Management Of Chronic Venous Insufficiency Research Articles

Which dose of calcium dobesilate is more effective and safe in chronic venous insufficiency? Multicenter retrospective clinical trial

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different dosages of calcium dobesilate in the management of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) among patients in CEAP classes C3–C4. Methods A comprehensive multicenter retrospective analysis was conducted, including patients aged 18-70 with CEAP class C3–C4 CVI. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving 500 mg of calcium dobesilate twice daily and the other 1000 mg twice daily. Patient progress was monitored using the Global Index Score, CIVIC-20 Score, and precise measurements of ankle and calf circumferences over a 12-month period. Results The higher dosage group (1000 mg twice daily) showed significant improvements in both symptom relief and edema reduction. Ankle circumference reduced notably at 6 months, while calf circumference and overall quality of life, measured by the Global Index Score, showed significant improvement by 12 months compared to the lower dosage group. Conclusions Higher doses of calcium dobesilate markedly enhance the management of CVI symptoms and reduce edema more effectively than lower doses, particularly in patients with advanced CVI. These findings support the use of higher dosages for optimal treatment, though further research is needed to fully evaluate long-term safety.

Management of Chronic Venous Insufficiency of the Lower Extremities Based on Podiatrists’ Opinions

Management of Chronic Venous Insufficiency of the Lower Extremities Based on Podiatrists’ Opinions

Plethysmography: A game changer for chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) presents a various clinical symptoms and treatment options. Although it is generally known which treatment option is more appropriate in which situations in CVI, it is even more difficult to find the right option in some uncertain situations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential contribution of Digital Photoplethysmography (D-PPG) in the diagnosis of CVI and especially in the selection of treatment options. This retrospective study was conducted at Bursa Heart and Arrhythmia Hospital, involving 721 consecutive patients diagnosed with CVI and with Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) indication. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the extent of the failure in Doppler USG. In Group 1, the insufficiency ended above the knee, and in Group 2, the insufficiency progressed to below the knee. Patients were evaluated based on anamnesis, physical examination, Doppler USG, and D-PPG. Clinical classification, Venous Clinic Severity Score (VCSS), Quality of Life (QoL) assessment, venous pump capacity (VPC), and venous refill time (VRT) were measured. The study included 263 male and 458 female patients with a mean age of 52.37 ± 12.26years. Significant differences were observed between Group 1 (above knee reflux) and Group 2 (below knee reflux) patients in terms of VCSS, QoL, VPC, and VRT values. The mean values of VCSS, patient complaints, VPC, and VRT were higher in Group 2 patients. Similar findings were observed within the CEAP 2 subgroup. D-PPG shows potential as a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of CVI. By providing information about venous hemodynamics and volume changes, it can assist in optimizing treatment decisions, including saphenous vein preservation. Combining D-PPG with Doppler USG may improve the comprehensive assessment of CVI and change the treatment option, especially for CEAP 2 patients. More research is needed to confirm these findings and explore wider applications of plethysmographic methods in the management of CVI.

Horse Chestnut Seed Extract: An Opportunity for Creating Evidencebased New Natural Products

For centuries, herbal remedies have been used to prevent and treat disease. Horse chestnut seeds are an abundant source of phytoconstituents containing triterpenoid saponins, with thirty molecules isolated and characterized. Escin, which is a combination of acylated triterpene glycosides composed of α- and β-escin, is the major biologically active component of horse chestnut seed extract. Escin is the most researched veno-active compound with anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous, and antioxidant properties. Due to their unique three pharmacological actions, escin is a well-established molecule for the management of venous diseases such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and hemorrhoids. The available treatments for CVI have some disadvantages, including severe side effects, expensive surgical options, long duration of treatment, and limited accessibility to allopathic drugs. As a result, phytoconstituents and lifestyle changes can be seen as safe and effective therapy options for CVI management because they have no major side effects and can simultaneously function on several targets. This review article focuses on the chemical components of horse chestnut extract, particularly the phytoconstituents escin, and proanthocyanidins, which have been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical studies. The review article provides a comprehensive overview of their potential therapeutic benefits in managing symptoms of CVI and their regulatory status.

Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Chronic Insufficiency of the Saphenous Vein-A Comparative Retrospective Study.

The broad spectrum of chronic venous disease encompasses varicose veins, edema, hyperpigmentation and venous ulcers. Radiofrequency thermal ablation is indicated for the treatment of superficial venous reflux of the lower limb. Our research is a comparative clinical study that aims to identify the most effective and safest therapeutic method in the management of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Patients admitted to the Department of Surgery of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, with the clinical diagnosis of varicose veins of the lower limbs, treated by thermal ablation with radiofrequency or by open surgical techniques during the year 2022, were included. A percentage of 50.9% of the patients were treated by the radiofrequency thermal ablation procedure and 49.1% by surgical treatment. More than half of them were hospitalized for 2 days. The duration of hospitalization was significantly longer in patients who had postoperative complications (p < 0.001). The chance of being treated by open surgical treatment for a small saphenous vein is 10.11 times higher than by radiofrequency thermal ablation. According to the applied tests, there is no statistical difference between the group treated by radiofrequency thermal ablation and the one surgically treated in terms of sex, age, origin, CEAP clinical stage at hospitalization, clinical diagnosis at hospitalization and affected lower limb.

Evaluation of stab avulsion versus subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in the management of chronic venous insufficiency resulting from incompetent leg perforators in primary varicose veins

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) resulting from incompetent perforators due to varicose veins is a common surgical condition present in at least 10% of the general population. This study was planned to evaluate stab avulsion vs subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in the management of incompetent perforators resulting in CVI. Forty patients of CVI resulting from primary varicose veins, falling into class 4 to 6 as per the clinical part of CEAP classification, along with Duplex assessment with proven incompetent perforators of lower extremity, irrespective of the status of saphenousfemoral or saphenous-popliteal junction status, were included in the study. All the patients were randomized into two groups, A and B, by a computer-generated draw. Group A patients underwent stab avulsion, and group B patients underwent SEPS for incompetent perforators. The following parameters were evaluated: (i) pain score using a visual analog scale at 1 hour, 12 hours and 24 hours after surgery, (ii) ulcer healing 1 month and 3 months after surgery, (iii) reversal of skin changes after 1 month and 3 months of surgery during follow-up, and (iv) wound-related complications. Early relief of symptoms in terms of ulcer healing, reversal of skin changes, and decreased incidence of wound complications was found to be better in the subfascial endoscopic perforators surgery (SEPS) group.

Fibre Bragg Grating Based Interface Pressure Sensor for Compression Therapy

Compression therapy is widely used as the gold standard for management of chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers, and the amount of pressure applied during the compression therapy is crucial in supporting healing. A fibre optic pressure sensor using Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBGs) is developed in this paper to measure sub-bandage pressure whilst removing cross-sensitivity due to strain in the fibre and temperature. The interface pressure is measured by an FBG encapsulated in a polymer and housed in a textile to minimise discomfort for the patient. The repeatability of a manual fabrication process is investigated by fabricating and calibrating ten sensors. A customized calibration setup consisting of a programmable translation stage and a weighing scale gives sensitivities in the range 0.4–1.5 pm/mmHg (2.6–11.3 pm/kPa). An alternative calibration method using a rigid plastic cylinder and a blood pressure cuff is also demonstrated. Investigations are performed with the sensor under a compression bandage on a phantom leg to test the response of the sensor to changing pressures in static situations. Measurements are taken on a human subject to demonstrate changes in interface pressure under a compression bandage during motion to mimic a clinical application. These results are compared to the current gold standard medical sensor using a Bland–Altman analysis, with a median bias ranging from −4.6 to −20.4 mmHg, upper limit of agreement (LOA) from −13.5 to 2.7 mmHg and lower LOA from −32.4 to −7.7 mmHg. The sensor has the potential to be used as a training tool for nurses and can be left in situ to monitor bandage pressure during compression therapy.

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Better than Venous Stripping for Management of Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a disease of the vein due to valve dysfunction, venous obstruction, or both. This results in increased vein pressure and related to disruption in the vein system.

Long-term outcomes of endovenous laser ablation, n-butyl cyanoacrylate, and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency

BackgroundIn the present retrospective, single-center study, we evaluated the long-term effectiveness and reliability of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), endovenous n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) application, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the management of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). MethodsThe medical records of patients who had undergone EVLA, NBCA, or RFA for CVI from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2017 were reviewed. The medical records included data on sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and symptoms at admission. The great saphenous vein diameter, CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology) classification, and venous clinical severity score were also recorded. All the patients were followed up with physical examinations and color Doppler ultrasound scan at the first week and 6 and 12 months after treatment. After 12 months, the follow-up examinations were performed annually. ResultsA total of 232 patients who had undergone lower limb CVI surgical treatment (EVLA, n = 77; NBCA, n = 73; RFA, n = 82). The mean follow-up time was 67.5 ± 4.7 months. The procedure duration was significantly shorter for the NBCA group (13.5 minutes) vs that for the EVLA (31.7 minutes) and RFA (27.9 minutes) groups (P = .001). The pain score was highest in the EVLA group (P = .001). The EVLA group had also experienced a significantly greater incidence of complications and a longer time to return to daily activities (P = .001). The post hoc analysis revealed comparable occlusion success among the three groups on the first postoperative day and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. However, significantly better occlusion rates were found for RFA vs EVLA at 3 and 5 years of follow-up (P = .024 and P = .011, respectively). The success of NBCA and RFA was similar at 3 and 5 years of follow-up (P = .123 and P = .330, respectively). ConclusionsThe outcomes showed similar early postoperative occlusion success among all three CVI treatment techniques. However, RFA resulted in a significantly higher success rate compared with EVLA at 3 and 5 years of follow-up. Additionally, the NBCA and RFA procedures achieved comparable long-term success. However, EVLA was associated with significantly greater complication rates and pain scores and a longer time to return to daily activities. The NBCA procedure had a significantly shorter operation time compared with the other procedures.

Endovenous Laser Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation and Flebogrif versus Conventional Surgery in Treatment of Primary Varicose Vein of the Lower Limb: Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) of primary varicose vein are thought to minimise postoperative morbidity and reduce work loss compared with the conventional surgical procedure. Objective: To determine, whether endovenous ablation methods (radiofrequency, laser and mechanochemical) have any advantages or disadvantages in comparison with conventional surgery, in the treatment of primary varicose vein. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective randomized study,conductedonforty patients presented at Vascular Outpatient Clinic for management of chronic venous insufficiency. All patients underwent clinical examination and duplex ultrasonography. Ten (10) patients were treated with ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein (GSV). Ten (10) patients were treated with radiofrequency ablation. Ten (10) patients were treated with endovenous laser ablation. Ten (10) patients were treated with Flebogrif. Results: Compared with conventional surgery, endovenous ablation methods reduced postoperative discomfort and pain, with a lower complication rate after treatment for avoidance of a groin incision and dissection at the saphenofemoral confluence. Cosmetic demands were also better satisfied. Non-controlled clinical trials have shown that the ablation rate of GSV after EVLA is over 90%. However, risks of EVLA, RFA and Flebogrif remain in terms of recanalization and neoreflux via junctional tributaries. Conclusion: RFA, EVLA, and Flebogrif are minimally invasive procedures. Their potential early benefits, by avoiding groin dissection and GSV stripping, have been confirmed by the findings from this trial. Current evidence based on randomized trials consistently demonstrates significant early benefits after RFA, EVLA and Flebogrif in suitable patients with varicose veins.

Improving Adherence to Wearing Compression Stockings for Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Venous Leg Ulcers: A Scoping Review

PurposePatient adherence to wearing compression stockings in the management of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs) is low. Poor adherence with compression stockings contributes to recurrence and impaired healing of VLUs. As such, the purpose of this review was to report on the scientific evidence related to adherence and explore modifiable factors which impact adherence with compression stockings.MethodsA systematic search was conducted from inception to 31 October 2019. Following the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, OT Seeker and Web of Science were explored using search terms: compression/compression stocking/compression garment/compression sock/stockings/garments and adherence/compliance/concordance.ResultsWe identified 2613 papers of which 125 full text papers were assessed for eligibility and 69 met inclusion criteria. Papers were grouped and charted by concepts relevant to the research questions and narratively synthesized. Several dominant themes emerged, and a conceptual framework was developed incorporating modifiable variables, adherence itself, and outcomes related to adherence. Specifically considering interventions to improve adherence, only five of 14 randomized controlled trials were able to demonstrate improvements in adherence through unidimensional approaches. All nine of the case studies/series demonstrated a positive impact on adherence, eight of which described a personalized multidimensional approach. A lack of consensus around defining, measuring, and quantifying adherence with compression stockings was identified, resulting in wide variation in reported adherence rates.ConclusionInconsistency in the definition and measurement of adherence limits meaningful interpretation of the literature. No individual intervention has consistently demonstrated improved adherence. Multidimensional interventions show promise but require further investigation with high-quality trials. Improving adherence appears to improve health outcomes in VLU /CVI populations but there is a lack of information directly linking improved adherence with cost outcomes.Trial RegistrationOpen Science Framework: ACTRN12620000544976p.

27310 A single institution retrospective analysis of the use of furosemide in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency

Background: There is currently limited data on the use of diuretics in management of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Clinical efficacy of medical hydrology: an umbrella review

The aim of this research was to summarize available scientific evidence on the efficacy of medical hydrology for the management of any health condition. The search was conducted on 26th March 2021, in the following databases: Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. All relevant literature reviews investigating the clinical efficacy of interventions characterized by the use of natural mineral waters and muds were included. The quality of studies was assessed with the "AMSTAR 2" tool. After article screening, 49 reviews were included in this work. Overall, retrieved scientific evidence suggests that spa therapy is beneficial for patients affected by some specific musculoskeletal conditions, with improvements potentially lasting up to 9 months. Moreover, balneotherapy can be an integrative support for the management of chronic venous insufficiency and some inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis. The role of spa therapy in rehabilitation appears relevant as well. More limited, although interesting evidence exists for inhalation and hydropinic therapies. Globally, retrieved evidence suggests that, besides individual wellbeing, medical hydrology can be useful for public health. In particular, higher-quality studies seem to support the integrative use of spa-related interventions for conditions like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, low back pain of rheumatic origin, and chronic venous insufficiency. However, the body of evidence has some limitations and further clinical trials should be designed for each relevant application to consolidate and expand acquired knowledge.

Integrated Management of Chronic Venous Insufficiency through Ayurveda and Yoga-A Case Report

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) drastically affecting lower limb and impairing quality of life needs holistic management. This condition manifests in occupations demanding long hours of standing or sitting and or a sedentary lifestyle manifesting obesity, high cholesterol etc. Methods: Trividha Pareeksha (three types of examination) including visualization, tactile perception and by questioning methods before, during and after therapy was used in the present case. Management included local and specific massage like Gharshan (dry massage) for 60 days and practise of Yogasna like Pranayma, (Sheetakari, Kalapabaati) Mudra (Pranamudra), Yogaasana (Halasana, Sarvangasana, Dhanurasana) techniques. The venous pump in the leg was considered for diagnosis and management. CEAP (Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical and Pathophysiological classification) was used to record the stages of improvement. The patient was on therapy for 3 months and follow up for a year included only advocated lifestyle changes. Observations: Effects of therapy were noted on frequent assessments which was seen through improvement in both subjective feeling and objective evaluations. No recurrence was reported which augments the efficacy of management. Conclusion: Recognized as occupational hazard in many nations it is noteworthy to record the successful management of this condition. It accounts not only to all aspects of venous insufficiency but also provides alternative management which augments holistic total care. The present study on chronic venous insufficiency, managed by Ayurveda becomes significant as it provides affordable health care option not only in low income patients but also for patients with co-morbid conditions, preferring nonsurgical interventions.

The Inhibition of Prolyl Oligopeptidase as New Target to Counteract Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Findings in a Mouse Model.

(1) Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common disorder related to functional and morphological abnormalities of the venous system. Inflammatory processes and angiogenesis alterations greatly concur to the onset of varicose vein. KYP-2047 is a selective inhibitor of prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), a serine protease involved in the release of pro-angiogenic molecules. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the capacity of KYP-2047 to influence the angiogenic and inflammatory mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of CVI. (2) Methods: An in vivo model of CVI-induced by saphene vein ligation (SVL) and a tissue block culture study were performed. Mice were subjected to SVL followed by KYP-2047 treatment (intraperitoneal, 10 mg/kg) for 7 days. Histological analysis, Masson’s trichrome, Van Gieson staining, and mast cells evaluation were performed. Release of cytokines, nitric oxide synthase production, TGF-beta, VEGF, α-smooth muscle actin, PREP, Endoglin, and IL-8 quantification were investigated. (3) Results: KYP-2047 treatment ameliorated the histological abnormalities of the venous wall, reduced the collagen increase and modulated elastin content, lowered cytokines levels and prevented mast degranulation. Moreover, a decreased expression of TGF-beta, eNOS, VEGF, α-smooth muscle actin, IL-8, and PREP was observed in in vivo study; also a reduction in VEGF and Endoglin expression was confirmed in tissue block culture study. (4) Conclusions: For the first time, this research, highlighting the importance of POP as new target for vascular disorders, revealed the therapeutic potential of KYP-2047 as a helpful treatment for the management of CVI.

Endovenous Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation versus Conventional Surgery in Treatment of Primary Varicose Vein of the Lower Limb)Prospective Randomized Controlled Study)

Abstract Background Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of primary varicose vein are thought to minimize postoperative morbidity and reduce work loss compared with the conventional surgical procedure. Aim of the Work to determine, whether endovenous ablation (radiofrequency and laser) have any advantages or disadvantages in comparison with conventional surgery, in the treatment of primary varicose vein. Patients and Methods this is a prospective randomized study. Thirty Patients presented at Vascular Outpatient Clinic for management of chronic venous insufficiency. All patients underwent clinical examination and duplex ultrasonography. Ten (10) patients were treated with ligation and stripping of the GSV or SSV. Ten (10) patients were treated with Radiofrequency ablation. Ten (10) patients were treated with endovenous laser ablation. The study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals and Helwan University Hospitals. The study took place from September 2017 to June 2018. Results Compared with conventional surgery, endovenous ablation methods reduce postoperative discomfort and pain, with a lower complication rate after treatment for avoidance of a groin incision and dissection at the saphenofemoral confluence. Cosmetic demands are also better satisfied. However, risks of EVLA and RFA remain in terms of recanalization and neoreflux via junctional tributaries. Conclusion RFA and EVLA are minimally invasive procedures. Their potential early benefits, by avoiding groin dissection and GSV stripping, have been confirmed by the findings from this trial. Current evidence based on randomized trials consistently demonstrates significant early benefits after RFA and EVLA in suitable patients with varicose veins.

Varicose vein surgery versus foam sclereotherapy to prevent extension of venous reflux with time

In the treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) High Ligation (HL) and stripping of the saphenous varicose veins, and percutaneous phlebectomy have been the main options for many years. Modern management of CVI includes treatment of the cause (reflux) and result (varicose veins). Reflux should be treated before varicosities because if the cause is not eliminated, the varicose veins will recur [1].

Efficacy of balloon venoplasty alone in the correction of nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions

ObjectiveIliac vein stenting of nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions is an evolving treatment course for management of chronic venous insufficiency. To characterize these lesions, we examined our experience treating these lesions with balloon venoplasty before stenting. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed to study all patients who underwent venograms with venoplasty and stenting of iliac veins from February 2013 to July 2016. All patients included in the study were treated with a trial conservative management for 3 consecutive months before venogram and, if indicated, venoplasty was performed. If a greater than 50% reduction in cross-sectional area or diameter was observed on intravascular ultrasound examination, the stenotic area was treated with balloon angioplasty, sized to nonstenotic distal vein segment (range, 10 × 40 mm to 16 × 60 mm). Intravascular ultrasound examination was also used to measure the area of stenotic iliofemoral veins before and after balloon angioplasty. ResultsA total of 1021 venograms with venoplasty and stenting of iliac veins were performed in 713 patients from February 2013 to July 2016. The mean age of the study population age was 64.88 years (range, 21-99 years; standard deviation [SD], 14.57), with 451 female and 262 male patients. Before angioplasty, the mean cross-sectional stenotic area was 67.97 mm2 (range, 6-318 mm2; SD, 34.87). After balloon angioplasty, the mean stenotic area increased to 78.80 (range, 6-334 mm2; SD, 44.50; P < .001). The targeted stenotic areas were categorized into three categories: group A, increased (>10% of baseline before venoplasty); group B, decreased (<10% of baseline), and group C, no area change (±10% of baseline). In 500 limbs (48.9%), the stenotic areas improved after venoplasty (average 36.99%), with a prevenoplasty average area of 60.81 mm2 (SD, 32.80 mm2) and a postvenoplasty average of 96.52 mm2 (SD, 49.85 mm2). In 294 limbs (28.8%), the area decreased (average 28.90%), with a prevenoplasty average area of 76.43 mm2 (SD, 38.80 mm2) and a postvenoplasty average of 53.22 mm2 (SD, 26.61 mm2). There were 227 patients (22.2%) who had the same area before and after venoplasty. Left-sided lesions had a greater increase in area than right-sided lesions (51.3% vs 46.2%, respectively; P = .048). No significant correlation of stenotic area response with age, presenting symptoms of Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (C2-C6), gender, or location of targeted lesion was observed. ConclusionsOur data show there is a highly variable response after venoplasty of stenotic area of nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions. Balloon venoplasty showed greater improvement in improving the area of stenotic left-sided lesions. However, stenting of the lesions should be performed routinely owing to recoil and spasm in lesions.

Radiation exposure during non-thrombotic iliac vein stenting.

Objective Fluoroscopic-guided interventions have become a major part of the modern vascular surgeon’s practice. Imaging is typically required to safely and effectively perform both simple and complex endovascular interventions. With an ever-increasing volume of fluoroscopic-guided interventions being performed each year, the minimization of harmful radiation exposure has become of paramount concern for both patients and providers. The purpose of this study was to identify the extent of radiation exposure associated with venography and iliac vein stenting, an intervention utilized in the management of chronic venous insufficiency. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective analysis of 40 venograms performed on 29 unique patients over a three-month period. Patients with signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency who failed conservative therapy underwent evaluation of the vena cava and iliofemoral veins with venography and intravascular ultrasound. Stent placement was performed if a &gt;50% cross-sectional area or diameter reduction was identified via intravascular ultrasound. All patients were found to have non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions. All patients wore two individual film badge dosimeters – one on their chest and the other on the abdomen. The same mobile C-arm system was used for all interventions. Results There were 15 males and 14 females, with an average age of 70.6 years old (SD ± 9.5; range 53–89) and a mean body mass index of 33.9 kg/m2. Sixteen limbs had C6 disease, 10 had C4 disease, and 14 had C3 disease. Thirty-eight of the 40 procedures resulted in stent placement, with an average of 1.13 stents placed per intervention. The average fluoroscopy time was 76.5 s (SD ± 36.9; range 7.8–209.5), and the mean cumulative air kerma was 1.08 mGy (SD ± 0.55; range 0.362–2.24). Average cumulative air kerma was higher in procedures resulting &gt;1 stent placement compared to those with placement of ≤1 stent (1.44 vs. 1.02 mGy; p = 0.04). Fluoroscopy time was also higher in procedures with &gt;1 stent placed (120.1 vs. 68.8 s; p = 0.0004). The mean deep dose equivalent per procedure from the patient-worn abdominal badge was 0.221 mSv. Conclusion With the adjunctive use of intravascular ultrasound, iliac vein stenting can be safely and effectively performed with very low utilization of fluoroscopy, and therefore radiation exposure can be minimized for both patients and surgeons. Placement of &gt;1 iliac vein stent resulted in higher cumulative air kerma and fluoroscopy time.

Management of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities

The article presents up-to-date information about epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of chronic venous diseases and chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities. It discusses the mechanism of action of various phlebotrophic drugs intended for the treatment of symptoms of chronic venous diseases and chronic venous insufficiency and describes the advantages of micronized purified flavonoid fraction for the treatment of all clinical classes of chronic venous diseases.