Venous Incompetence Research Articles

Detection and Coil Embolisation of Pelvic Vein Incompetence for Chronic Pain in the Female Pelvis: A Development Phase Economic Analysis

Unexplained chronic pain in the female pelvis (CPFP) affects 7% of people indicating female sex in the UK. Evidence suggests that pelvic venous incompetence (PVI) could explain CPFP and that coil embolisation could provide relief. The aims of this study were to indicate (1) the cost effectiveness of detecting and treating PVI in people experiencing unexplained CPFP, and (2) the maximum value of further research, suggesting suitable areas. A decision tree compared standard care (regular prescribed analgesia) with an intervention comprising transvaginal duplex ultrasound to screen for PVI, venography to confirm the diagnosis, and coil embolisation treatment. The population was people experiencing unexplained CPFP. A UK National Health Service perspective and 2021 - 22 price year were used. Ten years of health costs and health related quality of life (HRQoL) effects for eligible 40 year olds were simulated. Evidence reviews informed diagnostic accuracy, health service usage, and unit costs. A single centre randomised controlled trial informed all other parameters. Probabilistic analysis incorporated parameter uncertainty in cost effectiveness estimates. Deterministic sensitivity analysis indicated drivers of uncertainty. Value of information methods measured the value of eliminating all relevant uncertainties, given uptake predictions. The main outcome measures were incremental cost and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) for the intervention compared with analgesia, the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER), and expected value of perfect information. The mean ICER for the intervention was £4 558/QALY gained, and the probability that the ICER was within the UK cost effectiveness threshold (£20 000/QALY gained) was 90%. The expected value of perfect information about all model parameters was £46 M. All deterministic sensitivity analysis scenarios met the threshold, except the smallest plausible HRQoL effect of (resolving) CPFP. Detecting and treating PVI causing CPFP appears cost effective, but more primary research would be valuable to reduce decision uncertainty. Uncertainty in the HRQoL estimate for unexplained CPFP appeared to contribute most to decision uncertainty.

ThP8.4 - Initial Results of CAC (Cyanoacrylate Closure) of lower limb truncal venous incompetence

Abstract Aims We have tried CAC in our unit, as an emerging new treatment. We present our initial experience on efficacy and safety of the technique. Methods Venous trunks were treated with n-butyl Cyanoacrylate (Variclose® by biolas) as per IFU. Clinical and doppler US follow-up at three months was carried out. Data was captured prospectively. Results Eighty-six venous trunks (79 GSV, 5 SSV, 2 ATV) in 82 limbs of 65 patients were treated. Median length/ diameter of LSV treated was 32 /0.7 cms; 15/5 cms for SSV. Median volume of glue used was 1.83 mls. Eighty-two out of eighty-six (96%) trunks were successfully treated with complete primary occlusion. Four(4.5%) trunks did not demonstrate total occlusion at primary treatment. There was no extension of thrombus into deep veins and no immediate adverse reactions. On doppler US at 3 months, 58(70.7%) trunks demonstrated total occlusion. Twenty-four (29.3%) trunks were only partially occluded. which were deemed not suitable for thermal endovenous treatment. Nine (11%) patients had adverse events. One had pulmonary embolism two days after treatment. Five limbs developed erythema and swelling in the thigh which took few weeks to settle. Two patients had exaggerated thrombophlebitis of the treated GSV requiring hospital admission. Conclusion There is a high rate of primary occlusion of the treated trunk which does not appear to be maintained at short term follow up. There is glue associated adverse reactions and potential serious complications. It may limit the options of subsequent treatment where the glue treatment has not been successful.

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Versus Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction for Patients with Chronic Venous Disease: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial

Venoactive drugs (VADs) based on Vitis vinifera extract are widely used in Korea. However, studies on the clinical effects and head-to-head comparisons with other groups of VADs are limited. This trial aimed to evaluate whether Vitis vinifera seed extract was noninferior to the micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in relieving venous symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease. In this double-blind prospective randomized trial, patients from 13 hospitals, who were diagnosed with venous incompetence by duplex ultrasound and classified as clinical class 1, 2, or 3 in the Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological classifications were enrolled. The primary outcome was the change in the Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-20) score at 8weeks from baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire, visual analog scale, and Venous Clinical Severity Score at 4 and 8weeks from baseline. Moreover, the change in leg circumferences was measured at 8weeks and compared to baseline. In total, 303 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either Vitis vinifera seed extract (n=154) or MPFF (n=149). The CIVIQ-20 scores at 8weeks were significantly reduced compared to those at baseline in both groups. No significant intergroup difference in the change of CIVIQ-20 at 8weeks from baseline was observed (-8.31±14.63 vs. -10.35±14.38, P=0.29, 95% confidence interval -1.65 to 5.72). The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval was within the predefined noninferiority margin of 6.9. Furthermore, the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire, visual analog scale, and Venous Clinical Severity Score scores significantly decreased at 4 and 8weeks after randomization compared with baseline in both groups. No significant differences were observed in the reduction of each score between groups. The calf circumference measured at 8weeks was significantly reduced compared to that at baseline in patients receiving Vitis vinifera seed extract. Vitis vinifera seed extract was noninferior to MPFF in relieving venous symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease.

Male Sexual Dysfunction and Hypogonadism in Young Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross Sectional Study.

Male sexual dysfunction (MSD) is a common occurrence in diabetic patients, which is not routinely assessed in clinical settings. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of MSD and hypogonadism in young type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients aged between 20 and 40 years and its association with duration, glycaemic control and complications of diabetes. This is a cross-sectional study involving 70 men with T2DM of 20-40 years of age visiting the endocrinology department in a tertiary care centre. This study was conducted from November 2021 to March 2023. Seventy subjects satisfying inclusion criteria were included in the study and assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-15 questionnaire, intravaginal ejaculation latency time, androgen deficiency in ageing male questionnaire, hormonal parameters (Luteinising Hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone, Testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin) and penile Doppler. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. A P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Data were checked for normality using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. For determining statistical significance between continuous variables with non-normal data, the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. Pie charts, bar diagrams and scatter plots were used for descriptive statistics. Frequency, percentage, means, median, range and standard deviation were used for all quantitative data. The Chi-square test was used to find a significant association between categorical variables. Sixty per cent of men had at least one form of MSD. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) - 44.28% was the most common MSD, followed by erectile dysfunction (ED) - 42.85% and ejaculatory disorders - 18.57%. Penile Doppler was done in 15 patients, of whom 9 patients had normal Doppler, venous incompetence was present in 3, followed by mixed (arterial and venous) in 2 and arterial insufficiency in 1 subject. Hypogonadism was present in 27.14% of men and secondary hypogonadism was the most common cause (84.21%). There was a significant association between neuropathy and ED and between hypogonadism and HSDD. There was also a significant association between fasting plasma glucose, post-prandial plasma glucose and MSD. MSD is common in young T2DM men, which should be given due importance in clinical practice to improve their quality of life. Glycaemic control is of utmost importance in these men.

Quantifiable remaining reflux 1 year after treatment of superficial venous incompetence is associated with impaired clinical outcome

Quantifiable remaining reflux 1 year after treatment of superficial venous incompetence is associated with impaired clinical outcome

Key Regulators of Angiogenesis and Inflammation Are Dysregulated in Patients with Varicose Veins.

Varicose veins (VVs) are the most common manifestation of chronic venous disease (CVD) and appear as abnormally enlarged and tortuous superficial veins. VVs result from functional abnormalities in the venous circulation of the lower extremities, such as venous hypertension, venous valve incompetence, and venous reflux. Previous studies indicate that enhanced angiogenesis and inflammation contribute to the progression and onset of VVs; however, dysregulations in signaling pathways associated with these processes in VVs patients are poorly understood. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to identify key regulators of angiogenesis and inflammation that are dysregulated in patients with VVs. Expression levels of 18 genes were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using real-time PCR, as well as plasma levels of 6 proteins were investigated using ELISA. Higher levels of CCL5, PDGFA, VEGFC, TGF-alpha, TGF-beta 1, and VEGF-A, as well as lower levels of VEGFB and VEGF-C, were found to be statistically significant in the VV group compared to the control subjects without VVs. None of the analyzed factors was associated with the venous localization of the varicosities. The presented study identified dysregulations in key angiogenesis- and inflammation-related factors in PBMC and plasma from VVs patients, providing new insight into molecular mechanisms that could contribute to the development of VVs and point out promising candidates for circulatory biomarkers of this disease.

Calf rEF: Impact of Calf Muscle Pump Dysfunction With Reduced Ejection Fraction on All-Cause Mortality

ObjectiveTo evaluate mortality outcomes by varying degrees of reduced calf muscle pump (CMP) ejection fraction (EF). Patients and MethodsConsecutive adult patients who underwent venous air plethysmography testing at the Mayo Clinic Gonda Vascular Laboratory (January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2022) were divided into groups based on CMP EF for the assessment of all-cause mortality. Other venous physiology included measures of valvular incompetence and clinical venous disease (CEAP [clinical presentation, etiology, anatomy, and pathophysiology] score). Mortality rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. ResultsDuring the study, 5913 patients met the inclusion criteria. During 2.84-year median follow-up, there were 431 deaths. Mortality rates increased with decreasing CMP EF. Compared with EF of 50% or higher, the hazard ratios (95% CIs) for mortality were as follows: EF of 40% to 49%, 1.4 (1.0 to 2.0); EF of 30% to 39%, 1.6 (1.2 to 2.4); EF of 20% to 29%, 1.7 (1.2 to 2.4); EF of 10% to 19%, 2.4 (1.7 to 3.3) (log-rank P≤.001). Although measures of venous valvular incompetence did not independently predict outcomes, venous disease severity assessed by CEAP score was predictive. After adjusting for several clinical covariates, both CMP EF and clinical venous disease severity assessed by CEAP score remained independent predictors of mortality. ConclusionMortality rates are higher in patients with reduced CMP EF and seem to increase with each 10% decrement in CMP EF. The mortality mechanism does not seem to be impacted by venous valvular incompetence and may represent variables intrinsic to muscular physiology.

Impact of Antioxidant Therapy on Lipid Peroxidation and Venous Hemodynamics in Women with Pelvic Venous Incompetence

Impact of Antioxidant Therapy on Lipid Peroxidation and Venous Hemodynamics in Women with Pelvic Venous Incompetence

Risk factors for recanalization of truncal veins following endoluminal ablation

BackgroundRecanalization of target veins after treatment of superficial venous incompetence has clinical implications and may depend on the type of intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient and procedural factors associated with truncal vein recanalization in a large study cohort using the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) Varicose Vein Registry. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review using the VQI Varicose Vein Registry from 2014 to 2018. We evaluated all procedures performed for truncal venous insufficiency. Demographic data and information about treatment modality were collected. Patients were separated into recanalization and nonrecanalization groups based on the status of the treated vein at follow-up ultrasound examination. The vein was only considered recanalized if the VQI noted complete recanalization of the target vein. Univariate and multivariate comparisons were performed as appropriate. ResultsA total of 10,604 procedures were performed in 7403 patients. The average age was 55.9 years and 70.3% of the patients were female. Patients with recanalization were more likely to have a history of phlebitis (P < .001) and had a higher mean body mass index (30.5 vs 32., kg/m2 ; P = .006) compared with those without recanalization. There was no difference in the use of compression therapy, anticoagulation, deep venous reflux, number of pregnancies, prior deep vein thrombosis, Venous Clinical Severity Score, and clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology between patients with and without recanalization. The number of truncal veins treated per procedure was higher in the recanalization group compared with the nonrecanalization group (2.36 vs 1.88; P = .001). After multivariate logistic regression, laser ablation was associated with higher rate of recanalization compared with radiofrequency ablation (P = .017). ConclusionsThis study is the first to use VQI based data to describe risk factors for recanalization following treatment of truncal venous reflux. The use of laser ablation for truncal veins is associated with a higher risk for recanalization compared with radiofrequency ablation. Obesity, prior phlebitis, and number of veins treated were independently associated with increased rate of recanalization.

Editor's Choice – Short Term Cost Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Ablation and High Ligation and Stripping for Great Saphenous Vein Incompetence

Superficial venous incompetence (SVI) is a common disease that causes significant quality of life (QoL) impairment. There is a need for more health economic evaluations of SVI treatment. The aim of this study was to perform a cost effectiveness analysis in patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence comparing radiofrequency ablation (RFA), high ligation and stripping (HL/S), and no treatment or conservative treatment with one year follow up. Randomised controlled trial economic analysis from an ongoing trial; 143 patients (156 limbs) with GSV incompetence (CEAP clinical class 2 - 6) were included. Treatment was performed with RFA or HL/S. Follow up was performed up to one year using duplex ultrasound, revised venous clinical severity score (r-VCSS), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), and EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D-3L). Seventy-eight limbs were treated with RFA and HL/S respectively. No treatment or conservative treatment was assumed to have zero in treatment cost and no treatment benefit. In the RFA group, one limb had reflux in the GSV after one month and three limbs after one year. In HL/S, two limbs had remaining reflux in the treated area at one month and one year. Both disease severity (r-VCSS, p= .004) and QoL (AVVQ, p= .021 and EQ-5D-3L, p= .028) were significantly improved over time. The QALY gain was 0.21 for RFA and 0.17 for HL/S. The cost per patient was calculated as €1 292 for RFA and €2 303 for HL/S. The cost per QALY (compared with no treatment or conservative treatment) was €6 155 for RFA and €13 549 for HL/S. With added cost for days absent from work the cost per QALY was €7 358 for RFA and €24 197 for HL/S. The cost per QALY for both methods was well below the threshold suggested by Swedish National Board of Health. RFA is more cost effective than HL/S and no treatment or conservative treatment at one year followup.

Comparing radiofrequency ablation and N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate for the treatment of superficial venous incompetence

Comparing radiofrequency ablation and N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate for the treatment of superficial venous incompetence

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

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

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

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

The Effect of Superficial Venous Incompetence Treatment on Combined Segmental Deep Venous Reflux

The aim of this study was to assess the role of treatment of superficial venous reflux (SVR) in patients with combined deep segmental venous reflux as regards clinical symptoms as well as reflux improvement of the deep veins. We reviewed 80 patients, retrospectively selected on the inclusion criteria and having combined SVR and segmental deep venous reflux who underwent SVR ablation. The contralateral limb of 44 patients was used as a control group, asked to wear compression stockings for 3months during day time with no surgical intervention. Duplex ultrasounds follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12months postoperatively. Clinical severity of venous disease was graded from C1 to C6 according to the CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology) classification. Duplex ultrasound was done in both supine and standing positions with non-weight-bearing of the examined limb. The venous reflux time, the venous flow volume and the peak venous flow velocity were registered. Removal of SVR was performed using either conventional surgery or radiofrequency ablation. The patient was required to wear compression stockings during the day time for the following weeks. During the follow-up period, all patients were improved clinically as regards pain, edema, and ulcer healing. All patients included in this study had no signs of residual SVR. Corrected deep venous segment reflux was in 36 (45%). Similar data at 3, 6, and 12months postoperatively after SVR removal. The popliteal vein reflux responded less than the femoral vein reflux did. Treatment of the SVR eliminates segmental deep venous reflux in a good percentage of patients regardless of the treatment modality. Also, symptoms improvement and ulcer healing were documented, and hence, more studies are recommended to evaluate this role.

DETECTION OF CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY CONDITION USING TRANSFER LEARNING WITH CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS BASED ON THERMAL IMAGES

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a venous incompetence condition that leads to improper blood circulation from the lower limbs towards the heart. This occurs as a result of blood pooling in the veins of the leg, resulting in twisted, dilated, and tortuous veins. Aging, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, and lack of mobility are all important causes of the occurrence of this chronic disease. The cost of CVI diagnosis and treatment is extremely high. Infrared thermographic image analysis is used for early detection and reduces the cost of diagnosis. Deep learning (DL) techniques play an important role in early prediction and may aid clinicians in diagnosing CVI. An automated classification model will assist the physician in making a precise diagnosis of the abnormal vein and treating the patient according to the severity of the condition. There is a need for a model that can perform successful classification without the need for pre-processing when compared to the traditional machine learning (ML) methods that depend on ideal manual feature extraction to achieve optimal outcomes. In this research, we recommend the customized DenseNet-121 architecture for CVI detection and compare it with other advanced DL models to determine its efficacy. DenseNet-121 and other pre-trained convolutional neural network models, including EfficientNetB0 and Inception_v3, were trained using a transfer learning strategy. The experimental findings indicate that the proposed modified DenseNet-121 model outperformed other classical methods. The reported results provide evidence of the robustness of the suggested method in addition to the high accuracy that it possessed, as shown by the overall testing accuracy of 97.4%. Thus, this study can be considered as a non-invasive and cost-effective approach for diagnosing chronic venous insufficiency condition in lower extremity.

Quantifiable remaining reflux 1 year after treatment of superficial venous incompetence is associated with impaired clinical outcome

ObjectiveRemaining symptoms after treatment of superficial venous incompetence is a common problem. Duplex ultrasound is often used during follow-up, but does not permit an overall quantification of venous function. We have developed a plethysmographic method using occlusion cuffs for separation of superficial and deep venous reflux. By assessing the superficial component it is possible to quantify a potential suboptimal hemodynamic treatment in patients with superficial venous incompetence. The aim was to examine whether patients with hemodynamically quantifiable remaining reflux after treatment experience impaired clinical outcomes. MethodsThis single-center prospective cohort study evaluated 156 limbs with great saphenous vein incompetence treated with radiofrequency ablation or high ligation and stripping. Duplex ultrasound and strain-gauge plethysmography (SGP) with and without selective superficial occlusion were performed before and one-year after treatment. Time taken (seconds) to reach 50% of the venous volume (T50) was evaluated. A difference in the T50of >5 seconds between postoperative strain-gauge plethysmography with and without superficial occlusion was defined as remaining reflux. The Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) were evaluated and compared between patients with and without remaining reflux. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for remaining plethysmographic reflux. ResultsIn all patients, median (25th, 75th percentile) T50 increased preoperatively from 7 seconds (3, 12 seconds) to 17 seconds (11, 28 seconds) (P < .001) 1 year after treatment. The VCSS and AVVQ were reduced (VCSS, 8.0 [6.0, 10.0] vs 3.0 [1.0, 5.0] [P < .001]; AVVQ, 21.8 [15.8, 32.1] vs 6.4 [2.2, 11.0] [P < .001]). Of the 156 limbs, 87 (56%) demonstrated remaining reflux 1 year after treatment. Patients with remaining plethysmographic reflux displayed higher median (25th, 75th percentile) VCSS (3.0 [2.0, 5.0] vs 2.0 [1.0, 4.0]; P = .012) and AVVQ (7.5 [2.7, 14.9] vs 4.7 [1.6, 9.2]; P = .025). Multivariate logistic regression showed that higher preoperative C in the Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology classification (CEAP) (odds ratio [OR], 2.9 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-6.46), age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.001-1.065), small saphenous vein incompetence (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.30-13.73) and postoperative great saphenous vein reflux below the treated area (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.02-4.56) were significant risk factors for remaining plethysmographic reflux. ConclusionsA majority of treated limbs showed quantifiable reflux 1 year after intervention and these patients displayed worse patient related outcomes assessed with the VCSS and AVVQ. Remaining plethysmographic reflux was associated with preoperative small saphenous vein incompetence and reflux below the treated area as well as advanced age and higher C in CEAP.

Durability and efficacy of the ELVeS® Radial® 2ring slim fiber for multiple ablations.

To prove that the ELVeS® Radial® 2ring slim fiber (Biolitec AG, Wien, Austria) is safe and effective, with a reliable fiber durability. This prospective, non-randomized, registry recruited patients with venous incompetence of the great saphenous vein, with or without concomitant incompetence of the small, anterior accessory and posterior accessory saphenous veins. Anatomic success, clinical success and pain were assessed. 150 patients (410 veins) underwent endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). Mean number of veins treated was 2.7 (1-7) with a mean total length of 80.7cm. 98.3% occlusions were observed after 12months. Clinical improvement was significant with reduced venous clinical severity scores at 1 month (1.7 ±1.9; p < .0001) and 12 months (0.7 ±1.3; p < .0001) versus pre-operation (4.4 ± 2.2). Mean pain level after 1-week was 5.8/100. No major surgery- or device-related complications occurred. 1470-nm EVLA with the 2ring slim fiber is a highly effective treatment option well tolerated by patients. Despite intensive use, fiber integrity was preserved. The study protocol was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03810677).

Endovenous ablation for venous leg ulcers.

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are a serious manifestation of chronic venous disease affecting up to 3% of the adult population. This typically recalcitrant and recurring condition significantly impairs quality of life, and its treatment places a heavy financial burden upon healthcare systems. The longstanding mainstay treatment for VLUs is compression therapy. Surgical removal of incompetent veins reduces the risk of ulcer recurrence. However, open surgery is an unpopular option amongst people with VLU, and many people are unsuitable for it. The efficacy of the newer, minimally-invasive endovenous techniques has been established in uncomplicated superficial venous disease, and these techniques can also be used in the management of VLU. When used with compression, endovenous ablation aims to further reduce pressure in the veins of the leg, which may impact ulcer healing. To determine the effects of superficial endovenous ablation on the healing and recurrence of venous leg ulcers and the quality of life of people with venous ulcer disease. In April 2022 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scrutinised reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions on the language of publication, but there was a restriction on publication year from 1998 to April 2022 as superficial endovenous ablation is a comparatively new technology. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing endovenous ablative techniques with compression versus compression therapy alone for the treatment of VLU were eligible for inclusion. Studies needed to have assessed at least one of the following primary review outcomes related to objective measures of ulcer healing such as: proportion of ulcers healed at a given time point; time to complete healing; change in ulcer size; proportion of ulcers recurring over a given time period or at a specific point; or ulcer-free days. Secondary outcomes of interest were patient-reported quality of life, economic data and adverse events. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data, carried out risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane RoB 1 tool, and assessed GRADE certainty of evidence. The previous version of this review found no RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria. In this update, we identified two eligible RCTs and included them in a meta-analysis. There was a total of 506 participants with an active VLU, with mean durations of 3.1 months ± 1.1 months in the EVRA trial and 60.5 months ± 96.4 months in the VUERT trial. Both trials randomised participants to endovenous treatment and compression or compression alone, however the compression alone group in the EVRA trial received deferred endovenous treatment (after ulcer healing or from six months). There is high-certainty evidence that combined endovenous ablation and compression compared with compression therapy alone, or compression with deferred endovenous treatment, improves time to complete ulcer healing (pooled hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.47; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 466 participants). There is moderate-certainty evidence that the proportion of ulcers healed at 90 days is probably higher with combined endovenous ablation and compression compared with compression therapy alone or compression with deferred endovenous treatment (risk ratio (RR) 1.14, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.30; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 466 participants). There is low-certainty evidence showing an unclear effect on ulcer recurrence at one year in people with healed ulcers with combined endovenous treatment and compression when compared with compression alone or compression with deferred endovenous treatment (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.48; I2 = 78%; 2 studies, 460 participants). There is also low-certainty evidence that the median number of ulcer-free days at one year may not differ (306 (interquartile range (IQR) 240 to 328) days versus 278 (IQR 175 to 324) days) following combined endovenous treatment and compression when compared with compression and deferred endovenous treatment; (1 study, 450 participants). There is low-certainty evidence of an unclear effect in rates of thromboembolism between groups (RR 2.02, 95% CI 0.51 to 7.97; I2 = 78%, 2 studies, 506 participants). The addition of endovenous ablation to compression is probably cost-effective at one year (99% probability at GBP 20,000/QALY; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). Endovenous ablation of superficial venous incompetence in combination with compression improves leg ulcer healing when compared with compression alone. This conclusion is based on high-certainty evidence. There is moderate-certainty evidence to suggest that it is probably cost-effective at one year and low certainty evidence of unclear effects on recurrence and complications. Further research is needed to explore the additional benefit of endovenous ablation in ulcers of greater than six months duration and the optimal modality of endovenous ablation.

Effect of laser and exercises in venous ulcer: A case report

Abstract This case report outlines the effect of a low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and exercise regimen on a 59-year-old patient with a venous ulcer. The current case examines the impact of a combination of LLLT and exercise on blood flow and healing in a patient with venous leg ulcer (VLU) brought on by ambulatory venous hypertension due to venous incompetence. Above the left lateral malleolus, the patient had a circular, well-defined raw area covered in pale granulation tissue that was not healing. Wound assessment was done using a two-dimensional method using graph paper. The patient received LLLT therapy and an aerobic exercise regimen, reducing wound size and improving healing. It demonstrates the potential advantages of using LLLT and aerobic exercise to treat venous ulcers.

The role of venous intervention for the treatment of patients with venous leg ulceration.

More than 1 million people are estimated to have lower limb venous ulceration in the UK. Such wounds are predominantly caused by sustained venous hypertension, as a result of chronic venous insufficiency, often due to venous valve incompetence or an impaired calf muscle pump. Compression therapy is key to venous leg ulcer management and the majority of nurses are aware of the importance of starting patients on compression therapy as early as possible. However, there appears to be a lack of awareness of the importance of venous assessment and that more patients could benefit from endovenous correction of superficial venous incompetence.