to undergo either surgical treatment or foam sclerotherapy. Clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathophysiological (CEAP) Classification and the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) were completed and investigated with a follow-up period of 1 year. Results: Total occlusion of great saphenous vein (GSV) was 88% in foam group as well as in the surgery group, recurrence rate in the foam group was 6% as well as in surgery group. Patient satisfaction at 1 year was 94% in foam group while in surgery group it was 90%. There were no statistical significant differences in follow up regarding VCSS, recurrence, patient satisfaction between both groups at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year (p value>0.001). Conclusion: Surgical treatment and UGFS achieved elevated rates of total occlusion of GSV incompetence with no significant difference. Both treatments led to significant improvements in VCSS, demonstrating improvements in clinical outcomes. UGFS is a valid noninvasive modality in management of great saphenous vein incompetence and is comparable to surgery.

A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Polidocanol Foam Sclerotherapy with Surgical Treatment of Patients with Primary Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Ulcer

To compare polidocanol foam sclerotherapy with surgical treatment of patients with primary chronic venous insufficiency and active ulcer treated at a single vascular center. Fifty-eight limbs of 56 patients with active ulcers were prospectively randomized to undergo either surgical treatment or foam sclerotherapy. Patients completed the Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ), the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and Venous Disability Score (VDS). The follow-up was 502 ± 220 days. The ulcer healed in 100% and 91.3% of patients treated with surgery or foam sclerotherapy, respectively (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in AVVQ, VCSS, and VDS between the 2 groups after the procedures (P = 0.45, 0.58, and 0.66, respectively; Mann-Whitney U test). Complications occurred in 14.2% and 13.0% in the surgical and foam sclerotherapy groups, respectively. Surgical treatment and foam sclerotherapy achieved high rates of ulcer healing, without a statistically significant difference. Both treatments led to significant improvements in VCSS, VDS, AVVQ scores, demonstrating improvements in clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Randomized clinical trial comparing endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, foam sclerotherapy, and surgical stripping for great saphenous varicose veins with 3-year follow-up.

This study compares the outcome 3 years after treatment of varicose veins by endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), or surgery by assessing recurrence, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and quality of life (QOL). A total of 500 patients (580 legs) were randomized to one of the three endovenous treatments or high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein (GSV). Follow-up included clinical and duplex ultrasound examinations and VCSS and QOL questionnaires. Kaplan-Meier (KM) life-table analysis was used. P values below .05 were considered statistically significant. At 3 years, eight (KM estimate, 7%), eight (KM estimate, 6.8%), 31 (KM estimate, 26.4%), and eight (KM estimate, 6.5%) of GSVs recanalized or had a failed stripping procedure (more than 10 cm open refluxing part of the treated GSV; CLF, EVLA, UGFS, and stripping, respectively; P<.01). Seventeen (KM estimate, 14.9%), 24 (KM estimate, 20%), 20 (KM estimate, 19.1%), and 22 (KM estimate, 20.2%) legs developed recurrent varicose veins (P= NS). The patterns of reflux and location ofrecurrent varicose veins were not different between the groups. Within 3 years after treatment, 12 (KM estimate, 11.1%), 14 (KMestimate, 12.5%), 37 (KM estimate, 31.6%), and 18 (KM estimate, 15.5%) legs were retreated in the CLF, EVLA,UGFS, and stripping groups, respectively (P< .01). VCSS, SF-36, and Aberdeen QOL scores improved significantly in all the groups with no difference between the groups. All treatment modalities were efficacious and resulted in a similar improvement in VCSS and QOL. However,more recanalization and reoperations were seen after UGFS.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovenous Microwave Ablation Combined with High Ligation Versus Conventional Surgery for Varicose Veins

To evaluate the efficacy of endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) in treatment of varicose veins (VVS). The patients were randomly divided into EMA and high ligation and stripping (HLS) groups. Clinical outcomes and complications were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, and the effect on quality of life was also assessed using the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) respectively. EMA occluded VVS completely, with a shorter operative time, less bleeding and smaller incisions than the HLS procedure. In the EMA group, skin burns were found on 11 limbs (10.2%); sensory alteration and ecchymosis were less; and the recurrence rate of VVS was relatively lower compared with the HLS group. Both groups had significant improvement in VCSS and disease-specific quality of life (AVVQ) postoperatively. There was no significant difference in AVVQ and VCSS scores between the groups. EMA is an effective new technique for the treatment of VVS, and had a more satisfactory clinical outcome than HLS in the short term.

Mechanochemical ablation in patients with chronic venous disease: A prospective multicenter report

There are several endovenous methods to ablate the saphenous vein, all of which require tumescent anesthesia. This report was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a tumescent-free technique using mechanochemical ablation (MOCA). This was a prospective observational multicenter report on the efficacy of MOCA in selected patients with lower extremity chronic venous disease. Demographic information, clinical and procedural data were collected on a customized database. The distribution and extent of venous reflux and the closure rate of the treated veins were assessed with duplex ultrasound. Pain was evaluated during the procedure and postoperatively using an analog scale. The presence and severity of complications were recorded. Patient improvement was assessed by clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology (CEAP) class and venous clinical severity score (VCSS). There were 126 patients that were included at baseline, 81% females, with a mean age of 65.5 ± 14 years. The average BMI was 30.5 ± 6. The mean diameter of the great saphenous vein in the upper thigh was 7.3 mm and the mean treatment length was 38 cm. Adjunctive treatment of the varicosities was performed in 11% of patients during the procedure. Closure rates were 100% at one week, 98% at three months, and 94% at six months. Post-procedure complications included hematoma 1%, ecchymosis 9%, and thrombophlebitis 10%. There were no cases of venous thromboembolism. There was significant improvement in VCSS (p < 0.001) for all time intervals. MOCA of the saphenous veins has the advantage of endovenous ablation without tumescent anesthesia, making it an almost pain-free procedure. High occlusion rates with significant clinical improvement can be achieved with this method at short term.

Endovenous Laser Ablation in the Treatment of Small Saphenous Varicose Veins

The study was performed to evaluate the clinical and technical efficacy of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of small saphenous varicosities, particularly in relation to the site of endovenous access. Totally 59 patients with unilateral saphenopopliteal junction incompetence and small saphenous vein reflux underwent EVLA (810 nm, 14 W diode laser) with ambulatory phlebectomies. Small saphenous vein access was gained at the lowest site of truncal reflux. Patients were divided into 2 groups: access gained above mid-calf (AMC, n = 33) and below mid-calf (BMC, n = 26) levels. Outcomes included Venous Clinical Severity Scores (VCSS), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), patient satisfaction, complications, and recurrence rates. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in VCSS, AVVQ, generic quality of life Short Form 36, and EuroQol scores (P < .05) up to 1 year. No differences were seen between AMC and BMC groups for complications (phlebitis: 2 [6%] and 1 [3.8%], P > .05; paresthesia: 2 [6%] and 5 [19%], P = .223) and recurrence (3 [9%] and 1 [3.8%], P = .623), respectively. The site of access in our study does not appear to influence complications specifically neural injury or recurrence rates.

Randomized clinical trial of endovenous laser ablation compared with conventional surgery for great saphenous varicose veins

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a popular minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. Surgical treatment, featuring junctional ligation and inversion stripping, has shown excellent clinical and cost effectiveness. The clinical effectiveness of both treatments was compared within a randomized trial. Some 280 patients were randomized equally into groups receiving either surgery or EVLA. Participants had primary, symptomatic, unilateral venous insufficiency, with isolated saphenofemoral junction incompetence, leading to reflux into the great saphenous vein. Outcomes included: quality of life (QoL), Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), pain scores and time taken to return to normal function. Owing to the nature of the procedures, blinding was not possible. Both groups had significant improvements in VCSS after treatment (P < 0.001), which resulted in improved disease-specific QoL (Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire, P < 0.001) and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain (P < 0.001). The pain and disability following surgery impaired normal function, with a significant decline in five of eight Short Form 36 (SF-36(®)) domains (P < 0.001 to P = 0.029). Periprocedural QoL was relatively preserved following EVLA, leading to a significant difference between the two treatments in pain scores (P < 0.001), six of eight SF-36(®) domains (P = 0.004 to P = 0.049) and QALYs (P = 0.003). As a result, surgical patients took longer to return to work and normal activity (14 versus 4 days; P < 0.001). Complications were rare. EVLA was as effective as surgery for varicose veins, but had a less negative impact on early postintervention QoL. NCT00759434 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Endovenous laser ablation: Venous outcomes and thrombotic complications are independent of the presence of deep venous insufficiency

We hypothesize that endovenous laser ablation (EVA) therapy is equally successful in improving venous insufficiency symptoms in patients with or without deep venous insufficiency (DVI). From January 2005 through August 2007, EVA of the great saphenous vein (GSV) was attempted in 364 patients (460 limbs) with symptomatic GSV reflux. The GSV was successfully cannulated and obliterated in all but 17 limbs. EVA was performed alone in 308 limbs (69.5%) and with phlebectomy or perforator ligation (EVAP) in 135 limbs (30.5%). Venous clinical severity scores (VCSS) were recorded preoperatively and at 30, 90, 180, and 360 days postoperatively. Patients were classified as those with or without DVI based on duplex imaging valve closure times at the common femoral vein (CFV) and popliteal vein (PV). In a subset of 181 patients undergoing EVA therapy in the operating room, perioperative thrombosis prophylaxis was administered based on a risk-stratification protocol. Patients were assessed with direct end points (VCSS) and indirect end points (vein occlusion rates). Successful performance of EVA led to complete saphenous vein ablation in 99.8% at 1 month and 95.9% at 1 year. Median VCSS preoperatively was 6 (interquartile range, 5-8), generally decreasing over all time points to 4 (interquartile range, 2-5) beyond 360 days (P < .001). Male gender was independently associated with greater improvement in scores with time (P = .019). Changes in VCSS and duration of vessel occlusion were equivalent regardless of DVI for both isolated EVA and EVAP. For EVAP, the true deep venous thrombosis (DVT) rate was 2.2%, whereas for isolated EVA, the rate was 0% (P = .028); the rate of saphenofemoral thrombus extension was 5.9% for EVAP vs 7.8% for isolated EVA (P = .554). The use of risk-adjusted heparin prophylaxis in patients undergoing EVAP did not have a significant effect on thrombotic complications. There were no differences in true DVT, thrombus extension, or superficial thrombophlebitis between patients with or without DVI. Performance of concomitant phlebectomy, DVI, gender, and age had no effect on the duration of vessel occlusion. EVA produces successful ablation and is associated with sustained improvement in VCSS. These outcomes are independent of the presence of DVI. Finally, the use of a risk-adjusted thrombosis prevention protocol had no effect on the rate of superficial thrombus extension from EVA or EVAP in patients undergoing general anesthesia.