Varicose Tributaries Research Articles

Comparison of staged versus one shot varicose veins treatment: Depending on tributaries diameter.

One of the most debatable phlebology community's issue is the choice of the optimal tactics for endovenous varicose tributaries correction after truncal ablation. Which tactic will be most effective? There is practically no data concerning treatment tactics' choice for varicose tributary depending on its diameter. Therefore, the comparison of staged versus one-stage treatment of varicose veins is relevant problem in modern phlebology. Research on this topic will make possible determination of advantages and potential disadvantages of the proposed tactics. The study included a prospective analysis of the combined treatment of 295 patients with primary varicose veins who underwent outpatient treatment. Simultaneous EVLA of saphenous trunks and ligation (gentle phlebectomy) of visible large-diameter tributaries (6mm or more) with staged sclerotherapy after a month, has significant potential benefits. The use of staged varicose veins treatment minimizes the traumatic intervention and discomfort for the patient, while achieving satisfactory treatment results without affecting the quality of life.

Minimaly Invasive Interventions in Acute Tributary Varicothrombophlebitis of the Lower Extremities

Background. One of the formidable complications of varicose veins of the lower extremities is thrombophlebitis. The risk of developing venous thromboembolic complications remains high even when taking anticoagulants. Most authors do not even consider surgical elimination of the manifestations of acute superficial thrombophlebitis. The aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgical treatment of acute tributary varicose veins of the lower extremities. Materials and methods. The surgical treatment of 78 patients with acute varicothrombophlebitis of the tributaries of the great saphenous vein was analyzed. Depending on the treatment performed, patients were divided into two groups: group I including 56 (71.8%) patients who underwent inpatient surgery for thrombotic lesions of varicose veins of the tributaries of the great saphenous vein; group II including 22 (28.2%) patients who received conservative outpatient treatment. Results. The choice of the volume of surgical intervention in patients of group I depended on the condition of thegreat saphenous vein. In the absence of thrombotic and varicose veins in 29 (51.8%) patients, the latter was preserved. With varicose changes in the great saphenous vein, 16 (28.6%) patients underwent radiofrequency ablation after ligationof the thrombosed tributary duct and miniphlebectomy or phlebocentesis with foam-form sclerotherapy. In 11 (19.6%) cases of thrombotic lesions of the great saphenous vein, crossectomy, long/short stripping or phlebocentesis with stem sclerotherapy after ligation of its tributaries and isolation of the latter distal to the thrombotic occlusion was performed. The surgical intervention was supplemented with miniphlebectomy of other varicose veins and ligation of failed perforator veins. In patients of group II, treatment was prescribed similarly to the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. Surgical treatment of patients in group I effectively prevented venous thromboembolic complications and reduced the manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency in 72.9% of cases. Conclusions. Minimally invasive surgical intervention for acute thrombophlebitis of the tributaries of the great saphenous vein allows, on an outpatient basis or in a one-day hospital, to eliminate thrombotic lesions of varicose super-ficial veins and prevent venous thromboembolic complications, reduce or eliminate manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency, prevent recurrence of thrombosis, and reduce the patient’s disability.

Is it safe to discontinue anticoagulant after surgical treatment of varicose vein disease, which caused pulmonary embolism?

Superficial vein thrombosis, which is mostly caused by lower extremity varicose vein disease, can be complicated by pulmonary embolism. At the same time, the optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy for pulmonary embolism originated from varicose vein thrombosis is still under debate. On the one hand, the presence of varicose veins is considered a small risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolic events, which persistence determines an increased risk of relapse and requires prolonged anticoagulant therapy. On the other hand, elimination of varicose veins is associated with reduced risk of subsequent venous thromboembolic events. The article describes a clinical case of recurrent pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of varicose vein disease, which caused primary pulmonary embolism. A 45-year-old patient suffering from left lower extremity varicose vein disease for 5 years was admitted to the intensive care unit with suspected pulmonary embolism. The further examination revealed signs of thrombotic occlusion of the segmental and subsegmental branches of the pulmonary arteries bilaterally and the middle lobe branch of the right pulmonary artery, as well as signs of the right-sided heart overload. In this case, pulmonary embolism was found to originate from thrombosis of the trunk of the great saphenous vein ofthe left lower extremity with a proximal border at the level of the lower leg. No signs of deep vein involvement were detected. The parenteral anticoagulant therapy initiated in the hospital was followed by switching to therapeutic doses of rivaroxaban. The signs of recanalization of involved veins were identified after 6 months of treatment, and it was decided to perform endovenous laser coagulation of the trunk of the great saphenous vein combined with mini-phlebectomy of varicose tributaries on continuous oral anticoagulant therapy. The rivaroxaban therapy was completed a month after intervention. However, 7 days later the patient was diagnosed with repeated symptomatic pulmonary embolism, which originated from thrombosis of the left popliteal vein. It was recommended to resume anticoagulant therapy of indefinite duration. The article discusses the issues of optimal duration of treatment for pulmonary embolism originated from thrombosis of superficial varicose veins, as well as the possible timing of completion of anticoagulant therapy after the intervention.

The anterior saphenous vein. Part 4. Clinical and technical considerations in treatment. Endorsed by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum, and the International Union of Phlebology

BackgroundThe decision to treat a refluxing anterior saphenous vein (ASV) should be a clinical decision based on the assessment on the ASV’s contribution to patient’s signs and symptoms. Once the decision to treat has been made, there are anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations in treatment planning. MethodsClinical scenarios were discussed by a panel of experts and common anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations were identified. ResultsThere are unique clinical considerations such as whether both the great saphenous vein (GSV) and ASV should be concomitantly treated, if a normal ASV should be treated when treating a refluxing GSV and when and how to treat the associated tributary varicose tributaries. Being aware of the anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations allows development of a treatment plan that optimizes long-term outcomes in patients with ASV reflux. ConclusionsUltimately the treatment plan should be tailored to address these types of variables in a patient-centered discussion.

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

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

Comparison of Blood Biomarkers in Systemic Blood and Varicose Veins: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Varicose Veins (VV) are enlarged, convoluted, and elongated veins that primarily affect the superficial veins in the lower limbs and are one of the most prevalent indications of vascular diseases. The reasons for elevated venous pressure are understood, but the inflammatory cytokines that initiate the ultimate pathways of tissue destruction and are in charge of the clinical characteristics of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) are yet unknown. Although inflammation plays a crucial role in the process of tissue apoptosis, it also plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. Aim: To investigate changes in blood markers of varicose vein inflammation and endothelial damage and compare them with systemic markers in VV patients and conclude that they are increased in VV blood. Materials and Methods: The comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry on 70 patients with primary VV who were scheduled for Outpatient Sclerotherapy at Nootan Medical College and Research Centre, Sankalcahnd Patel Vidyadham in Visnagar, Gujarat, India from April 2021 to June 2023. Chronic lower extremity Venous Disease (CVD) was categorised using the Clinical Aetiology Anatomy Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification method. Blood samples were obtained above the knee from the tortuous and dilated varicose tributaries of the great saphenous vein (local) and from the antecubital (systemic) vein by standard venipuncture. Erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, haemoglobin, and haematocrit were determined using an automatic haematology analyser. D-dimer and High sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hsCRP) were determined by an immune turbidimetric assay. IL-6 and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) using commercially available kits according to the manufacturers’ instructions. An Independent samples t-test was used to compare group difference, and p-value ≤0.05 were considered significant in all two-sided statistical tests. Results: Basic haematologic test results {systemic versus (vs) varicose blood samples} were comparable. In VV, the following parameters were significantly increased compared to systemic blood: Haemoglobin (12.85±1.81 g/dL vs. 15.82±1.57 g/ dL, p<0.001), hsCRP (1.34±1.01 mg/L vs. 3.78±1.67 mg/L, p<0.001), IL-6 (2.65±1.07 pg/mL vs. 4.17±1.51 pg/mL, p<0.001), vWF (90.73±16.72% vs. 127.30±19.92, p<0.001). D-dimer was also substantially higher in samples extracted from leg VV than in systemic blood (105.87±17.72 ng/mL vs. 85.61±18.18 ng/mL, p<0.001). Conclusion: Blood from VV has shown a higher level of several inflammatory markers and signs of endothelial dysfunction. This is most likely the result of worsening venous pressure and dilated, convoluted superficial veins that restrict blood flow. The procoagulant qualities of the local blood and damage to the venous wall, leading to a chronic inflammatory response, may accelerate the disease’s progression and thrombotic consequences.

The anterior saphenous vein. Part 4. Clinical and technical considerations in treatment. Endorsed by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum, and the International Union of Phlebology.

The decision to treat a refluxing anterior saphenous vein (ASV) should be a clinical decision based on the assessment on the ASV's contribution to patient's signs and symptoms. Once the decision to treat has been made, there are anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations in treatment planning. Clinical scenarios were discussed by a panel of experts and common anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations were identified. There are unique clinical considerations such as whether both the great saphenous vein (GSV) and ASV should be concomitantly treated, if a normal ASV should be treated when treating a refluxing GSV and when and how to treat the associated tributary varicose tributaries. Being aware of the anatomic, clinical, and technical considerations allows development of a treatment plan that optimizes long-term outcomes in patients with ASV reflux. Ultimately the treatment plan should be tailored to address these types of variables in a patient-centered discussion.

Atypical Forms of Lower Limb Varicose Vein Disease: Features of Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment

INTRODUCTION: Lower limb varicose vein disease (LLVVD) is the most common vascular disease with a predominant lesion of the main trunks of saphenous veins. At the same time, there exist atypical variants of lesion of the venous system in LLVVD, which cause difficulties in diagnosis and treatment.
 AIM: To study the incidence rate, anatomical bases of the varicose transformation, the features of reflux formation and the results of surgical treatment in atypical forms of LLVVD.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 600 patients with LLVVD, C2-C3 class of clinical manifestations in CEAP classification; 82 of them had atypical forms. The mean age of patients was 40.2 ± 9.2 years, duration of disease 15.0 ± 5.6 years. Duplex scanning of the lower limb venous system was conducted according to Russian recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous disorders of lower limbs of 2018. Patients with atypical forms of LLVVD additionally underwent computed tomography of the venous system with contrast. Surgical treatment of 50 patients with atypical forms of LLVVD included separation of the site of opening of a tributary in the area of saphenofemoral junction after preliminary marking and isolated elimination of varicose tributaries using Muller hooks; incompetent perforating veins were ligated at the epi- or subfascial levels depending on the location. The results were considered in the periods for up to two years.
 RESULTS: According to our data, the incidence of atypical forms of LLVVD was 13.7%. Lesion of the large tributaries of the main saphenous veins accounted for the highest proportion of atypical forms of LLVVD — 68.3%. Of these, varicose transformation of the anterolateral tributary made 98.2%, and of the superficial iliac circumflex vein — 1.8%. Isolated varicose transformation of perforating veins occurred in 31.7% of cases, where transformation of perforating veins of the gluteal area made 7.7%, of perforating veins of the posterolateral surface of the thigh — 46.2%, and of perforating veins of the patella region — 46.2%. The technical success in the postoperative period in the form of elimination of varicose saphenous veins and of the source of their incompetence was achieved in 100% of cases.
 CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of atypical forms of LLVVD is 13.7%, with the main trunks of saphenous veins remaining competent. The anatomical and hemodynamic basis for such forms of LLVVD is incompetence of the deep vein valves, from where the reflux is transmitted to tributaries of the saphenofemoral junction and/or perforating veins of the gluteal region, femoral region or popliteal fossa. Precise separation of varicose tributaries and perforating veins with preservation of the main trunks of subcutaneous veins is an organ-saving method of LLVVD treatment with a good effect in the follow-up period of up to two years.

Safety and Efficacy of Combining Saphenous Endovenous Laser Ablation and Varicose Veins Foam Sclerotherapy: An Analysis on 5500 Procedures in Patients With Advance Chronic Venous Disease (C3-C6).

endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) represents the gold standard in treating both great and small saphenous veins (GSV and SSV) incompetence. To achieve a "no-scalpel" procedure in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI, CEAP C3-C6), concomitant phlebectomies could be replaced by ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) into varicose tributaries. The aim of this study is to present a single-centre experience on EVLA + UGFS for patients with CVI secondary to varicose veins and saphenous trunk incompetence, analysing ling-term outcomes. all consecutive patients with CVI and treated by EVLA + UGFS from 2010 to 2022 were included in the analysis. EVLA was performed using a 1470-nm diode laser (LASEmaR® 1500, Eufoton, Trieste, Italy), adapting the linear endovenous energy density (LEED) depending on saphenous trunk diameter. Tessari method was used for UGFS. Patients were evaluated clinically and by duplex scanning at 1, 3 and 6months, and annually up to 4years, to assess treatment efficacy and adverse reactions. 5500 procedures in 4895 patients (3818 women, 1077 men) with a mean age of 51.4years were analysed during the study period. A total of 3950 GSVs and 1550 SSVs were treated with EVLA + UGFS (C3 59%, C4 23%, C5 17% and C6 1%). Neither deep vein thrombosis nor pulmonary embolism were detected during follow-up, as well as superficial burns. Ecchymoses (7%), transitory paraesthesia (2%), palpable vein induration/superficial vein thrombosis (15%) and transient dyschromia (1%) were registered. Saphenous and tributaries closure rate at 30days, 1 and 4years were 99.1%, 98.3% and 97.9%, respectively. EVLA + UGFS for an extremely minimally invasive procedure appears to be a safe technique, with only minor effects and acceptable long-term outcomes, in patients with CVI. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm the role of this combined therapy in such patients.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation of tributary varicose veins using a slim-type radial fiber.

This study presents the efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation of tributary varicose veins using a slim-type radial 2-ring fiber. One thousand consecutive patients who underwent endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of incompetent saphenous veins were included. The tributary varicose veins were punctured with a 16G venule needle and ablated with a 1470nm laser system and a slim-type radial 2-ring fiber with a diameter of 1.27mm. The EVLA was performed with a power of 5W and linear endovenous energy density of around 30J/cm. Percutaneous varicose ablation was safely performed in 939 legs with an average of 5.9 times punctures per leg. No skin burn or nerve injury was observed after varicose ablation. Ultrasonography revealed complete occlusion of the treated veins 1month after EVLA. This study suggests that percutaneous varicose ablation with a slim-type radial 2-ring fiber is a safe and effective alternative to cover the weak point of ambulatory phlebectomy.

Endovenous Laser Ablation of Tributary Varicose Veins:From Stab Avulsion to Varicose Ablation

血管内レーザー焼灼術の新しい治療プロトコールを作成し，手術を施行した伏在型静脈瘤963例について報告する．波長1470 nmのBiolitec社製レーザー装置に，直径1.27 mmの細径ファイバーを接続し，伏在静脈および側枝静脈瘤を焼灼した．小伏在静脈あるいは膝上の大伏在静脈（GSV）は出力7 W（LEED 50–70 J/cm）で焼灼し，膝下GSVにも逆流を認める場合には同部を5 W（LEED 20–25 J/cm）で焼灼した．さらに側枝静脈瘤を5 W（LEED 30 J/cm）で焼灼した．GSV焼灼後の神経障害は認められず，瘤焼灼に伴う皮膚熱傷や神経障害も認めなかった．皮下出血やリンパ管損傷などの瘤切除に起因すると思われる有害事象の発生はなく，整容性にも優れた根治的治療が可能であった．静脈瘤の穿刺焼灼法はスタブアバルジョン法の弱点を補完する有益な代替手段になることが期待される．

Saphenous sparing treatments: The ASVAL Method

The ASVAL method is based on a bottom-up concept of the evolution of venous disease from the tributaries to the saphenous axes, as opposed to the traditional top-down theory where reflux, conversely, appears first on the saphenous axes and then spreads to the tributaries. The bottom-up evolution has led to a change in treatment paradigm, no longer based on effective suppression of saphenous reflux, but on reversibility of the latter by ablation of the varicose tributaries, eliminating the filling effect at the origin of the hemodynamic disturbance. As the ASVAL strategy has its limits, depending on the stage of progression of saphenous damage, it is necessary to establish the indications where it can be applied, before the saphenous vein is irreversibly damaged (diameter larger than 8 mm, multiple ectasia, extended reflux above and below knee), or the clinical staged too advanced (skin changes). Various authors have reported on these criteria for applying the ASVAL method in the right indications considering hemodynamic data (ostial reflux, extent of truncal reflux), anatomical data (saphenous diameter, reflux location, volume of varicose reservoir) and clinical data (age, nulliparity, trophic disorders, presence of symptoms). Complications and side effects are limited if the indications and principles of the miniphlebectomy technique are respected. All the cohort studies reported show that after treatment using the ASVAL method (removal of varicose tributaries and ad integrum respect for the saphenous vein), reflux abolition is achieved in between 50% and 80% of cases, depending on the patients selected. Above all, these studies show that improvement in symptoms and quality of life is systematic, whatever the result on the saphenous vein. A recent randomized controlled trial shows that endovenous laser and ASVAL are clinically equivalent, with a cost/effectiveness ratio in favor of ASVAL. In conclusion, The ASVAL method leads to an alternative concept of an ascending or multifocal evolution starting on the epifascial tributaries and enabling to set an individualized “à la carte treatment” since every patient has a different clinical and hemodynamic situation of the disease at the time of treatment, which cannot match to a “one size fits all” that represents the traditional strategy. We have now at our disposal simple tools to evaluate the patients, select the good indications and perform properly the ASVAL method by mini-phlebectomy.

The significance of minimally invasive treatment methods in the single-stage elimination of varicose vein disease of the great and small saphenous veins of the lower limbs and their branches

Introduction. This article presents a clinical case of successful and single-stage endovenous laser coagulation combined with miniphlebectomy in a patient with extensive and combined varicose lesion of all major subcutaneous veins of the lower limbs with significant symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.Aim. To determine the possibilities of simultaneous elimination of all main subcutaneous veins and their varicose tributaries on both lower limbs using minimally invasive methods.Materials and methods. A 44-year-old female patient complained of gastrocnemius muscle cramps, swollen shins, feeling of heaviness at the end of the working day and the presence of varicose veins in both lower extremities. The severity of the chronic vein disease before the intervention according to the VCSS (Venous clinical Severity Score) was 8. As a result, patency of deep veins and condition of their valve apparatus, insufficiency of valves of the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal annexes on both sides with reflux through large and small saphenous veins and anterior accessory large saphenous vein on the right, insufficiency of perforating veins of both tibias were determined. Endovenous laser coagulation of the great and small saphenous veins on both sides and the right anterior accessory great saphenous vein, miniphlebectomy of dilated tributaries within both lower limbs was performed. The symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency decreased markedly. Swelling of the lower legs and cramps in the gastrocnemiu muscles have almost completely disappeared, and the feeling of heaviness in the legs after static loads has significantly decreased.Conclusion. Endovenous laser coagulation with miniphlebectomy should be given preference in varicose vein disease with combined affection of all great saphenous veins of both lower limbs. Their application provides an opportunity to eliminate simultaneously incompetence of all target veins and to remove varicose dilated tributaries, providing good therapeutic and cosmetic effect without hospitalization and detachment of the patient from his or her work activity.

Combined microfoam sclerotherapy and miniphlebectomy as an optimal method of treating varicose vein tributaries after endovenous laser ablation

Introduction. The development of phlebology and mainstreaming of ultrasonic techniques has led to the emergence of microfoam sclerotherapy, which proved itself as a more effective technique. In the world literature, there are isolated publications that say about the effectiveness and safety of the microfoam sclerotherapy combined with mini-phlebectomy, but no specific studies comparing the combination treatment for the elimination of varicose syndrome with separate use of each of the techniques are described.Aim. To increase the effectiveness of invasive treatment and to reduce the rate of complications in patients with varicose veins using a combination of microfoam sclerotherapy and mini-phlebectomy of tributaries after endovenous laser ablation.Material and methods. Simple single- center, non-randomized, retrospective study was conducted at the A.K. Eramishantsev Moscow State Hospital. It included 52 patients with varicose veins (a total of 77 lower limbs, 22 patients had bilateral disease), who had no previous invasive treatment for this disease. They underwent endovenous laser ablation of truncal vein combined with microfoam sclerotherapy and mini-phlebectomy of tributaries. Microfoam sclerotherapy was performed with 0.5–2.0% of polidocanol foam, and mini-phlebectomy per Varady technique. The patients had a postprocedural follow-up clinical examination and duplex ultrasound the day after the intervention, then at 1, 6, and 12 months.Results. Endovenous laser ablation of truncal veins was acutely successful in all cases. No cases of great saphenous vein recanalization were detected in follow-up period. In the early postprocedural period, the combined microfoam sclerotherapy and miniphlebectomy also showed 100% success rate, however redo sclerotherapy was required in 4 (5.2%) cases for new varicose tributaries developed in late postprocedural period.Conclusion. Combined microfoam sclerotherapy and mini-phlebectomy, as a method of treatment for various veins syndrome, can provide additional benefit such as reducing the volume of mini-phlebectomy and the resultant tissue damage, the varicosity recurrence rate, the number of subcutaneous hematomas and ecchymoses, the discomfort of the tumescent anesthesia, the risk of postprocedural varicose veins thrombosis and pigmentation rate.

Concomitant Versus Staged Treatment of Varicose Tributaries as an Adjunct to Endovenous Ablation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Concomitant Versus Staged Treatment of Varicose Tributaries as an Adjunct to Endovenous Ablation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Short and Mid-term Outcome of Radiofrequency Ablation without Concomitant Phlebectomy/Sclerotherapy for Tributary Varicose Veins

Short and Mid-term Outcome of Radiofrequency Ablation without Concomitant Phlebectomy/Sclerotherapy for Tributary Varicose Veins

Urgent surgery versus anticoagulation for treatment of superficial vein thrombosis in patients with varicose veins.

Background: We performed a prospective observational study to compare the results of surgery and anticoagulation in patients with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT). Patients and methods: A total of 190 patients (195 limbs) with varicose veins and SVT were included and treated by anticoagulation or by surgery. Patients were followed-up during 6 months. The primary outcome for treatment efficacy was the composite rate of SVT extension/recurrence; deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE). The primary outcome for safety was the rate of wound complications and rate of bleedings. Results: Surgery was performed in 85 (44.7%) patients and 105 patients (5 with bilateral SVT) were treated conservatively. In the whole study cohort the primary outcome for treatment efficacy was registered in 15 (7.6%) cases: 9/85 (10.5%) in surgical group and 6/110 (5.4%) in anticoagulation group. Nine patients treated with surgery were diagnosed with postoperative DVT. In anticoagulation group SVT extension occurred in 3 limbs; SVT recurrence in 2 and DVT in one. There were no cases of PE or death during the follow-up. Time-to-event analysis demonstrated no significant difference between groups (HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.17-1.34). The total length of the thrombus was associated with primary efficacy outcome in surgical group (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02-1.11); and duration of anticoagulation (HR 0.91 per day; 95% CI 0.83-0.99) and value of Caprini score (HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.1-3.14) in anticoagulation group. Six (7%) wound complications were registered after surgery and 6 (5.71%) bleedings during anticoagulation. Conclusions: Urgent surgery is not associated with reduction of venous thromboembolism compared to anticoagulation in treatment of patients with SVT and varicose veins during 6-months follow-up. However, in patients with isolated thrombosis of varicose tributaries or with limited involvement of the saphenous trunk surgery is relatively safe.

Hydrophilic guidewire usage under ultrasound guidance in facilitating catheter advancement during endovenous treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins.

PurposeThis study was performed To investigate the use of hydrophilic guidewires for facilitating catheter advancement during varicose vein treatment using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cyanoacrylate closure (CAC).MethodsFrom March 2016 to April 2019, 463 limbs of 285 with incompetent great saphenous veins were subjected to RFA (321 limbs of 197 patients) or CAC (142 limbs of 88 patients). Procedure records were reviewed for the use of a hydrophilic guidewire, reason for the guidewire usage, and diameter of the guidewire.ResultsA hydrophilic guidewire was used to facilitate catheter advancement to treat 92 of 463 limbs (19.9%). For RFA, a guidewire was used to treat 53 of 321 limbs (16.5%). Among them, 15 limbs (28.3%) had vasospasm, and 38 limbs (71.7%) had venous tortuosity. For CAC, guidewire was used for 39 of 142 limbs (27.5%). Among them, 10 limbs (25.6%) had vasospasm, 23 limbs (59.0%) had venous tortuosity, and 6 limbs (15.4%) had repeated engagement of a J-tip guidewire into the varicose tributaries. In CAC, the frequency of hydrophilic guidewire usage was higher than that in RFA (P = 0.006). All varicose vein treatment sessions were technically successful.ConclusionHydrophilic guidewire usage could facilitate catheter advancement when hindered by vasospasm, tortuosity of the saphenous vein, or repeated engagement into the varicose tributaries.

Diagnostic performance of C-reactive protein and D-dimer test in acute varicothrombophlebitis

Diagnostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer test in acute varicothrombophlebitis (VTP) was studied in a cohort of 45 patients; female – 60%, median age – 59 (25-75% IQR 48-64) years. In patients with normal value of CRP the rate of VTP type II-III (Verrel-Steckmeier) was 4% vs 25% – in those with CRP ≥10 mg/L; while the thrombus growth rate was 2 times lower – 2.33 (25-75% IQR 0.74-8.18) cm3/day and 5.74 (25-75% IQR 1.82-15.02) cm3/day, respectively (P=0.07 in both cases). A larger area of skin hyperemia and soft tissue perivenous infiltrate were identified in patients with CRP ≥10 mg/L vs normal values of CRP: 153.2 (25-75% IQR 49.35-248.8) vs 48.4 (25-75% IQR 40.45-85.7) cm2 and 86.25 (25-75% IQR 26.08-131.3) vs 32.35 (25-75% IQR 17.95-52.33) cm2, P=0.05 and 0.06, respectively. The level of D-dimers in types II-III of VTP exceeded the respective index in cases of type I of VTP and isolated thrombosis of varicose tributaries: 876 (25-75% IQR 611-1637) ng/mL vs 395 (25-75% IQR 216-710) ng/mL (p<0.05). Analysis of the ROC curve demonstrated an optimal cut-off value for the exclusion of types II-III of acute VTP equal to 611 ng/mL (sensitivity = 85.7%; specificity = 65.7%). Negative predictive value of the model – 95.8% (95% CI 73.6-98.1).

Laser Ablation of Varicose Tributaries of the Great Veins (skewer ablation)

<h3>ЦЕЛЬ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ</h3> Обосновать возможность безопасной и атравматичной эндовенозной лазерной облитерации поверхностно расположенных варикозно расширенных притоков магистральных вен по методу скьюер-облитерации с использованием модифицированного оптоволокна. <h3>МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ</h3> С применением оптических методов и ультразвукового сканирования исследованы особенности лазерной эндовенозной термооблитерации притоков магистральных подкожных вен нижних конечностей, которую проводили с использованием специально разработанного для этой цели оптоволокна с конически заточенным рабочим кончиком. При этом извитую поверхностную вену нанизывают на оптоволокно, как на шампур (англ. skewer). <h3>РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ</h3> Изучены тепловые и транспортные процессы, вызванные кипением крови внутри патологически измененных поверхностных притоков магистральных вен под действием непрерывного лазерного излучения ближнего инфракрасного диапазона (1,47 мкм), доставляемого с помощью оптического волокна с коническим кончиком. Эти процессы исследованы в ходе экспериментов с недеаэронированной водой, а также при лазерной облитерации притоков магистральных подкожных вен. Предлагаемый способ лазерной облитерации сильно извитых вен не требует дополнительных инструментов (проводников, катетров, интродьюсеров, флебэктомических крючков и т.п.), поскольку проведение световода внутри вены и в паравазальных тканях осуществляется за счет заостренной под углом 60° рабочей части световода; обеспечивает малую травматичность и хороший косметический эффект, уменьшение сроков лечения и восстановления пациентов, а также возникновения кровоизлияний и гематом. <h3>ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ</h3> Использование специального оптоволокна с концом конической формы позволяет «нанизывать» сильно извитую вену на оптоволокно и при обратной тракции проводить лазерную облитерацию вены.