Advanced Levels of Chronic Venous Insufficiency are Related to an Increased in Arterial Stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by progressive inflammatory changes. Inflammatory damage occurs in the veins, adjacent tissues, and can lead to structural changes in the arteries. The aim of this study is to analyze whether the degree of CVI is associated with arterial stiffness. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including patients with CVI classified by clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological classification (CEAP) 1 to 6. We performed correlation between the degree of CVI, central and peripheral arterial pressure, and arterial stiffness measured by brachial artery oscillometry. RESULTS: We evaluated 70 patients, 53 of whom were women with a mean age of 54.7 years. Patients with advanced degrees of venous insufficiency CEAP 4,5,6, had higher levels of systolic, diastolic, central, and peripheral arterial pressures compared to those with early stages (CEAP 1,2,3). The CEAP 4,5,6 group had higher arterial stiffness indices than the CEAP 1,2,3 group: pulse wave velocity (PWV) 9.3 m/s vs. 7.0 m/s, P < 0.001; augmentation pressure (AP) 8.0 mm Hg vs. 6.3 mm Hg; P = 0.04. There was a positive correlation between the degree of venous insufficiency measured by the venous clinical severity score, villalta score and CEAP classification, and the arterial stiffness indices (Spearman's coefficient = 0.62 for PWV and CEAP, P < 0.01). The factors influencing PWV were age, peripheral systolic arterial pressure (SAPp), and AP. CONCLUSIONS: There is a correlation between the degree of venous disease and arterial structural changes characterized by arterial pressure and stiffness indices. Degenerative changes secondary to venous insufficiency are associated with impairment of the arterial system, which has implications for the development of cardiovascular disease.

Thromboprophylaxis in lower limb varicose vein surgery in Brazil.

Background: Despite all the investment in primary venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for surgical patients in recent years, there are still no specific guidelines for those who undergo procedures to treat lower limb varicose veins. Objectives: To evaluate the profile of VTE prophylaxis practices among Brazilian vascular surgeons conducting lower limb varicose vein procedures. Methods: Survey design, sending an electronic questionnaire to Brazilian vascular surgeons. Respondents were divided between those who perform saphenous vein treatment with conventional surgery and those who perform thermoablation for the purpose of comparison between groups. Results: Of 765 respondents, 405 (53%) treat saphenous veins with conventional surgery for, 44 (6%) with foam, and 199 (26%) with thermoablation (endolaser or radiofrequency). Surgeons who perform thermoablation prescribed more pharmacoprophylaxis after varicose vein surgery than those who perform conventional surgery (67/199, 34% vs. 112/405, 28%; p = 0.002). The thermoablation group stratifies patients for thromboembolism risk more frequently than the conventional surgery group (102/199, 51% vs. 179/405, 44%; p = 0.004). Both groups use enoxaparin as the most frequent drug for prophylaxis, but the thermoablation group uses proportionally more direct oral anticoagulants than the conventional surgery group (26% vs. 10%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Brazilian vascular surgeons who perform saphenous vein treatment by thermoablation prescribe pharmacoprophylaxis more frequently and for a longer period than those who use conventional surgery.

Pediatric obstructive sleep-disordered breathing is associated with arterial stiffness.

The association between obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) and arterial stiffness, an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes, is not well established in children. This study compared cardiovascular parameters between healthy and oSDB children and aimed to identify predictors of arterial stiffness indices in children with oSDB. Cross-sectional study realized in a tertiary hospital from June 2018 to January 2020. Forty-eight children (3 to 10 years old) with clinical diagnosis of oSDB and indication for adenotonsillectomy and 24 controls were evaluated. Cardiovascular parameters were measured non-invasively by brachial artery oscillometry with a portable device. The main arterial stiffness indices assessed were augmentation index and pulse wave velocity, both derived from the aortic pulse wave. In the oSDB group, the questionnaires Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 (OSA-18) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) were applied. The oSDB group had higher values of reflection coefficient (p = 0.044) and augmentation index (p = 0.003) than the control group. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that age, female sex, reflection coefficient, and systolic volume were independent predictors of augmentation index. Higher pulse wave velocity values were associated with worse quality of life assessed by PedsQL 4.0 questionnaire. There was no association with OSA-18. The vascular and hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups.Conclusion: Children with oSDB have increased augmentation index, an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. The early identification of subclinical cardiovascular changes reinforces the importance of treating the disease, as well as changing lifestyle habits, to prevent complications in adulthood. What is Known: • The association between oSDB and cardiovascular risk in adults is well described in the literature. • Children with oSDB, regardless of their weight or sex, have higher PWV values when compared to non-snoring children. What is New: • Children with oSDB have augmented arterial stiffness, evidenced by the increase in AIx@75, measured non-invasively by brachial artery oscillometry with a portable device. • Low quality of life and therefore a high disease burden in children with oSDB may be a risk factor for arterial stiffness.

Qualidade de vida e índices de rigidez arterial em pacientes com isquemia crônica ameaçadora ao membro / Quality of life and arterial stiffness indices in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia

Introdução: Os fatores associados ao comprometimento da qualidade de vida em pacientes com isquemia crônica ameaçadora ao membro não estão bem estabelecidos. Objetivo: Verificar se existe associação entre a qualidade de vida e os índices de rigidez arterial, velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) e o índice de aumentação normalizado para a frequência cardíaca de 75 bpm (AIx@75). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional, com a participação de 17 pacientes (65,65 ±11,79 anos) com isquemia crônica ameaçadora ao membro definida pela classificação de Rutherford 4, 5 e 6, e com o índice tornozelo-braço (ITB) < 0,80. A avaliação dos parâmetros vasculares e os índices de rigidez arterial foram realizadas com o aparelho Mobil-O-Graph ® que gera a onda de pulso aórtica a partir da oscilometria da artéria braquial. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo questionário Vascular quality of life questionaire (VascuQoL-6), versão curta, desenvolvido especificamente para avaliar pacientes com comprometimento circulatório, arterial ou venoso. Resultados: Os valores do ITB e do escore de qualidade de vida foram 0,48 ± 0,14 e 15,88 ± 1,03; respectivamente. Dos 17 pacientes, 12 apresentavam hipertensão arterial sistólica e dezesseis apresentaram a VOP maior que 10 m/s. Não foram observadas correlações entre o escore de qualidade de vida com o AIx@75 (p=0,54 e r=0,16), a VOP (p=0,332 e r=0,248) e o ITB (p=0,707 e r=0,098). Conclusão: O presente estudo demonstrou que pacientes com isquemia crônica ameaçadora ao membro apresentam comprometimento importante da qualidade de vida sem associação com os índices de rigidez arterial e ITB.

Introduction: The factors associated with impaired quality of life in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia are not well established. Objective: Check whether there is an association between quality of life and arterial stiffness indexes, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index corrected to 75 beats per minute heart rate (AIx@75). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study, with the participation of 17 patients (65.65 ± 11.79 years) with chronic limb-threatening ischemia defined by the Rutherford classification 4, 5 and 6, and with the ankle-arm index (ABI) < 0.80. The evaluation of vascular parameters and arterial stiffness indeces was performed with the MobilO-Graph ® device that generates the aortic pulse wave from the brachial artery oscillometry. Quality of life was assessed using the questionnaire Vascular quality of life questionaire (VascuQoL-6), short version, developed specifically to evaluate patients with circulatory, arterial or venous involvement. Results: The values of the ITB and the quality of life score were 0.48 ± 0.14 and 15.88 ± 1.03; respectively. Of the 17 patients, 12 had systolic arterial hypertension and sixteen had PWV greater than 10 m / s. No correlations were observed between the quality of life score with AIx @ 75 (p = 0.54 and r = 0.16), PWV (p = 0.332 and r = 0.248) and ABI (p = 0.707 and r = 0.098). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia present significant impairment of quality of life without association with arterial stiffness and ABI.

Tromboprofilaxia na cirurgia de varizes dos membros inferiores no Brasil / Thromboprophylaxis in lower limb varicose vein surgery in Brazil

Resumo Contexto Apesar de todo o investimento na profilaxia primária do tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) em pacientes cirúrgicos nos últimos anos, ainda não existem diretrizes específicas para aqueles que serão submetidos a procedimentos para tratamento de varizes de membros inferiores. Objetivos Avaliar o perfil de conduta de profilaxia do TEV pelos cirurgiões vasculares brasileiros para procedimentos de tratamento de varizes de membros inferiores. Métodos Pesquisa de levantamento por envio de questionário eletrônico a cirurgiões vasculares brasileiros. Os respondentes foram divididos entre os que realizam tratamento de veias safenas por cirurgia convencional e os que realizam termoablação para fim de comparação entre os grupos. Resultados Entre os 765 respondentes, o tratamento de escolha das veias safenas foi a cirurgia convencional para 405 (53%), espuma ecoguiada para 44 (6%) e termoablação (endolaser ou radiofrequência) para 199 (26%). Os cirurgiões que realizam termoablação prescrevem mais farmacoprofilaxia após o procedimento que aqueles que preferem cirurgia convencional (67/199, 34% vs. 112/405, 28%; p = 0,002). O grupo termoablação estratifica o paciente quanto ao risco de TEV com mais frequência que o grupo cirurgia convencional (102/199, 51% vs. 179/405, 44%; p =0,004). Ambos os grupos usam mais frequentemente enoxaparina como medicação para profilaxia, porém o grupo termoablação usa mais anticoagulantes orais diretos proporcionalmente que o grupo cirurgia convencional (26% vs. 10%, p < 0,001). Conclusões Cirurgiões vasculares brasileiros que fizeram o tratamento de veias safenas por termoablação prescrevem farmacoprofilaxia com maior frequência e por um período mais prolongado do que os que realizaram o tratamento por cirurgia convencional.

Abstract Background Despite all the investment in primary venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for surgical patients in recent years, there are still no specific guidelines for those who undergo procedures to treat lower limb varicose veins. Objectives To evaluate the profile of VTE prophylaxis practices among Brazilian vascular surgeons conducting lower limb varicose vein procedures. Methods Survey design, sending an electronic questionnaire to Brazilian vascular surgeons. Respondents were divided between those who perform saphenous vein treatment with conventional surgery and those who perform thermoablation for the purpose of comparison between groups. Results Of 765 respondents, 405 (53%) treat saphenous veins with conventional surgery for, 44 (6%) with foam, and 199 (26%) with thermoablation (endolaser or radiofrequency). Surgeons who perform thermoablation prescribed more pharmacoprophylaxis after varicose vein surgery than those who perform conventional surgery (67/199, 34% vs. 112/405, 28%; p = 0.002). The thermoablation group stratifies patients for thromboembolism risk more frequently than the conventional surgery group (102/199, 51% vs. 179/405, 44%; p = 0.004). Both groups use enoxaparin as the most frequent drug for prophylaxis, but the thermoablation group uses proportionally more direct oral anticoagulants than the conventional surgery group (26% vs. 10%, p<0.001). Conclusions Brazilian vascular surgeons who perform saphenous vein treatment by thermoablation prescribe pharmacoprophylaxis more frequently and for a longer period than those who use conventional surgery.

Arterial stiffness predicts amputation and death in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Arterial stiffness indices predict cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary or kidney disease; however, there is little data on the prognostic value of arterial stiffness in patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease. We determined whether arterial stiffness indices predict the outcomes of major amputation or death in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: Arterial stiffness was prospectively measured using brachial oscillometry in patients with CLTI. After measuring arterial stiffness, patients were followed in 6-month intervals for up to 3 years and evaluated for limb preservation, occurrence of major amputation, or death. Hemodynamic variables and arterial stiffness indices were used to define predictors of amputation or death. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients presented with CLTI, and 134 (99%) of these patients required limb revascularization. At the end of follow-up (mean, 14 months), 24 patients (18%) were alive with a major amputation, and mortality was 7% (9 patients); 33 patients (24%) progressed to the combined outcome of major amputation or death. Patients having amputation and/or death (n = 33; 24%) initially presented with elevated pulse wave velocity (PWV) (13.41 ± 1.21 m/s vs 11.54 ± 1.65 m/s; P < .001), elevated augmentation index corrected to 75 beats per minute (40.42 ± 6.65% vs 27.12 ± 9.19%; P < .001), and high augmentation pressure (AP) (29.98 ± 4.32 mm Hg vs 13.40 ± 7.05 mm Hg; P < .001) compared with patients with preserved limbs. The initial ankle-brachial index (ABI) was lower in patients having amputation and/or death (0.43 ± 0.94 vs 0.62 ± 0.12; P < .001). Multivariable analysis identified PWV (odds ratio [OR], 2.62; P = .013), AP (OR, 1.56; P < .001), and ABI (OR, 0.01; P < .001) as predictors of amputation or death. ROC analysis identified patients with PWV ≤12.7 m/s (hazard ratio, 4.71; P < .001), AP ≤22.15 mm Hg (hazard ratio, 13.03; P < .001), or ABI >0.52 with an increased rate of limb preservation. CONCLUSIONS: PWV and AP, measurements of arterial stiffness, as well as the ABI, predict amputation or death in patients with CLTI.

Association Between Critical Limb Ischemia, the Society for Vascular Surgery Wound, Ischemia and Foot Infection (WIfI) Classification System and Arterial Stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness analysis has been done to classify cardiovascular risk. The aim of this article is to analyze whether the group of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) has higher arterial stiffness indices than controls. The secondary objectives are to assess whether patients with advanced stages of Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification have high levels of arterial stiffness, through multiple linear regressions to analyze whether the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and other variables are predictive of arterial stiffness. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 66 patients with CLTI and 66 age- and sex-matched controls using brachial artery oscillometry. Hemodynamic and arterial stiffness measurements, clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and stages of WIfI classification were compared between the groups CLTI and controls. Through multiple linear regression, we identified predictors of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index normalized to 75 beats/min (AIx@75). RESULTS: Patients with CLTI had PWV (11.8 ± 1.6 m/sec vs. 10.0 ± 1.8 m/sec, P < 0.01) and AIx@75 (29.2 ± 9.8% vs.18. ± 10.35%, P < 0.01) higher than controls. In the multiple regression model, there was influence of age (ß = 0.17, P < 0.01), antiplatelet therapy (ß = -0.15, P = 0.04), peripheral systolic pressure (ß = 0.03, P < 0.01), and clustered WIfI stages 3 and 4 (ß = 0.17, P = 0.02) of benefit of revascularization on PWV. Multiple regression analysis identified diabetes (ß = 7.51, P < 0.01) and the degree of ischemia measured by ABI (ß = -23.89, P < 0.01) as predictors of elevated AIx@75. WIfI stages 3 and 4 of estimate risk of amputation at 1 year predicts a high AIx@75 (ß = 9.77, P < 0.001) compared with stages 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of ischemia in CLTI patients determined by the ABI is associated with elevated arterial stiffness as measured by the AIx@75. Advanced WIfI stages were predictors of elevated PWV and AIx@75.

Association between critical limb ischemia and arterial stiffness measured by brachial artery oscillometry.

BACKGROUND: Elevated arterial stiffness is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. The relationship between arterial stiffness and critical limb ischemia (CLI) is not well established. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between arterial stiffness indices and the degree of limb ischemia measured by the ankle-brachial index (ABI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study comparing patients with CLI and controls. Arterial stiffness was measured using brachial artery oscillometry. The arterial stiffness indices pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index normalized to 75 beats/min (AIx@75) were determined. Multiple linear regression was applied to identify predictors of arterial stiffness indices. RESULTS: Patients in the CLI group had higher PWV (12.1±1.9 m/s vs. 10.1±1.9 m/s, p < 0.01) and AIx@75 (31.8±7.8% vs. 17.5±10.8%, p < 0.01) than controls. Central systolic pressure was higher in the CLI group (129.2±18.4 mmHg vs. 115.2±13.1 mmHg, p < 0.01). There was an inverse relationship between AIx@75 and ABI (Pearson coefficient = 0.24, p = 0.048), but there was no relationship between ABI and PWV (Pearson coefficient = 0.19, p = 0.12). In multiple regression analysis, reduced ABI was a predictor of elevated levels of AIx@75 (ß = -25.02, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CLI have high arterial stiffness measured by brachial artery oscillometry. The degree of limb ischemia, as measured by the ABI, is a predictor of increased AIx@75. The increased AIx@75 observed in CLI may have implications for the prognosis of this group of patients with advanced atherosclerosis.

CONTEXTO: A rigidez arterial aumentada está associada ao aumento da mortalidade cardiovascular. A relação entre rigidez arterial e isquemia crítica do membro (IC) não está bem estabelecida. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a relação entre índices de rigidez arterial e o grau de isquemia de membro medido pelo índice tornozelo-braço (ITB). MÉTODOS: Foi feito um estudo transversal em pacientes com IC e controles. A rigidez arterial foi medida usando a oscilometria da artéria braquial. Os índices de rigidez arterial mensurados foram a velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) e o índice de aumentação corrigido para a frequência cardíaca de 75 batimentos/min (AIx@75). Regressão linear múltipla foi aplicada para identificar preditores dos índices de rigidez arterial. RESULTADOS: Pacientes do grupo IC tiveram VOP (12,1±1,9 m/s vs. 10,1±1,9 m/s, p < 0,01) e AIx@75 (31,8±7,8% vs. 17,5±10,8%, p < 0,01) maiores que controles. Pressão sistólica central foi maior no grupo IC (129,2±18,4 mmHg vs. 115,2±13,1 mmHg, p < 0,01). Houve uma relação inversa entre o AIx@75 e o ITB (coeficiente de Pearson = 0,19, p = 0,12). A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou que o ITB reduzido foi um preditor de elevação do AIx@75 (ß = -25,02, p < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com IC têm elevada rigidez arterial medida por oscilometria da artéria braquial. O grau de isquemia do membro, medido pelo ITB, é um preditor do AIx@75 elevado. O aumento do AIx@75 na IC pode ter implicações de prognóstico no grupo de pacientes com aterosclerose avançada.

Applications of arterial stiffness markers in peripheral arterial disease.

Arterial stiffness has been analyzed in many different population groups with the objective of identifying cardiovascular risk early and performing specific therapeutic interventions. Increased arterial stiffness affects the capacity of the aorta and elastic arteries to adapt to pressure variations during the cardiac cycle. The main markers of arterial stiffness are pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx) and central aortic pressure. They can be measured noninvasively. Patients with coronary disease or on hemodialysis who have elevated PWV or AIx have increased mortality. The association with peripheral arterial disease has been studied little. The objective of this review is to demonstrate the applicability and utility of assessing measures of arterial stiffness in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Association between critical limb ischemia and arterial stiffness measured by brachial artery oscillometry / Associação entre isquemia crítica do membro e rigidez arterial medida por oscilometria da artéria braquial

Background Elevated arterial stiffness is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. The relationship between arterial stiffness and critical limb ischemia (CLI) is not well established. Objectives The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between arterial stiffness indices and the degree of limb ischemia measured by the ankle-brachial index (ABI). Methods A cross-sectional study comparing patients with CLI and controls. Arterial stiffness was measured using brachial artery oscillometry. The arterial stiffness indices pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index normalized to 75 beats/min (AIx@75) were determined. Multiple linear regression was applied to identify predictors of arterial stiffness indices. Results Patients in the CLI group had higher PWV (12.1±1.9 m/s vs. 10.1±1.9 m/s, p < 0.01) and AIx@75 (31.8±7.8% vs. 17.5±10.8%, p < 0.01) than controls. Central systolic pressure was higher in the CLI group (129.2±18.4 mmHg vs. 115.2±13.1 mmHg, p < 0.01). There was an inverse relationship between AIx@75 and ABI (Pearson coefficient = 0.24, p = 0.048), but there was no relationship between ABI and PWV (Pearson coefficient = 0.19, p = 0.12). In multiple regression analysis, reduced ABI was a predictor of elevated levels of AIx@75 (β = -25.02, p < 0.01). Conclusions Patients with CLI have high arterial stiffness measured by brachial artery oscillometry. The degree of limb ischemia, as measured by the ABI, is a predictor of increased AIx@75. The increased AIx@75 observed in CLI may have implications for the prognosis of this group of patients with advanced atherosclerosis

A rigidez arterial aumentada está associada ao aumento da mortalidade cardiovascular. A relação entre rigidez arterial e isquemia crítica do membro (IC) não está bem estabelecida. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a relação entre índices de rigidez arterial e o grau de isquemia de membro medido pelo índice tornozelo-braço (ITB). Métodos Foi feito um estudo transversal em pacientes com IC e controles. A rigidez arterial foi medida usando a oscilometria da artéria braquial. Os índices de rigidez arterial mensurados foram a velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) e o índice de aumentação corrigido para a frequência cardíaca de 75 batimentos/min (AIx@75). Regressão linear múltipla foi aplicada para identificar preditores dos índices de rigidez arterial. Resultados Pacientes do grupo IC tiveram VOP (12,1±1,9 m/s vs. 10,1±1,9 m/s, p < 0,01) e AIx@75 (31,8±7,8% vs. 17,5±10,8%, p < 0,01) maiores que controles. Pressão sistólica central foi maior no grupo IC (129,2±18,4 mmHg vs. 115,2±13,1 mmHg, p < 0,01). Houve uma relação inversa entre o AIx@75 e o ITB (coeficiente de Pearson = 0,19, p = 0,12). A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou que o ITB reduzido foi um preditor de elevação do AIx@75 (β = -25,02, p < 0,01). Conclusões Pacientes com IC têm elevada rigidez arterial medida por oscilometria da artéria braquial. O grau de isquemia do membro, medido pelo ITB, é um preditor do AIx@75 elevado. O aumento do AIx@75 na IC pode ter implicações de prognóstico no grupo de pacientes com aterosclerose avançada

Aplicabilidade dos marcadores de rigidez arterial na doença arterial periférica / Applications of arterial stiffness markers in peripheral arterial disease

A análise de rigidez arterial tem sido feita em vários grupos populacionais com o objetivo de identificar precocemente o risco cardiovascular e realizar medidas terapêuticas específicas. O aumento da rigidez arterial leva à perda de capacidade de adaptação da aorta e das artérias elásticas às variações de pressão durante o ciclo cardíaco. Os principais marcadores de rigidez arterial são a velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP), o índice de aumentação (AIx) e a pressão aórtica central. Esses índices podem ser obtidos de maneira não invasiva. Ocorre aumento da mortalidade em pacientes com doença coronariana ou em hemodiálise que apresentam aumento da VOP ou do AIx. A associação com a doença arterial periférica é pouco estudada. O objetivo desta revisão é mostrar a aplicabilidade e a utilidade de realizar medidas de rigidez arterial em pacientes com doença arterial periférica

Arterial stiffness has been analyzed in many different population groups with the objective of identifying cardiovascular risk early and performing specific therapeutic interventions. Increased arterial stiffness affects the capacity of the aorta and elastic arteries to adapt to pressure variations during the cardiac cycle. The main markers of arterial stiffness are pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx) and central aortic pressure. They can be measured noninvasively. Patients with coronary disease or on hemodialysis who have elevated PWV or AIx have increased mortality. The association with peripheral arterial disease has been studied little. The objective of this review is to demonstrate the applicability and utility of assessing measures of arterial stiffness in patients with peripheral arterial disease

Endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein comparing 1920-nm and 1470-nm diode laser.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare venous occlusion rates at a one-year follow-up comparing 1920-nm versus 1470-nm endolaser. METHODS: Randomized prospective study with consecutive patients with varicose veins associated to great saphenous reflux. The 1470-nm laser ablation was performed in continuous mode, with power of 10 W, while for the 1920-nm it was set in 5 W. Follow-up data were collected at the 7-day, 30-day, 3-month, 6-month and 1-year visits, and involved clinical, ultrasound evaluation and measurement of occlusion length. RESULTS: Sixty seven patients were included, with 42 limbs operated in the 1470-nm group and 48 limbs in the 1920-nm group. There were no differences in relation to age, CEAP (Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomical and Pathological Classification), VCSS (Venous Clinical Severity Score) and saphenous diameter. The resulting LEED in 1920-nm group was 17.8±0.6 J/cm and vs. 24.7±0.8 J/cm in 1470-nm group (P<0.01). Closure rates were lower for the 1920-nm group: 90.9% vs. 96.8% (P=0.06) at 30 days, 87.5% vs. 96.3% at 6 months (P=0.03), and 87.5% vs. 94.7% (P=0.05) at one year. The 1920-nm group had less ecchymosis (18.7% vs. 52.4%), induration (12.4% vs. 38.1%) and days of analgesic use (1.4±0.2 vs. 2.4±0.4). CEAP and VCSS were reduced over time in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with endolaser 1920-nm was feasible and with reduced complications. The use of low endoluminal energy resulted in lower vein occlusion rates comparing to the 1470-nn laser. Clinical outcome scores were similar between groups.