Superficial Reflux Research Articles

Distribution patterns of pathological venous reflux and risk factors in patients with skin changes due to primary venous disease in North India.

To determine the distribution patterns of pathological venous reflux and risk factors in patients with skin changes due to primary venous disease. Two hundred limbs belonging to C4, C5 & C6 classes were examined with duplex ultrasound to determine the sites of reflux. We also analyzed the correlation of risk factors with patterns and severity of disease. Among 200 limbs, superficial system reflux was found in 163 limbs (81.5%), deep system reflux in 10 limbs (5%) and perforator system reflux in 180 limbs (90%). The most common pattern of abnormality was combined superficial and perforator system reflux. Of all the risk factors, prolonged standing, obesity and in the female history of pregnancy preceding varicose occurrence had the highest prevalence. In patients with primary chronic venous disease, lifestyle modification is required to avoid risk associated with obesity and prolonged standing. The higher prevalence of pathological perforator reflux in association with advanced venous disease necessitates careful treatment of this least reported pathology to achieve better treatment results.

How Diluted Liquid Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate Works in Varices with Competent Superficial Valves Versus Stockings Alone.

Varicose veins are the most common complaints of referrals to vascular surgeons. Upon the cause, liquid sclerotherapy could be an efficient solution first in regard to competent main superficial valves. To find the impact of diluted liquid sclerotherapy in varices in patients with no superficial valve refluxes compare to whom wearing only stockings. Sclerotherapy with 0.3-0.5% liquid form of Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate (STS) for reticular and spider varicosis, ulcers feeder veins and grade 3-4 sporadic varices were used. Patient's complaints the zone prevalence, response and satisfactoriness were detected clinically and data compared between the two injected cases and who managed by stockings alone with >1 year follow up. Two groups (156 sclerotherapy, 76 only stockings) with three classifications for severity were obtained. Complete recovery of all varices and ulcers were almost achieved with no considerable complication. Logical regression test in unilateral to bilateral varices predict about 70% more recovery (p = 0.048), mild to severe 85% more (p<0.001), moderate to severe 29% more (p = 0.008) and 10-15% response for severe cases. No significant difference for ages and responses between the 2 groups was existed. Diluted liquid sclerotherapy by STS was shown efficient in all ranges of varices. Stockings alone also were adequate to relief symptoms compare to sclerotherapy.

Effect of concomitant deep venous reflux on truncal endovenous ablation outcomes in the Vascular Quality Initiative

ObjectiveFew studies have investigated outcomes after truncal endovenous ablation in patients with combined deep and superficial reflux and no studies have evaluated patient-reported outcomes. MethodsWe investigated the short- and long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes among patients with and without deep venous reflux undergoing truncal endovenous ablation from 2015 to 2019 in the Vascular Quality Initiative. Preprocedural and postprocedural comparisons were performed using the t-test, χ2, or their nonparametric counterpart when appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess for confounding. ResultsA total of 4881 patients were included, of which 2254 (46.2%) had combined deep and superficial reflux. The median follow-up was 336.5 days. Patients with deep reflux were less likely to be female (65.9% vs 69.9%; P = .003), more likely to be Caucasian (90.2% vs 86.5%; P = .003) and had no difference in BMI (30.6 ± 7.5 vs 30.6 ± 7.2; P = .904). Additionally, no difference was seen in rates of prior varicose vein treatments, number of pregnancies, or history of deep venous thrombosis; however, patients without deep reflux were more likely to be on anticoagulation at the time of the procedure (10.9% vs 8.1%; P < .001). Patients without deep reflux had slightly higher median preprocedural Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) scores (8 [interquartile range (IQR), 6-10]) vs 7 [IQR, 6-10]; P = .005) as well as postprocedural VCSS scores (5 [IQR, 3-7] vs 4 [IQR, 2-6]; P < .001). The median change in VCSS from before to after the procedure was lower for patients without deep reflux (3 [IQR, 1.0-5.5] vs 3.5 [IQR, 1-6]; P = .006). Total symptom score was higher for patients without deep reflux both before (median, 14 [IQR, 10-19] vs median, 13.5 [IQR, 9.5-18]; P = .005) and postprocedurally (median, 4 [IQR, 1-9] vs median, 3.25 [IQR, 1-7]; P < .001), but no difference was seen in change in symptom score (median, 8 [IQR, 4-13] vs median, 9 [IQR, 4-13]; P = .172). Patients with deep reflux had substantially higher rates of complications (10.4% vs 3.0%; P < .001), with a particular increase in proximal thrombus extension (3.1% vs 1.1%; P < .001). After controlling for confounding, this estimate of effect size for any complication increased (odds ratio, 5.72; 95% confidence interval, 2.21-14.81; P < .001). ConclusionsNo significant difference is seen in total symptom improvement when patients undergo truncal endovenous ablation with concomitant deep venous reflux, although a greater improvement was seen in VCSS score in these patients. Patients with deep venous reflux had a significantly increased rate of complications, independent of confounding variables, and should be counseled appropriately before the decision for treatment.

Effect of Concomitant Deep Venous Reflux on Truncal Endovenous Ablation Outcomes in the Vascular Quality Initiative

Abstract Objective Few studies have investigated outcomes after truncal endovenous ablation in patients with combined deep and superficial reflux and no studies have evaluated patient-reported outcomes. Methods We investigated the short- and long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes among patients with and without deep venous reflux undergoing truncal endovenous ablation from 2015 to 2019 in the Vascular Quality Initiative. Preprocedural and postprocedural comparisons were performed using the t-test, χ2, or their nonparametric counterpart when appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess for confounding. Results A total of 4881 patients were included, of which 2254 (46.2%) had combined deep and superficial reflux. The median follow-up was 336.5 days. Patients with deep reflux were less likely to be female (65.9% vs 69.9%; P = .003), more likely to be Caucasian (90.2% vs 86.5%; P = .003) and had no difference in BMI (30.6 ± 7.5 vs 30.6 ± 7.2; P = .904). Additionally, no difference was seen in rates of prior varicose vein treatments, number of pregnancies, or history of deep venous thrombosis; however, patients without deep reflux were more likely to be on anticoagulation at the time of the procedure (10.9% vs 8.1%; P Conclusions No significant difference is seen in total symptom improvement when patients undergo truncal endovenous ablation with concomitant deep venous reflux, although a greater improvement was seen in VCSS score in these patients. Patients with deep venous reflux had a significantly increased rate of complications, independent of confounding variables, and should be counseled appropriately before the decision for treatment.

Predictive factors for changes in remnant stump length during and after the treatment of incompetent truncal saphenous veins using cyanoacrylate.

The VenaSeal™ Closure System is a non-thermal, non-tumescent venous closure device that employs a cyanoacrylate adhesive to occlude incompetent veins for superficial truncal reflux. The aim was to examine patient, Duplex-defined venous characteristics and treatment-related factors that may predict variances in remnant stump length at the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions in the peri-procedural period. A total of 73 patients (87 legs; 85 great saphenous veins; 11 small saphenous veins) of median age 63 years (range 26-86 years) underwent VenaSeal™ Closure System ablation. 44/85 (52%) great saphenous veins were treated with a modified instructions-for-use technique of using double-dose injection of glue (0.3 cc) at initial deposition for great saphenous veins diameters >6 mm. Median great saphenous veins and small saphenous veins lengths ablated were 48.0 cm (range 13-69 cm) and 32.0 cm (range 19-40 cm), respectively. A total of 62/87 (71.3%) legs had CEAP classification 4-6. A completion Duplex scan was performed immediately and 1 week post-procedure to measure remnant stump lengths at the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions. Multivariate regression modelling was used to look for predictors of remnant stump length. Mean sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions stump lengths immediately post procedure were 33.0 mm (range 0-58 mm) and 27 mm (range 5-33 mm), -17.0 mm and -23.0 mm less than the expected 50-mm baseline length, respectively. At 1 week post-procedure, mean sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions stump lengths were 25.0 mm and 25.0 mm, respectively, the former found to be shorter compared to immediately post-procedure (25 mm vs 33 mm; p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis found larger upper thigh great saphenous veins diameter at sapheno-femoral junction to be predictive of shorter remnant stump lengths immediately post-procedure (<30 mm stump distance). Larger sapheno-femoral junction diameters and pre-existing ischemic heart disease for the sapheno-femoral junction and larger small saphenous veins diameters and age for the sapheno-popliteal junction were predictive of interval shortening of the measured remnant lengths found at the completion of the procedure and 1 week later. Initial double-dosing application of glue was not found to be predictive of shorter stump lengths. In patients undergoing VenaSeal™ Closure System ablation for superficial truncal reflux, larger upper thigh great saphenous veins diameters predicted shorter remnant sapheno-femoral junction stump lengths immediately post-procedure. Comparing stump lengths at one week to immediately after procedure, larger sapheno-femoral junctions and ischemic heart disease predicted shorter stump lengths at the sapheno-femoral junction, while larger small saphenous vein diameters predicted shorter stump lengths at the sapheno-popliteal junction.

Results of polidocanol endovenous microfoam in clinical practice

BackgroundInitial phase III clinical studies with polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM) demonstrated its safety and efficacy in the treatment of superficial venous reflux. In those studies, the primary outcome requirement was to assess the improvement in symptoms related to superficial venous disease. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of PEM technology in routine clinical practice—specifically, the closure rates after treatment. MethodsWe performed an observational study during which data were prospectively collected from 2 vein centers using an electronic database. Patients with CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) class ≥2 and symptomatic superficial axial reflux (great saphenous vein, anterior accessory saphenous vein, and small saphenous vein) were included and followed up prospectively. PEM was used to treat the saphenous vein and varicosities. The CEAP classification was used to classify chronic venous disease, and the venous clinical severity score (VCSS) was applied to measure the disease severity. Pain and discomfort were assessed using a visual analog scale, and the residual veins were assessed by physical examination. ResultsPEM was used to treat superficial reflux in 60 patients. The CEAP classification was C2 for 32 patients, C3 for 14, C4 for 10, and C5 for 4 patients. The average pretreatment VCSS was 7.3. The saphenous vein diameter was 6.5 mm, and the average length was 31 cm. The average volume of PEM used to treat the saphenous veins was 9.3 mL. The closure rate at 3 and 6 months was 93% (54 of 58) and 93% (51 of 55), respectively. The VCSS had improved from 7.3 to 1.4. Complications included 1 case of deep vein thrombosis (1.7%), 5 patients (8.3%) with thrombophlebitis, and 4 patients (6.6%) with skin pigmentation. ConclusionsPEM is safe and effective for the treatment of saphenous reflux and varicosities. The early closure rates using PEM were maintained at 6 months and are comparable to the results reported with nonthermal, nontumescent technologies and thermal tumescent technologies.

Racial disparities in the outcomes of superficial vein treatments for chronic venous insufficiency

BackgroundChronic venous disease (CVD) affects >20 million people in the United States. Despite this huge prevalence, there are few data on whether the effectiveness of current CVD therapies for symptomatic superficial vein reflux is affected by race. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate CVD treatment outcomes in various races in the United States. MethodsFrom January 2015 to December 2017, we retrospectively reviewed and prospectively collected data from 66,621 patients who presented for CVD evaluation. We divided patients into five racial groups: African American, Asian, Hispanic, other (race not recorded), and white. Presenting signs and symptoms, treatment modalities, number of procedures per patient, and preintervention and postintervention revised Venous Clinical Severity Scores (rVCSSs) were evaluated. All racial groups were stratified by Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) class for subgroup analysis. ResultsThe average age of the entire cohort was 56.8 ± 14.7 years, with 51,393 women (77%) and 15,228 men (23%). Prevalence by race was 17% African American, 3% Asian, 18% Hispanic, 8% others, and 55% white. There was a higher incidence of C0 disease in whites (44%) and African Americans (31%); C1 and C2 disease in whites (46% and 55%) and Hispanics (28% and 25%); and C3, C4, C5, and C6 disease in whites (60%, 57%, 58%, and 61%) and African Americans (19%, 17%, 19%, and 21%). Pain as an initial presenting symptom was more common in African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics (29%, 29%, and 31%). Swelling was highest in African Americans (18%) and cramping in Hispanics (14%). Skin changes and venous ulcers were most common in African Americans (16% and 21%) and whites (63% and 61%). With regard to the average number of procedures performed, Hispanics (1.98 ± 1.24) and others (2.07 ± 1.25) required fewer stand-alone ablations compared with whites (2.31 ± 1.56), Asians (2.36 ± 1.58), and African Americans (2.27 ± 1.56; P ≤ .0001. With the addition of phlebectomies to ablations, Hispanics (3.78 ± 2.08) continued to require fewer procedures, and Asians required the greatest number of phlebectomies compared with all groups (P ≤ .001). When ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy was added to ablation and phlebectomy, African Americans required more procedures compared with all races (4.38 ± 2.59; P ≤ .01). For stand-alone ablations, Hispanics (2.18 ± 2.34) and Asians (1.91 ± 2.35) demonstrated lower postprocedure rVCSSs compared with African Americans (2.79 ± 2.88) and whites (2.8 ± 2.85; P ≤ .0001). For ablations with phlebectomies, all races demonstrated similar results except for Hispanics (2.19 ± 2.14), who did better than whites (2.85 ± 2.75; P ≤ .002). For ablations with phlebectomies and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, all races had similar results (P ≤ .0001). ConclusionsIn the United States, CVD is primarily observed in white women. There are differences in the incidence and prevalence of disease severity and symptom presentation based on race. The incidence of CVD decreases with age in all racial groups except whites. Hispanics required the fewest procedures and African Americans required the most for optimal results. Postintervention rVCSSs equalized in all races when ablations were combined with phlebectomies and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.

Treatment of superficial and perforator reflux and deep venous stenosis improves healing of chronic venous leg ulcers

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of three treatment modalities, superficial truncal vein ablation, perforator vein ablation, and deep venous stenting on venous leg ulcer (VLU) healing, as well as their cumulative effect on ulcer healing, in an attempt to establish the best algorithm for the treatment of chronic and recalcitrant VLUs. MethodsMulticenter retrospective cohort study using a standardized database to evaluate patients with chronic venous ulcers treated between January 2013 and December 2017. ResultsEight-hundred thirty-two consecutive patients with VLU were identified at 11 centers in the United States. All patients were initially managed with wound care and compression for at least 2 months. Compression and wound care management alone, used in 187 patients, led to ulcer healing in 75% of patients by 36 months. Ulcer recurrence in patients managed without surgery at 6, 12, and 24 months was 3%, 5% and 15%, respectively. Five hundred twenty-eight patients underwent ablation of incompetent superficial veins, and 344 of those also underwent incompetent perforator ablation. Patients who underwent truncal vein ablation alone had an ulcer healing rate of 51% at 36 months. Patients who received both superficial and perforator ablation were significantly younger, and had a 17% improvement in healing at 36 months (68% vs 51%, respectively), but there was no impact of combined superficial and perforator ablations on ulcer recurrence rates. One hundred thirty-four patients had stenosis of one of more lower extremity deep veins and 95 (71%) underwent endovenous stenting. Ulcer healing and recurrence rates for those who underwent stent placement alone was 77% and 27%, respectively, at 36 months. Patients who underwent deep venous stenting and ablation of both incompetent truncal and perforator veins had an ulcer healing rate of 87% at 36 months and ulcer recurrence of 26% at 24 months. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that correction of superficial truncal vein reflux, as well as deep vein stenosis, both contribute to healing of VLU. Patients who fail to heal their VLU after superficial and perforator ablation should have the iliocaval system imaged to identify hemodynamically significant stenoses or occlusions amenable to stenting, which facilitates venous ulcer healing even in patients with large ulcers.

Factors that influence venous leg ulcer healing and recurrence rate after endovenous radiofrequency ablation of incompetent saphenous vein

ObjectiveEndovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most popular techniques for correcting superficial vein reflux. However, the effectiveness of RFA of superficial vein reflux in patients with active or healed venous leg ulcer (VLU) is unknown. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to evaluate the healing rate, the recurrence rate, and the factors significantly associated with healing and recurrence in patients with active or healed VLU who had superficial venous reflux treated with RFA. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all healed VLU or active VLU patients treated with RFA at the Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, during January 2011 to December 2017 to evaluate the rate of VLU healing and recurrence. Time to healing and time to ulcer recurrence were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Risk factors were assessed to determine their association with VLU healing and recurrence by Cox regression survival analysis. ResultsRFA of the great saphenous vein (n = 56), anterior accessory saphenous vein (n = 5), or both (n = 1) was performed on 62 limbs with active (n = 32) or healed (n = 30) VLUs. The mean age of patients was 65.4 ± 9.8 years, and 80% were female. Deep venous insufficiency was present in 10 limbs (16%). Pathologic perforating vein was found in 17 patients (27%). Concomitant ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) of the pathologic perforating vein was performed in 12 limbs (19%). Concomitant phlebectomy was performed in 19 limbs (31%). The median follow-up time was 753 days after RFA. VLU healed in 31% of patients at 3 months, in 56% at 6 months, and in 66% at 1 year after RFA. Concomitant UGFS of the pathologic perforating vein was the only factor significantly associated with VLU healing (hazard ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-7.55; P = .037). VLU recurrence was found in 8% of patients at 1 year, in 14% at 2 years, and in 23% at 3 years after RFA. Deep vein reflux was the only identified risk factor for VLU recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-13.21; P = .042). ConclusionsUGFS of the pathologic perforating vein at the time of RFA of saphenous vein reflux improved VLU healing. VLU recurrence was more frequent in patients with concomitant deep vein reflux. The authors suggest performing UGFS of the pathologic perforating vein at the time of RFA to improve VLU healing and monitoring of patients with associated deep vein reflux for ulcer recurrence.

Reference Data from the Vascular Laboratory and Application to Chronic Venous Disease Treatment

Several population studies have described the incidence and prevalence of chronic venous disease (CVD). This prospective study was designed to determine in detail the distribution of reflux and obstruction in all lower limb veins to provide reference data for the management of CVD patients. Consecutive patients presenting to a university vascular clinic and undergoing a duplex ultrasound examination were included in the study. Patients with C2 CVD class or higher regardless of symptoms or cosmetic concerns were evaluated. Every patient received a detailed history and physical examination by a vascular surgeon including all demographic information. All patients then had a bilateral lower extremity venous ultrasound examination for reflux and obstruction. The examination was performed in the standing position with the exception of iliac veins and inferior vena cava, which were assessed in the supine position. Location and extent of reflux, vein diameters, and presence of obstruction were recorded. Obstruction was characterized as partial or complete for each venous segment. History of objectively documented venous thrombosis and findings on ultrasound examination indicating previous thrombosis were noted. There were 491 patients who presented for evaluation. Excluded were 241 patients, of whom 49 had undergone previous treatment and 192 had only C0 or C1 disease bilaterally. The remaining 250 patients were 32.8% male and 67.2% female. The mean body mass index was 28.3 kg/m2 (range, 19.2-44 kg/m2); 55.2% identified as white, 11.2% as black/African American, 23.6% as Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin, and 0.8% as American Indian/Alaska Native. Asymptomatic patients accounted for 17% of the cohort and symptomatic patients for 83%. Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) class was distributed as 43% C2, 28.8% C3, 15.2% C4, 7.6% C5, and 4.8% C6. In the superficial veins, 70.4% of patients had only unilateral disease; 29.6% had bilateral disease. Axial reflux was found in one vein 53.2% of the time; two veins, 27.6%; three veins, 4.8%; four veins, 4%; five veins, 0.8%; and six veins, 0.4%. Calculation of potential ablations was performed, excluding superficial reflux in 2.6% of limbs with small diameter, 5.6% with segmental reflux, 4.4% with tributary reflux, and 6.0% with nonsaphenous reflux that would receive adjunct procedures including microphlebectomy or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. These adjunct procedures would account for 18.6% of therapy, whereas 64.0% would be ablative therapy. Past deep venous thrombosis was found in 7.2%; 2.8% had concurrent superficial and deep venous thrombosis. From these data, we can assume that the average patient presenting with venous complaints would have symptomatic disease with great saphenous vein reflux and would require one or two ablations based on the prevalence of saphenous reflux in the population. Patients who had at least one saphenous vein with reflux would have an average of 1.6 ablations/patient.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomized clinical trial of early versus deferred endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux in patients with venous ulceration.

Treatment of superficial venous reflux in addition to compression therapy accelerates venous leg ulcer healing and reduces ulcer recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the costs and cost-effectiveness of early versus delayed endovenous treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers. This was a within-trial cost-utility analysis with a 1-year time horizon using data from the EVRA (Early Venous Reflux Ablation) trial. The study compared early versus deferred endovenous ablation for superficial venous truncal reflux in patients with a venous leg ulcer. The outcome measure was the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) over 1 year. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with alternative methods of handling missing data, alternative preference weights for health-related quality of life, and per protocol. After early intervention, the mean(s.e.m.) cost was higher (difference in cost per patient £163(318) (€184(358))) and early intervention was associated with more QALYs at 1 year (mean(s.e.m.) difference 0·041(0·017)). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was £3976 (€4482) per QALY. There was an 89 per cent probability that early venous intervention is cost-effective at a threshold of £20 000 (€22 546)/QALY. Sensitivity analyses produced similar results, confirming that early treatment of superficial reflux is highly likely to be cost-effective. Early treatment of superficial reflux is highly likely to be cost-effective in patients with venous leg ulcers over 1 year. Registration number: ISRCTN02335796 (http://www.isrctn.com).

Venous angioplasty with stenting for obstructive iliac vein lesions: A case series

Background: Deep-vein reflux has been a major cause for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Secondary reflux due to obstructive lesions has been treated with conservative methods. The advent of dedicated venous stent and intravascular ultrasound has renewed interest in the correction of obstructive component in CVI pathophysiology. We have followed a protocol-based approach for identifying the patients who would probably be benefitted with iliac vein stenting. Materials and Methods: Of the 156 patients who have presented to our institution over a 3-year period (2015–2018) with chronic venous insufficiency, based on the inclusion criteria, 31 patients were included with a probable diagnosis of deep-vein reflux due to obstructive iliac vein lesion. All these patients were subjected to duplex study initially and all had deep-vein reflux. Twenty-three patients had presented with superficial vein reflux. Magnetic resonance (MR) venogram was performed in all patients prior to proceeding with digital subtraction venography. Iliac vein stenting was performed in seven patients using wall stent. All patients had lesion on the left side with lesion ranging from 4 to 12 cm. Results: Seven patients who had iliac stenting had significant improvement in symptoms. Three patients had superficial venous ablative procedure done after 3 months combined with foam sclerotherapy. There were no procedure-related complications. Six-month follow-up study revealed one recurrent ulceration with bleeding superficial varices. Stent patency at 1-month follow-up was 100%. Symptomatic relief was achieved in all patients. Conclusion: Iliac vein stenting is effective in controlling CVI symptoms in selected patients. Those patients with potentially correctable lesions were identified with the application of duplex criteria for initial screening. Clinical examination and duplex criteria had equivalent predictive value compared to MR study. Symptom relief was achieved in all patients after iliac stenting. Those presenting with recurrence had adjunctive procedures with optimal results.

Endovenous ablation of superficial reflux: is it time to focus on technique rather than modality?

Endovenous ablation of superficial reflux: is it time to focus on technique rather than modality?

Venous ultrasonography findings and clinical correlations in 104 Thai patients with chronic venous insufficiency of the legs

The pattern of venous reflux in Thai patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) was studied in correlation with clinical manifestations. Ultrasonography findings and clinical data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. CVI was found in 104 legs of 79 patients (mean age 59.8 ± 12.5 years; C4: 24.1%, C5: 8.9%, C6: 67.1%). 6.7% of the legs had a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The prevalence of superficial vein reflux (SVR), deep vein reflux (DVR), and combined SVR and DVR in 90 legs without previous venous surgery was 82.2%, 63.3% and 57.8%, respectively. In legs with SVR, the prevalence of great saphenous vein reflux (GSVR), small saphenous vein reflux (SSVR), and combined GSVR and SSVR was 91.9%, 33.8% and 25.7%, respectively. 77.0% of SVR involved the calf segment. For medial ulceration, 79.6% had GSVR and 35.2% had SSVR. For lateral ulceration, 46.7% had SSVR and 33.3% had isolated GSVR. Pulsatile venous signal was found in 3.3% of legs. In 17 legs with ulceration after previous surgical treatment, calf vein reflux (residual calf great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein) was found in 13 (76.5%) legs. Calf vein reflux plays an important role in CVI and in patients with recurrent ulceration after previous superficial venous surgery. Although GSVR was present in most patients with CVI in the legs, SSVR may present in one-third of patients, especially those with lateral ulceration. The high prevalence of DVR in the absence of DVT and the presence of a pulsatile venous signal in some patients highlight the incomplete understanding of CVI aetiology.

Treatment of Deep Venous Stenosis and Superficial Reflux Affects Healing of Venous Leg Ulcers Refractory to Conservative Treatment

Treatment of Deep Venous Stenosis and Superficial Reflux Affects Healing of Venous Leg Ulcers Refractory to Conservative Treatment

Suppressed networks of inflammatory mediators characterize chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects 25 million adults in the United States. Little emphasis has been placed on inflammatory changes associated with CVI. We hypothesize that in patients with early to mid-stage benign varicose vein disease, differences in circulating inflammatory mediators will be manifested in blood draining the involved area vs circulating blood in control subjects. Patients undergoing either endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy for Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology clinical class 3 to 5 disease underwent phlebotomy from regional veins at the time of the procedure. The patient's age, gender, clinical class, duration of symptoms, presence of superficial truncal reflux by duplex ultrasound, and treatment modality were recorded. Plasma from patients and banked blood samples from healthy volunteers (HVs) were subjected to Luminex (EMD Millipore, Billerica, Mass) to evaluate the expression of an established panel of 20 inflammatory mediators. Mediator concentrations were compared between patients and HVs using Mann-Whitney U tests. Importantly, computational analysis allowed us to compare not only the panel of inflammatory mediators but also the inflammatory networks connecting these mediators to one another. Principal components were analyzed to assess network robustness in each group. CVI venous blood revealed significantly lower levels of monokine induced by γ interferon, soluble interleukin (IL) 2 receptor α chain, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, tumor necrosis factor α, eotaxin, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor than blood from controls. Inflammatory networks were significantly less complex and less robust in the CVI patients compared with HVs. Based on principal component analysis, responses among HVs were more varied than those of CVI patients. We demonstrate that patients with CVI have significant differences not only in blood-borne inflammatory mediators but also in the interconnectedness of these mediators with one another and in their principal inflammatory characteristics. Results suggest hypoinflammation in chronic nonhealing changes in CVI. These novel findings, if validated in larger cohorts, may help predict the risk of disease progression or response to therapy in the future and may guide mechanistic studies on tissue responses to CVI.

The role of pepsin in the laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common defect among laryngological and phoniatric patients. Although LPR is categorized as a superficial gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), differential diagnosis should treat these two diseases separately. LPR symptoms can be assessed in the interview using as a tool the reflux symptom index (RSI). In addition, changes in the larynx that occur during LPR might be seen during laryngoscopy and classified according to the reflux finding score (RFS). One of the main mucosal irritants in LPR is pepsin which digests proteins and impairs the functions of the upper respiratory tract cells by affecting carbonate anhydrase (CAIII) and the Sep 70 protein. Pepsin initiates inflammatory changes within the larynx, nasopharynx and nasal cavity. The use of pepsin detection in upper and lower throat secretions is a new direction in LPR diagnostics.

Determining the origin of superficial venous reflux in the groin with duplex ultrasound and implications for varicose vein surgery.

The purpose of this paper was to describe patterns of superficial reflux in the groin with respect to the terminal valve (TV), which is located at the saphenous opening to the common femoral vein, the great saphenous vein, and its tributary veins. This study included 2019 legs with chronic venous insufficiency that received endoluminal varicose vein treatment because of varicosities with insufficiency of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ). In a preoperative duplex ultrasound investigation of the superficial vein system, reflux after provocation in the SFJ, great saphenous vein, cranial veins (superficial external pudendal vein, superficial epigastric vein, superficial circumflex iliac vein), and anterior and posterior accessory saphenous veins was recorded and classified on the basis of the origin of reflux. In 1348 legs (66.8%), the reflux had its origin exclusively in the common femoral vein. In 170 legs (8.4%), the reflux had its origin in the common femoral and cranial veins. In 430 legs (21.3%), the insufficiency was due to saphenocranial reflux only. In 71 legs (3.5%), the origin of reflux could not be determined. Reflux in the SFJ does not involve the TV in 24.8% of the legs, implying that routine high ligation and ablation close to the TV might be overtreatment in these patients.

Commentary to “Following Superficial Ablation for Associated Superficial Reflux and Primary Deep Axial Reflux, Can Variable Outcomes be Due to Deep Venous Valve Anomalies?”

Commentary to “Following Superficial Ablation for Associated Superficial Reflux and Primary Deep Axial Reflux, Can Variable Outcomes be Due to Deep Venous Valve Anomalies?”

After Superficial Ablation for Superficial Reflux Associated with Primary Deep Axial Reflux, Can Variable Outcomes be Caused by Deep Venous Valve Anomalies?

To identify which deep anatomical anomalies can explain variable hemodynamic outcomes in patients with superficial reflux associated with primary deep axial reflux who underwent isolated superficial vein ablation without improvement. This is a retrospective study of deep venous valve anomalies in patients who underwent superficial vein ablation for superficial and associated deep reflux. A group of 21 patients who were diagnosed with saphenous reflux associated with primary deep axial reflux, were submitted to great saphenous vein ablation. In 17 patients the deep reflux was not abolished. In this subgroup, surgical exploration of the deep valve was carried out using venotomy for possible valve repair. Among the 17 subgroup patients, four post-thrombotic lesions were discovered intra-operatively in four patients; they underwent different surgical procedures. In 13 of the subgroup patients, primary valve incompetence was confirmed intra-operatively. In 11 cases the leaflets were asymmetrical and in only two were they symmetrical. After valvuloplasty, deep reflux was abolished in all 13 patients. Clinical improvement was obtained in 12/13 patients (92%). It is noteworthy that abolition of deep reflux was associated with significant improvement in air plethysmography data as well as with improvement in clinical status measured on CEAP class, VCSS and the SF-36 questionnaire. Failure to correct deep axial reflux by superficial ablation in patients with superficial and associated primary deep axial reflux may be related to asymmetry in the leaflets of the incompetent deep venous valve.