Vitis vinifera seed extract versus micronized purified flavonoid fraction for patients with chronic venous disease: a randomized, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: 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 non-inferior to the micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in relieving venous symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). METHODS: 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 8 weeks from baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), visual analog scale (VAS), and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) at 4- and 8 weeks from baseline. Moreover, the change in leg circumferences was measured at 8 weeks and compared to baseline. RESULTS: 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 8 weeks were significantly reduced compared to those at baseline in both groups. No significant inter-group difference in the change of CIVIQ-20 at 8 weeks from baseline was observed (-8.31 ± 14.63 vs. -10.35 ± 14.38, P = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.65 to 5.72). The lower limit of the 95% CI was within the predefined noninferiority margin of 6.9. Furthermore, the AVVQ, VAS, and VCSS scores significantly decreased at 4- and 8 weeks 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 8 weeks was significantly reduced compared to that at baseline in patients receiving Vitis vinifera seed extract. CONCLUSIONS: Vitis vinifera seed extract was non-inferior to MPFF in relieving venous symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with CVD.

Prospective, Multicenter Study of Rotational Atherectomy with Antirestenotic Therapy for Infrainguinal Arterial Disease.

BACKGROUND: Thrombi are common in steno-occlusive lesions of infrainguinal atherosclerotic diseases. Despite the easy passage of guidewires through these lesions, conventional ballooning or stenting cannot effectively treat them, and patients are at risk of distal embolization. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of using a rotational aspiration atherectomy system to treat infrainguinal atherosclerotic disease. METHODS: Patients underwent revascularization of target lesions using the Jetstream™ Atherectomy System. The primary endpoint was the freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) 12-month after the procedure. Outcomes were evaluated according to the clinical severity, lesion type, use of drug-coated balloons (DCBs), and lesion length, characteristics, and sites. Survival analysis for CD-TLR over time was plotted. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22 (IBM; Armonk, NY, USA). P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 150 patients (91.2% male; mean age, 69.8 years; 66.2% with diabetes) with de novo or restenotic infrainguinal lesions were enrolled. The mean lesion length was 17.2 cm, 75.0% were occlusive, and 38.2% had severe calcification. The lesion types were sclerotic (64.7%), thrombosclerotic (20.6%), thrombotic (8.8%), and in-stent (5.9%). Adjunctive DCB was used in 86.8% of patients. The 12-month primary patency rate (PPR) and CD-TLR rates were 81.6% and 90.1%, respectively. The 12-month CD-TLR rate was significantly better in the sclerotic and thrombosclerotic groups than in the thrombotic group (100% and 100% vs. 66.7%; P = 0.001). The 12-month PPR was significant better in TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) A and B groups than TASC C and D groups (P = 0.02). The 12-month PPR is significantly better after using a DCB or stent placement than after using a simple balloon (P = 0.01). There were no major adverse events, including procedure-related death, myocardial infarction, or major amputation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the Jetstream atherectomy device for complex infrainguinal lesions. This system functions optimally with TASC A/B lesions and sclerotic or thrombosclerotic lesions.

In-situ bypass is associated with superior infection-free survival compared with extra-anatomic bypass for the management of secondary aortic graft infections without enteric involvement.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal revascularization modality following complete resection of aortic graft infection (AGI) without enteric involvement remains unclear. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the revascularization approach associated with the lowest morbidity and mortality using real-world data in patients undergoing complete excision of AGI. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-institutional study of AGI from 2002 to 2014 was performed using a standardized database. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative variables were recorded. The primary outcome was infection-free survival. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 241 patients at 34 institutions from seven countries presented with AGI during the study period (median age, 68 years; 75% male). The initial aortic procedures that resulted in AGI were 172 surgical grafts (71%), 66 endografts (27%), and three unknown (2%). Of the patients, 172 (71%) underwent complete excision of infected aortic graft material followed by in situ (in-line) bypass (ISB), including antibiotic-treated prosthetic graft (35%), autogenous femoral vein (neo-aortoiliac surgery) (24%), and cryopreserved allograft (41%). Sixty-nine patients (29%) underwent extra-anatomic bypass (EAB). Overall median Kaplan-Meier estimated survival was 5.8 years. Perioperative mortality was 16%. When stratified by ISB vs EAB, there was a significant difference in Kaplan-Meier estimated infection-free survival (2910 days; interquartile range, 391-3771 days vs 180 days; interquartile range, 27-3750 days; P < .001). There were otherwise no significant differences in presentation, comorbidities, or perioperative variables. Multivariable Cox regression showed lower infection-free survival among patients with EAB (hazard ratio [HR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-3.6; P < .001), polymicrobial infection (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.5; P = .001), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7; P = .02), as well as the protective effect of omental/muscle flap coverage (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37-0.92; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: After complete resection of AGI, perioperative mortality is 16% and median overall survival is 5.8 years. EAB is associated with nearly a two and one-half-fold higher reinfection/mortality compared with ISB. Omental and/or muscle flap coverage of the repair appear protective.

Cyanoacrylate Closure of Small Saphenous Vein Insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: As minimally invasive techniques were issued, endovenous thermal ablations have emerged. However, the thermal-associated complication has been reported in the treatment of small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency, such as sural nerve injury. Recently introduced cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) is a nonthermal modality, so this thermal-associated complication can be avoided. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study analyzed the feasibility, safety, and 2-year results of CAC for treating SSV insufficiency, particularly the incidence of sural nerve injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-three SSV insufficiencies in 128 patients were treated with CAC were reviewed. Pain, venous severity, and quality of life (QoL) scores were evaluated. Postoperative duplex scanning also evaluated anatomical and clinical success rates. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 56.8 years. The initial technical success rate was 100%. The occlusion rate after 2 years was 96.3%. Pain, venous severity, and QoL scores were improved significantly from 2.4 to 0.0, 4.39 to 0.47, and 11.95 to 2.69, respectively, before and 2 years after CAC. No major complications were observed, such as sural nerve injury. CONCLUSION: Cyanoacrylate closure for the ablation of SSV insufficiency could be a great alternative to endothermal ablation with an excellent success rate and shorter procedure time.

Managing central venous access during a health care crisis.

OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, central venous access line teams were implemented at many hospitals throughout the world to provide access for critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to describe the structure, practice patterns, and outcomes of these vascular access teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, self-reported study of central venous access line teams in hospitals afflicted with the COVID-19 pandemic. To participate in the study, hospitals were required to meet one of the following criteria: development of a formal plan for a central venous access line team during the pandemic; implementation of a central venous access line team during the pandemic; placement of central venous access by a designated practice group during the pandemic as part of routine clinical practice; or management of an iatrogenic complication related to central venous access in a patient with COVID-19. RESULTS: Participants from 60 hospitals in 13 countries contributed data to the study. Central venous line teams were most commonly composed of vascular surgery and general surgery attending physicians and trainees. Twenty sites had 2657 lines placed by their central venous access line team or designated practice group. During that time, there were 11 (0.4%) iatrogenic complications associated with central venous access procedures performed by the line team or group at those 20 sites. Triple lumen catheters, Cordis (Santa Clara, Calif) catheters, and nontunneled hemodialysis catheters were the most common types of central venous lines placed by the teams. Eight (14%) sites reported experience in placing central venous lines in prone, ventilated patients with COVID-19. A dedicated line cart was used by 35 (59%) of the hospitals. Less than 50% (24 [41%]) of the participating sites reported managing thrombosed central lines in COVID-19 patients. Twenty-three of the sites managed 48 iatrogenic complications in patients with COVID-19 (including complications caused by providers outside of the line team or designated practice group). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a dedicated central venous access line team during a pandemic or other health care crisis is a way by which physicians trained in central venous access can contribute their expertise to a stressed health care system. A line team composed of physicians with vascular skill sets provides relief to resource-constrained intensive care unit, ward, and emergency medicine teams with a low rate of iatrogenic complications relative to historical reports. We recommend that a plan for central venous access line team implementation be in place for future health care crises.

Clinical Features and Management of "Phlebitis-like Abnormal Reaction" After Cyanoacrylate Closure for the Treatment of Incompetent Saphenous Veins.

BACKGROUND: Cyanoacrylate closure for the treatment of incompetent saphenous veins does not cause thermal damage and demonstrates satisfactory outcomes with rapid recovery. However, the characteristics of phlebitis-like abnormal reaction (PLAR), the most common adverse event after cyanoacrylate closure, have not been clarified. Moreover, it differs from typical phlebitis after thermal ablation. The objective of our study is to investigate the clinical features of PLAR after cyanoacrylate closure and to report its management. METHODS: A total of 160 patients with 271 incompetent saphenous veins (great saphenous veins, 201; small saphenous veins, 70) underwent cyanoacrylate closure with the VenaSeal™ system. We defined PLAR as any unusual skin condition that develops suddenly, such as erythema, itching, swelling, and pain/tenderness, over the treated veins several days after cyanoacrylate closure. Oral antihistamines and intravenous dexamethasone were administered to manage PLAR. RESULTS: Of the 271 treated veins, 69 experienced PLAR (25.4%). The mean time of occurrence was 13.6 ± 4.6 days after treatment. The rate of occurrence of erythema, itching, swelling, and pain/tenderness were 92.2%, 91.2%, 66.2%, and 48.5%, respectively. The occurrence of PLAR was significantly higher for great saphenous veins than for small saphenous veins (P < 0.001). Occurrences were more frequent in cases with a suprafascial great saphenous vein of length >10 cm than in cases with a subfascial great saphenous vein (P = 0.001). The proportion of patients who reported swelling decreased by more than half after the administration of oral antihistamine. The pain score on the 10th day also decreased significantly after the administration of antihistamine (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: PLAR must be distinguished from classic phlebitis. We believe that PLAR is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction due to a foreign body, and in our experience, antihistamines or steroids are effective for the prevention and management of PLAR.

Clinical Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation for Unilateral and Bilateral Varicose Veins.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20% of varicose vein are bilateral. Patients prefer a simultaneous bilateral procedure instead of 2 separate unilateral procedures. There is currently little evidence comparing bilateral and unilateral varicose vein surgeries. OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical outcomes of unilateral and bilateral radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively collected data on clinical outcomes of patients who underwent RFA. They investigated clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic (CEAP) score, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), and quality of life (QoL) score. RESULTS: Radiofrequency ablation was performed in 546 limbs in 385 patients. Women comprised 60.4% of the patients. The mean age was 52.3 ± 11.6 years (range, 19-84). The occlusion rate after 2 years was 94.5%. Clinical outcomes of CEAP score, VCSS, and QoL scores improved significantly from 2.15 ± 0.45, 2.70 ± 2.04, and 6.91 ± 6.69 at baseline to 2.10 ± 0.32, 0.63 ± 0.04, and 3.38 ± 4.74 at the study end, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative differences in CEAP score for unilateral and bilateral RFA were 0.02 ± 0.21 and 0.13 ± 0.49, respectively (p = .073). Those of VCSS for unilateral and bilateral RFA were 1.87 ± 1.50 and 4.01 ± 2.93, respectively (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Good clinical outcomes were shown after RFA with respect to CEAP, VCSS, and QoL scores. The simultaneous bilateral RFA can be performed with effectiveness.

Hybrid treatment of multilevel revascularization in patients with peripheral arterial disease - a multi-centre study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment is an alternative first-line management for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Hybrid treatment (HT) is defined as a combined treatment for patients with PAD using endovascular and open surgery, simultaneously performed in an operating room. The results of HT are reportedly good for multilevel revascularization (MR) in patients with chronic limb ischaemia, and even in older high-risk patients. The goal of this study was to examine the clinical and haemodynamic outcomes of HT in patients who need MR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine university hospitals in Korea participated in this multicentre study. A total of 134 patients with multilevel PAD underwent HT and MR. Patients were enrolled from July 2014 to June 2015 and were followed for 18 months. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 68.8 ± 9.93 years and 88.1 % were men. Patients with Rutherford category 2 to 3 and 4 to 6 comprised 59.0 % and 42.0 % of the group, respectively. The technical success rate was 100 %. The primary patency rates at 12 and 18 months were 77.6 % and 63.9 %, respectively. The primary-assisted patency rates at 12 and 18 months were both 90.0 %. The pre-operative mean ankle brachial index (0.43 ± 0.23) increased to 0.87 ± 0.23 at six months post-operatively (t-test, p < 0.05). The amputation free survival rate was 97.1 %. CONCLUSIONS: Although outcomes of multilevel PAD are reportedly poor when endovascular treatment alone is used, we have shown that HT is a feasible alternative modality for patients with multilevel PAD, with satisfactory amputation-free survival and freedom from re-intervention rates.

Risk Factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in the Korean Population.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound screening shows a clinical benefit in reducing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)-related mortality. However, its cost-effectiveness remains unclear. Understanding the relationship between risk factors and AAA is important to maximize the benefit of AAA screening. However, risk factors for AAA have not been reported in Korea. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, AAA among the Korean population. METHODS: The study population consisted of patients >50 years of age who consented for AAA screening. Screening was performed as follows for all participants: collection of demographic information, including risk factors, physical examination, and ultrasound screening. We measured the maximal diameter of the aorta from the outer to outer layer at 5 levels: suprarenal, renal, and infrarenal aorta, and bilateral common iliac arteries. AAA was defined as maximal aortic diameter >3 cm. The risk factors and risk ratio for AAA were determined. Chi-square test and a logistic regression model were used for statistical analysis. All P-values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 2,035 participants were enrolled. Among them, 908 (44.6%) were men and 1,127 (55.4%) were women. Mean age was 66.9 ± 10.3 years (range 23-95). AAA was detected in 18 of 908 (2.0%) men and 4 of 1,127 (0.4%) women. The presence of an AAA was significantly correlated with male sex (P < 0.001), advanced age (P = 0.01), smoking (P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (P < 0.01), and the presence of pulmonary disease (P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking was the only significant risk factor for AAA. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AAA was 2.0% in men and 0.4% in women. Male sex, old age, smoking, alcohol use, and pulmonary disease are possible risk factors for AAA in the general Korean population. Smoking is the strongest risk factor for the development of AAA.

Outcome and clinical significance of delayed endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is considered the standard therapy for most patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Endoleak is a well-known EVAR-related complication that requires long-term follow-up. However, patient follow-up is often challenging outside clinical trials. We sought to evaluate the incidence and the effect of delayed endoleaks in a Veterans Administration (VA) health care system where long-term follow-up is ensured. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 213 consecutive patients who underwent EVAR at a referral Veterans Administration medical center. Age, aneurysm size, patency of lumbar and inferior mesenteric arteries, and follow-up evaluations were recorded. Type of endoleak, date of detection, and intervention were also documented. Patients who had <1 year of follow-up were excluded. The χ(2) test, Student t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman correlation were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The analysis included 183 patients with a mean follow-up of 53 months (range, 12-141 months); of these, 48 patients (26%) had endoleaks, and 31 (17%) had aneurysm progression. The mean diagnosis time for nontype II (n = 14) endoleaks was 45 months (range, 3-127 months), and 71% were diagnosed >1 year after EVAR. All except one nontype II endoleak received prompt secondary interventions, and the one without intervention presented with aneurysm rupture. An isolated type II endoleak was detected in 34 patients at an average of 14.4 months (range, 0-76 months) after EVAR, 41% of which were detected >1 year after EVAR. Patients without a documented endoleak had a significant decrease in aneurysm size at the latest computed tomography evaluation compared to the preoperative size (4.8 vs 5.7 cm; P < .001), whereas those with isolated type II endoleak had an increase at the latest computed tomography follow-up compared to preoperative size (5.8 vs 5.7 cm). Importantly, 59% of the patients with a type II endoleak had significant AAA enlargement (0.8 cm), and delayed type II endoleak was significantly associated with sac enlargement compared to type II endoleaks detected early. No significant correlation was seen between the diameter of inferior mesenteric artery or lumbar to AAA enlargement among the patients with a type II endoleak. Secondary interventions in 12 patients with isolated type II endoleak resulted in overall aneurysm stabilization or regression. CONCLUSIONS: This long-term outcome study demonstrated that delayed endoleaks appearing >1 year after EVAR contributed to most of the overall endoleaks and were significantly associated with aneurysm sac growth. This study underscores that type II endoleak is not benign and that vigilant lifelong surveillance after EVAR is critical.

In situ polytetrafluorethylene graft bypass for contained rupture of rapidly progressing aortic pseudoaneurysm due to severe infectious aortitis.

Infectious aortitis is a rare disease with an unfavorable prognosis, although prompt and adequate treatment can reduce its high mortality rate. Pseudoaneurysms caused by aortitis tend to rupture when treatment is delayed. For this reason, determining the appropriate timing of surgical repair is critical. To date, there are no data regarding the expansion rate of the aortic wall after an aortic infection. We report a case of successful surgical treatment of rapidly progressing aortic expansion that resulted from severe infectious aortitis using in situ reconstruction. No complications were experienced by this patient over the 4-year follow-up period.

Novel Strategies for the Hostile Iliac Artery during Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Successful endovascular aneurysm repair can be achieved with favorable aortic and iliac arterial anatomies. However, patients with challenging iliac anatomy, such as stenotic, calcified, tortuous arteries, or concomitant iliac artery aneurysms, are commonly encountered. Such a hostile iliac anatomy increases the risk of intraprocedural complications and worsens long-term outcomes. This review addresses various technical options for treating patients with a hostile iliac anatomy, including innovative endovascular solutions, physician-modified endografts, and hybrid procedures. These considerations demonstrate the wide scope of therapies that may be offered to patients with an unfavorable iliac anatomy.

Single Tract Aortic Revascularization Technique in the Treatment of Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease.

Endovascular treatment is an acceptable option for patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease. However, bilateral passage of guidewires through the aortoiliac occlusion can be a challenging step in achieving successful revascularization. The aim of this article is to present a novel strategy for successfully passing bilateral guidewires through long aortoiliac occlusive lesions. After one guidewire is passed through the aortic and iliac lesions via one side of the femoral artery, the other guidewire is passed using the up-and-over technique and pulled out from the ipsilateral side of the body. This contralateral guidewire is then inserted into the ipsilateral angiographic catheter along with the ipsilateral guidewire. Subsequently, the angiographic catheter is removed in a manner similar to a peel-away sheath. Eventually, bilateral guidewires can be passed through the lesion via a single aortic tract.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Iliac Artery Rupture during Aortoiliac Stenting.

Purpose: Aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) is widely prevalent and leads to severe claudication or chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Stent placement for AIOD demonstrated excellent outcomes in terms of long-term patency. However, iliac artery rupture is the most fearful complication during the aortoiliac stenting (AIS). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of iliac artery rupture during AIS. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients with AIOD treated with AIS from 2009 to 2021 was completed. We excluded patients with instent restenosis. All types of stents, including self-expanding stent (SES), balloon-expandable stent (BES), or balloon-expandable covered stent (CS), were used. Angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes were analyzed. Procedural success was defined as the residual stenosis <30%. Results: A total of 242 patients (86.8% male; mean age 68.8±10.0 years) with de novo AIOD were treated with AIS. The procedural success rate was 100%. Rupture occurred in six patients (2.5%) and all ruptures were occurred in the external iliac artery (EIA). Stenting of the EIA and less calcified lesion were risk factors for iliac rupture (P=0.028). All cases of iliac artery rupture were successfully treated with the CSs. Overall primary patency rates were 98.0% and 93.4% at 12 and 36 months, respectively. Primary patency rates of SES, BES, and CS were 87.7%, 88.4%, and 100% at 36 months, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of iliac artery rupture during AIS was 2.5%. Stent placement in the less calcified lesion and EIA was a risk factor for rupture during AIS. Placement of the CS can be the straightforward solution in case of iliac artery rupture during AIS.

Clinical outcomes of nonthermal ablation, thermal ablation, and surgical stripping for varicose veins.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cyanoacrylate closure (CAC), mechanochemical ablation (MOCA), and surgical stripping (SS) for incompetent saphenous veins and to determine a suitable treatment modality for a specific clinical situation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with varicose veins who underwent RFA, CAC, MOCA, or SS from January 2012 to June 2023. The clinical outcomes, including postoperative complications and the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score, were assessed. RESULTS: During the study period, 2866 patients with varicose veins were treated. Among them, 1670 patients (57.9%) were women. The mean age was 55.3 ± 12.9 years. RFA, CAC, MOCA, and SS were performed in 1984 (68.7%), 732 (25.4%), 78 (2.7%), and 88 (3.0%) patients, respectively. The complete target vein closure rate after RFA, CAC, and MOCA was 94.5%, 98%, and 98%, respectively. The absence of a target vein after SS was 98%. Deep vein thrombosis developed in four patients: one in the RFA group and three in CAC group. Surgical or endovenous procedure-induced thrombosis occurred in 2.3%, 4.8%, 6.4%, and 2.3% of the patients after RFA, CAC, MOCA, and SS, respectively. Phlebitis along the target vein occurred in 0.2% and 3.8% of patients after RFA and MOCA, respectively. A hypersensitivity reaction occurred in 3.7% of patients after CAC. Readmission was required for two patients who had undergone SS. Transient nerve symptoms developed in five (0.3%), zero, one (1.3%), and two (2.3%) patients after RFA, CAC, MOCA, and SS, respectively. After treatment, the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score improved significantly in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes with improvement in quality of life were comparable among the different treatment modalities. The proximity of the nerve or skin to the target vein is the most important factor in selecting a suitable treatment modality.

Comparison between intermittent claudication versus chronic limb-threatening ischemia in peripheral arterial disease: a retrospective multicenter cohort study.

Purpose: The anatomical distribution, characteristics of lesions, and treatment modalities for peripheral artery disease (PAD) are diverse. Endovascular intervention is popular for symptomatic PAD, for both intermittent claudication (IC) and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). We aimed to investigate the endovascular devices used by comparing patients with PAD referred for endovascular revascularization with IC and CLTI. Methods: We identified 736 patients with PAD enrolled in the multicenter PAD registry in South Korea from 2019 to 2022. Of these patients, 636 received endovascular treatment at the time of this study. After excluding missing data, we analyzed 506 patients with IC or CLTI. Patients' characteristics, target lesions, and endovascular device data such as type, length, balloon diameter, and stent, were examined. Procedure outcomes of the aortoiliac, femoropopliteal, and below-the-knee lesions were analyzed. Results: Patients with CLTI were more likely to have diabetes mellitus, below-the-knee interventions, and multilevel PAD than the IC group. Patients with IC had more aortoiliac artery lesions and underwent atherectomies than the CLTI group (63.3% and 61.1% vs. 39.7% and 40.6%, respectively; P < 0.001). In patients with femoropopliteal lesions, those with CLTI were more revascularized with stents than the patients with IC, without significant differences (35.3% vs. 29.1%, P = 0.161). Compared to the IC group, the CLTI patients showed significantly worse rates of primary patency, amputation, and mortality (P = 0.029, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Among Korean patients with PAD, there is a significant difference in baseline and lesion characteristics, endovascular strategies, and short-term follow-up outcomes among those with IC and CLTI.

Increased mean platelet volume and mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio in Korean patients with deep vein thrombosis.

The mean platelet volume (MPV) is a laboratory marker associated with platelet function and activity. Increased MPV in thromboembolic disease is considered an important risk factor. The aim of this study was to compare the MPV and MPV/platelet count (MPV/P) ratio between deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and control subjects. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients (n = 91) admitted due to newly diagnosed DVT from December 2010 to March 2012. The control group (n = 311) underwent health screening at our Hospital. Median MPV was higher in DVT patients compared to controls (8.6 fl vs. 7.9 fl, p < 0.0001). The DVT patients also had a higher MPV/P ratio compared to the control group (0.0388 fl/(10(9)/l) vs. 0.0308 fl/(10(9)/l), p < 0.0001). MPV was inversely correlated with platelet count in DVT patients (correlation coefficient = -0.33, p = 0.001). Receiver operator characteristic analysis revealed that an MPV cutoff value of 8.2 fl provided 70.3% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity. An MPV/P cutoff value of 0.0363 fl/(10(9)/l) showed 60% sensitivity and 73% specificity. MPV and MPV/P ratio could be considered meaningful laboratory markers for the risk of DVT.

Complex Hypersensitivity and Irritation Reaction (CHAIR) Phenomenon after Cyanoacrylate Closure of Varicose Vein.

Cyanoacrylate glue is a non-thermal, non-tumescent agent used to treat saphenous reflux. It was introduced to overcome heat-related discomfort and complications. Multiple randomized controlled trials using this therapy have demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes at long-term follow-up. However, diffuse injection-site inflammation and systemic urticaria are worrisome complications. In preclinical studies, serial histopathological findings demonstrated acute inflammatory reaction, subacute vasculitis, chronic granulomatous foreign body reaction, fibrotic changes with partial vascular recanalization, and chronic foreign body-type inflammatory response. While the exact nature of this unique complication remains undefined, complex hypersensitivity and irritation reaction phenomena have been suggested based on reported clinical presentations. The incidence of this complication has been reported as ranging from 0.3%-25.4%. Typically, erythematous reactions can occur near treatment sites, with symptoms ranging from mild pruritus and/or erythema that resolves without treatment to recurrent severe inflammation and pruritus requiring nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, and/or corticosteroids. Surgical excision has been rarely reported in patients with severe intractable inflammation or treatment-site infections. Although several anecdotal studies reported on using antihistaminics or corticosteroids, no effective strategies have been established to prevent this complication.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Detected with Ultrasound in Korea and Belgium.

The objective was to investigate the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and the diameters of the aorta and common iliac arteries (CIAs) in a Korean cohort and secondly to analyze the differences in aortic diameter by comparison with a European cohort. The Korean cohort included participants ≥ 50 years who consented to AAA screening and data were analysed retrospectively. Aortic and common iliac diameters were measured using the outer-to-outer diameter method and prevalence rates were calculated. Common risk factors such as smoking, body mass index, pulmonary disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, ischaemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease were reported in association with AAA occurrence and AAA development. The aortic diameters were then compared with those in a Belgian cohort of 2487 participants identified in the Liège AAA Screening Program. An aortic size index (ASI) was also calculated to account for the potential size differences in the Belgian and Korean populations. A total of 3124 Korean participants were examined using ultrasound. The prevalence of AAAs in this cohort was 0.7%. The combined prevalence of subaneurysmal dilatation and AAA was 1.5%. The prevalence in male smokers older than 65 years was 2.7% (19/715). The mean infrarenal aortic diameter was 17.3 ± 3.1 mm in men and 15.7 ± 2.7 mm in women; the corresponding values in Belgian participants were 19.4 ± 3.0 mm in men and 17.9 ± 2.4 mm in women. The median aortic size index was 0.99 (interquartile range 0.88-1.12). The mean infrarenal aortic diameter was significantly smaller in the Korean cohort than in the Belgian cohort. Considering the observed prevalence of AAAs in different age groups, the age groups which would contribute to most cases was male persons above 66 years in both cohorts.

A nationwide study of compliance of venoactive drugs in chronic venous disease patients.

Purpose: Venoactive drugs are widely used to improve the symptoms and signs of chronic venous disease. This study aimed to analyze the rate of adverse events after venoactive drug prescription and subsequent compliance and switching rates. Methods: Using the National Health Insurance Service database, individuals with at least one chronic venous disease code between January 2009 and December 2019 were identified, and 30% (2,216,780 individuals) of these were sampled. Finally, 1,551,212 patients were included, and we analyzed adverse events, compliance, and switching rates with 8 venoactive drugs, including Vitis vinifera extract, naftazone, micronized purified flavonoid fraction, Vitis vinifera leaf extract, diosmin, diobsilate calcium, bilberry fruit dried extract, and sulodexide. Results: The most commonly prescribed venoactive drug was Vitis vinifera extract (72.2%), followed by sulodexide (9.3%), and Vitis vinifera leaf dry extract (8.2%). Adverse event rates were significantly lower in the naftazone and diosmin groups (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively) and significantly higher in the Vitis vinifera leaf dry extract group (P = 0.009). Drug adherence to sulodexide was the highest throughout the study period, followed by billberry extract and dobesilate (all P < 0.001). For most drugs, the drug switching rate was low (<5.0%). Conclusion: Vitis vinifera extract was the most commonly prescribed venoactive drug in Korea, and drug adherence to sulodexide was the highest among all venoactive drugs. The adverse event rates were significantly lower in the naftazone and diosmin groups.