Should surgical inpatients still wear compression stockings?

Surgical inpatients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Current national guidelines recommend a combination of pharmacological (chemoprophylaxis) and mechanical thromboprophylaxis to reduce VTE risk. For most patients, mechanical thromboprophylaxis is provided via application of graduated compression stockings (GCS). This editorial reviews the evidence surrounding the efficacy and safety of GCS in VTE prevention, and makes a recommendation regarding their continued use in surgical inpatients.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 24 Month Patency After Endovenous Stenting of Superior Vena Cava, Subclavian, and Brachiocephalic Vein Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to appraise recent evidence assessing patency outcomes at various time points in patients with superior vena cava, subclavian, and brachiocephalic vein stenosis who had undergone stenting. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies up to December 2022. REVIEW METHODS: Measured outcomes included technical success rate, primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency at various time points. A subgroup analysis was also conducted to compare malignant and benign obstruction. GRADE was used to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Thirty nine studies reporting outcomes in 1539 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Primary patency up to 1 year after the procedure was 81.5% (95% CI 74.5 - 86.9%). Primary patency declined after 1 year to 63.2% (95% CI 51.9 - 73.1%) at 12 - 24 months. Primary assisted patency and secondary patency at ≥ 24 months were 72.7% (95% CI 49.1 - 88.0%) and 76.6% (95% CI 51.1 - 91.1%). In the subgroup analysis, primary patency was significantly higher in patients with a malignant stenosis compared with a benign stenosis at 1 - 3 and 12 - 24 months. No significant difference was seen for pooled secondary patency rates when comparing the malignant and benign subgroups. GRADE analysis determined the certainty of evidence for all outcomes to be very low. CONCLUSION: Stenting is an effective intervention for benign and malignant stenosis of the superior vena cava, subclavian, and brachiocephalic veins. Primary patency rates were good up to 1 year after the procedure, with 81.5% of stents retaining patency at 6 - 12 months. Patency rates declined after 1 year, to 63.2% primary and 89.3% secondary patency at 12 - 24 months, showing improved outcomes following re-intervention. High quality evidence is lacking. More research is needed to investigate patency outcomes and the need for surveillance or re-intervention programme.

A scoping review of scores or grading systems for pelvic venous disorders.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) encompass a variety of conditions linked to chronic pelvic pain in women. However, PeVD remain underdiagnosed due to the absence of universally accepted diagnostic criteria. The complexity of PeVD classifications across specialties leads to delays in treatment. This scoping review aims to fill a gap in PeVD diagnosis and management by identifying all existing scoring or grading systems to lay the foundation for standardized clinical scoring tools for PeVD. METHODS: This scoping review was undertaken according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping reviews. Online databases were searched up to April 2023. Studies implementing a scoring or grading system for patients with confirmed or suspected PeVD were included. Scores or grading systems were classified into four main categories based on their use in the study: screening, diagnosis, measure of disease severity, and measure of response to treatment. RESULTS: Of the 2976 unique records identified, 82 were reviewed in full, and 20 were included in this study. The publication dates ranged from 1984 to 2023 (median, 2018; interquartile range, 2003-2022). A total of 21 scores and/or grading systems were identified. Of these 21 scores, 10 (47.6%) were clinical scores, and 10 (47.6%) were scores based on radiological findings; one study included a score that used both clinical and radiological findings. The identified scores were used in various settings. Of the 21 scores, 2 (9.52%) were used for screening in a tertiary care setting; 3 (14.3%) were used to establish the PeVD diagnosis; 8 (38.1%) were used to assess disease severity; and 8 (38.1%) were used as measures of response to treatment. Of the eight scores assessing disease severity, four (50.0%) assessed the degree of dilatation of pelvic veins and four (50%) assessed the severity of reflux. Only three of the scores were validated. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review identified a range of scoring and grading systems for PeVD. We note a lack of a validated scoring system, both clinical and radiological, for screening and assessment of disease severity. This is an important first step in developing validated disease-specific scoring systems for patient screening, appropriate referral, assessment of symptom severity, and assessment of the response to treatment.

Identification of outcomes in clinical studies for pelvic venous disorders.

OBJECTIVE: There is increasing recognition that health systems need to measure and improve the value of patient care by measuring outcomes. Chronic pelvic pain secondary to pelvic venous insufficiency can have a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL) of women affected. Despite growing recognition, pelvic venous disorders (PeVDs), an important cause of chronic pelvic pain, remain underdiagnosed. Developing a core outcome set (COS) for benchmarking care delivery enhances the standardization of care. However, there is no consensus regarding a standardized minimum set of outcomes for PeVD. We aimed to generate a list of outcomes reported in previous PeVD treatment studies to lay the foundation for developing a COS for PeVD. METHODS: This scoping review was undertaken according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Initially, screening, full-text review and extraction was conducted on studies published between 2018 and 2023. Subsequently, the search was expanded using 1-year intervals, until, over a 1-year interval, no new outcomes were recorded. Closely related outcomes were classified into domains, and domains into three core areas: disease-specific, treatment-related, and QOL-related outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 1579 records identified, 51 publications were included. From these studies, 108 different outcomes were identified. The median number of outcomes per study was 8 (interquartile range, 6-13). Closely related outcomes were organized into 42 outcome domains, which were then categorized into 3 core outcome areas; 47.6% (20/42) were disease specific, 35.7% (15/42) treatment related, and 16.7% (7/42) were QOL related. Of the 51 included studies, disease-specific outcomes were identified in 96.1% of the studies (49/51), treatment-related outcomes in 94.1% (48/51), and QOL outcomes in only 13.7% (7/51). CONCLUSIONS: There was significant heterogeneity in outcomes reported in PeVD studies. Most PeVD treatment studies evaluated disease-specific and treatment-related outcomes of PeVD, but few reported outcomes that measured the impact on QOL. These findings will inform the next steps in developing a COS for PeVD.

Factors associated with lack of clinical improvement after vein ablation in the vascular quality initiative.

BACKGROUND: Insurance companies have adopted variable and inconsistent approval criteria for chronic venous disease (CVD) treatment. Although vein ablation (VA) is accepted as the standard of care for venous ulcers, the treatment criteria for patients with milder forms of CVD remain controversial. This study aims to identify factors associated with a lack of clinical improvement (LCI) in patients with less severe CVD without ulceration undergoing VA to improve patient selection for treatment. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing VA for CEAP C2 to C4 disease in the Vascular Quality Initiative varicose veins database from 2014 to 2023. Patients who required intervention in multiple veins, had undergone prior interventions, or presented with CEAP C5 to C6 disease were excluded. The difference (Δ) in venous clinical severity score (VCSS; VCSS before minus after the procedure) was used to categorize the patients. Patients with a ΔVCSS of ≤0 were defined as having LCI after VA, and patients with ≥1 point decrease in the VCSS after VA (ΔVCSS ≥1) as having some benefit from the procedure and, therefore, "clinical improvement." The characteristics of both groups were compared, and multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with LCI. A second analysis was performed based on the VVSymQ instrument, which measures patient-reported outcomes using five specific symptoms (ie, heaviness, achiness, swelling, throbbing pain, and itching). Patients with LCI showed no improvement in any of the five symptoms, and those with clinical improvement had a decrease in severity of at least one symptom. RESULTS: A total of 3544 patients underwent initial treatment of CVD with a single VA. Of the 3544 patients, 2607 had VCSSs available before and after VA, and 420 (16.1%) had LCI based on the ΔVCSS. Patients with LCI were more likely to be significantly older and African American and have CEAP C2 disease compared with patients with clinical improvement. Patients with clinical improvement were more likely to have reported using compression stockings before treatment. The vein diameters were not different between the two groups. The incidence of complications was overall low, with minor differences between the two groups. However, the patients with LCI were significantly more likely to have symptoms after intervention than those with improvement. Patients with LCI were more likely to have technical failure, defined as vein recanalization. On multivariable regression, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.02) and obesity (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.09-2.00) were independently associated with LCI, as was treatment of less severe disease (CEAP C2; OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.30-2.56) compared with more advanced disease (C4). The lack of compression therapy before intervention was also associated with LCI (OR, 6.05; 95% CI, 4.30-8.56). The analysis based on the VVSymQ showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: LCI after VA is associated with treating patients with a lower CEAP class (C2 vs C4) and a lack of compression therapy before intervention. Importantly, no significant association between vein size and clinical improvement was observed.

Randomized controlled trials of interventions for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), notably deep venous thrombosis (DVT), represents a significant cardiovascular disease with high morbidity from post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Recent advancements in early thrombus removal technologies have prompted randomized controlled trials (RCT) to assess their efficacy and safety, particularly for iliofemoral DVT (IF-DVT), which carries the greatest risk of developing PTS. This narrative review summarizes these trials and introduces upcoming innovations to evaluate acute intervention for IF-DVT. Specific technologies discussed include catheter-directed thrombolysis, pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis, ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis, and non-lytic mechanical thrombectomy. This review underscores the importance of patient selection, with those presenting with extensive, symptomatic IF-DVT likely to benefit most.

An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Impact of Graduated Compression Stockings in Addition to Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Surgical Inpatients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical inpatients with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and additional graduated compression stockings (GCSs) versus pharmacological thromboprophylaxis alone. BACKGROUND: Surgical inpatients have elevated VTE risk; recent studies cast doubt on whether GCS confers additional protection against VTE, compared with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis alone. METHODS: The review followed "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses" guidelines using a registered protocol (CRD42017062655). The MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched up to November 2022. Randomized trials reporting VTE rate after surgical procedures, utilizing pharmacological thromboprophylaxis, with or without GCS, were included. The rates of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and VTE-related mortality were pooled through fixed and random effects. RESULTS: In a head-to-head meta-analysis, the risk of DVT for GCS and pharmacological thromboprophylaxis was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.54-1.36) versus for pharmacological thromboprophylaxis alone (2 studies, 70 events, 2653 participants). The risk of DVT in pooled trial arms for GCS and pharmacological thromboprophylaxis was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.23-1.25) versus pharmacological thromboprophylaxis alone (33 trial arms, 1228 events, 14,108 participants). The risk of pulmonary embolism for GCS and pharmacological prophylaxis versus pharmacological prophylaxis alone was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.0-30.0) (27 trial arms, 32 events, 11,472 participants). There were no between-group differences in VTE-related mortality (27 trial arms, 3 events, 12,982 participants). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from head-to-head meta-analysis and pooled trial arms demonstrates no additional benefit for GCS in preventing VTE and VTE-related mortality. GCS confer a risk of skin complications and an economic burden; current evidence does not support their use for surgical inpatients.

Meta-analysis of lytic catheter-based intervention for acute proximal deep vein thrombosis in the reduction of post-thrombotic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that can result in significant morbidity for the patient with detrimental impact on their quality of life. Evidence supporting lytic catheter-based interventions (LCBI) undertaken for early thrombus reduction in acute proximal DVT for the prevention of PTS is conflicting. Despite this, rates of LCBIs are increasing. To summaries the existing evidence and pool treatment effects, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of LCBIs in proximal acute DVT for the prevention of PTS was undertaken. METHODS: This meta-analysis was undertaken aligning with PRISMA guidelines following a protocol pre-registered on PROSPERO. Online searches of Medline and Embase databases, as well as the gray literature, were performed up to December 2022. Included articles were randomized controlled trials that studied the use of LCBIs with additional anticoagulation vs anticoagulation alone and had determined follow-up periods. Outcomes of interest were PTS development, moderate to severe PTS, major bleeding episodes, and quality-of-life measures. Subgroup analyses were performed for DVTs involving the iliac vein and/r common femoral vein. Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed effects model. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias and GRADE assessment tools. RESULTS: Three trials were included in the final meta-analysis, the Post-thrombotic Syndrome after Catheter-directed Thrombolysis for Deep Vein Thrombosis (CaVenT), Acute Venous Thrombosis: Thrombus Removal with Adjunctive Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (ATTRACT), and Ultrasound-accelerated Catheter-directed Thrombolysis Versus Anticoagulation for the Prevention of Post-thrombotic Syndrome (CAVA) trials, comprising 987 patients. Patients undergoing LCBIs had a reduced risk of PTS (relative risk [RR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.95; P = .006) and a lower risk of developing moderate to severe PTS (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.97; P = .03). LBCIs increased the risk of having a major bleed (RR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.08-3.82; P = .03). In the iliofemoral DVT subgroup analysis, there was a trend toward decreasing the risk of developing PTS and moderate to severe PTS (P = .12 and P = .05, respectively). There was no significant difference in quality-of-life score (as measured by the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study - Quality of Life/Symptoms) between the two groups (P = .51). CONCLUSIONS: Pooling of current best evidence suggests that LCBIs in acute proximal DVT decreases the rate of PTS and moderate to severe PTS with a number needed to treat of 12 and 18, respectively. However, this is complicated by a significantly higher rate of major bleeding with a number needed to treat of 37. This evidence supports the use of LCBIs in selected patients, including those who are at low risk of major bleeding.

Fake-news-free evidence-based communication for proper vein-lymphatic disease management.

Published scientific evidence demonstrate the current spread of healthcare misinformation in the most popular social networks and unofficial communication channels. Up to 40% of the medical websites were identified reporting inappropriate information, moreover being shared more than 450,000 times in a 5-year-time frame. The phenomenon is particularly spread in infective diseases medicine, oncology and cardiovascular medicine. The present document is the result of a scientific and educational endeavor by a worldwide group of top experts who selected and analyzed the major issues and related evidence-based facts on vein and lymphatic management. A section of this work is entirely dedicated to the patients and therefore written in layman terms, with the aim of improving public vein-lymphatic awareness. The part dedicated to the medical professionals includes a revision of the current literature, summing up the statements that are fully evidence-based in venous and lymphatic disease management, and suggesting future lines of research to fulfill the still unmet needs. The document has been written following an intense digital interaction among dedicated working groups, leading to an institutional project presentation during the Universal Expo in Dubai, in the occasion of the v-WINter 2022 meeting.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise therapy for venous leg ulcer healing and recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: National guidelines in the United Kingdom have recommended regular exercise for individuals with venous leg ulceration. However, data on the effects of exercise on ulcer healing and recurrence are sparse. In the present study, we aimed to quantify the evidence for exercise regarding venous ulcer healing with respect to the primary outcomes of the proportion of healed ulcers and rate of ulcer recurrence. The secondary outcomes were improvement in ulcer symptoms, ulcer healing time, quality of life, compliance, and adverse events reported. METHODS: The review followed PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines using a registered protocol (CRD42021220925). The MEDLINE and Embase databases and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, European Union Clinical Trials, and International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number registries were searched up to April 6, 2022 and included studies comparing exercise therapy and compression vs compression alone. Data for the proportion of healed ulcers were pooled using a fixed effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: After screening 1046 reports, 7 were included, with 121 participants allocated to exercise therapy and 125 to compression alone. All the reports were of randomized controlled trials and had reported ulcer healing at 12 weeks, with a pooled relative risk of ulcer healing of 1.38 for exercise vs compression (95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.71). Only one study had reported on recurrence; thus, data pooling was not performed. No differences between exercise and usual care were demonstrated. Compliance with exercise ranged from 33% to 81%. The included studies demonstrated low enrollment and a high risk of bias. Also, most of the trials had failed to demonstrate any differences in activity completed between the intervention and control arms. CONCLUSIONS: A paucity of studies has examined leg ulcer recurrence after exercise programs, with no evidence to show that exercise is beneficial. Furthermore, the quality of evidence supporting exercise as an adjunct to ulcer healing is very low, and the trials demonstrated serious methodologic flaws, chiefly in recording the activity undertaken by the participants in the intervention arm. Future randomized controlled trials should implement activity monitoring and standardize the reporting of key patient, ulcer, and reflux characteristics to enable future meaningful meta-analyses to determine the role of exercise as an adjunct to venous leg ulceration healing.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Pooled Rate of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome After Isolated Distal Deep Venous Thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the rate of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after isolated distal deep venous thrombosis (IDDVT) by performing a meta-analysis of the rate of PTS across randomised and observational studies. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Clinicaltrials.gov, European Union Clinical Trials, International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number, and the Australian and New-Zealand Trials Registries. REVIEW METHODS: This review followed PRISMA guidelines using a registered protocol (CRD42021282136). Databases were searched up to December 2021 and prospective studies reporting the development of post-thrombotic syndrome were included; these were pooled with the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The results showed a post-thrombotic rate of 17% (95% CI 11 - 26%) (seven studies, 217 cases, 1 105 participants). Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 89%). On meta-regression, the rate of post-thrombotic syndrome was not correlated with the length of follow up (p = .71). Three studies (302 participants) reported the severity of post-thrombotic syndrome: 78% were mild (Villalta score 5 - 9); 11% were moderate (Villalta score 10 - 14), and 11% were severe (Villalta score ≥ 15). CONCLUSION: The risk of post-thrombotic syndrome after IDDVT was one in five and the risk of severe clinical manifestations, including ulceration, was one in 50. There was significant clinical, methodological, and statistical heterogeneity between studies and a substantial risk of bias from pooled studies. Randomised trials to support interventions for prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome are urgently needed.

Effect of thrombophilia on clinical outcomes of chronic post-thrombotic patients after iliofemoral stenting with nitinol venous stents.

OBJECTIVE: Thrombophilia is a prothrombotic condition that increases the risk of venous thromboembolism. It is unclear whether the presence of thrombophilia alters the clinical outcomes after deep venous stenting. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between thrombophilia and outcomes after stenting for post-thrombotic syndrome. METHODS: Consecutive patients (2012-2017) receiving a nitinol venous stent for chronic post-thrombotic venous occlusive disease with a minimum of 18 months of follow-up in one center using the same anticoagulation protocol were included. The clinical history and thrombophilia testing results were reviewed. The outcomes were stent patency, which was assessed using duplex ultrasonography at 24 hours, 2 and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter; and reinterventions, which were performed when the stent diameter was <50% or occluded. RESULTS: Of the 136 patients who had undergone intervention, 55 (40%) had had a provoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 81 (60%) had had an unprovoked DVT and had therefore undergone thrombophilia testing. Of the 81 patients, 38 (47%) had had either inherited (n = 19; 50%) or acquired (n = 19; 50%) thrombophilia. Of the 136 patients who had undergone stenting, 68 had required reintervention (50%) during follow-up to maintain stent patency. Of the 55 patients with a provoked DVT, 29 (53%) had required reintervention. Of the 81 patients with an unprovoked DVT, 39 (48%) had required reintervention (P = .420). Of the 38 patients with unprovoked DVT and thrombophilia, 17 (45%) had required reintervention. Of the 43 patients with unprovoked DVT and no thrombophilia, 22 (51%) had required reintervention (P = .766). The cumulative patency rate was 80% for patients with provoked DVT and 88% for those with unprovoked DVT (P = .193). The presence of thrombophilia was not associated with patency loss (92% cumulative patency for patients with thrombophilia and 84% for patients without thrombophilia; P = .307). CONCLUSIONS: Using our anticoagulation protocol, patients with and without thrombophilia had similar clinical outcomes after deep venous stenting and should not be excluded from iliofemoral venous stenting. We found no significant differences in outcomes in conjunction with appropriate postoperative anticoagulation therapy.

AngioJet Pharmacomechanical Thrombectomy and Catheter Directed Thrombolysis vs. Catheter Directed Thrombolysis Alone for the Treatment of Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Single Centre Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous thrombus removal is used for the treatment of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but the efficacy of different treatment modalities has not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients treated with additional AngioJet pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PCDT) vs. catheter directed lysis (CDT) alone. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who received thrombolysis for the treatment of symptomatic acute iliofemoral DVT between 2011 and 2017 was carried out. Outcome measures included the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), procedural outcomes (lytic exposure), the incidence of complications, and vessel patency. All patients were followed up for a minimum of one year. RESULTS: A total of 151 limbs were treated, 70 limbs with PCDT and 81 limbs with CDT alone. Demographic data and prevalence of risk factors were comparable. Incidence of PTS (Villalta score at one year) showed no significant difference (22.2% PCDT vs. 24.7% CDT alone, p = .74). Use of PCDT resulted in a non-statistically significant trend for fewer bleeds (n = 4/63 [6.3%] vs. 13/76 [17.1%]; relative risk 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-1.08; p = .07), a statistically significant reduction in lysis duration (40 h [95% CI 34-46] vs. 53 h [95% CI 49-58]; p < .001) and a reduction in lytic dose (49 mg [95% CI 42-55] vs. 57 mg [95% CI 52-61]; p = .011) compared with CDT. This reduction was accentuated in 24 cases primarily treated with AngioJet PowerPulse mode (27 h, 95% CI 20-34 [p < .001] and 42 mg, 95% CI 34-50 [p = .009]). Incidences of complications were comparable between groups, with one death due to an intracranial haemorrhage following CDT. Although the incidence of haemoglobinuria was increased following PCDT (12/63 [19.0%] vs. 3/76 [3.9%]; p = .006), no significant difference in acute kidney injury was observed (3/63 [4.8%] vs. 1/76 [1.3%]; p = .33). No significant difference in vessel patency over two years was observed (p = .73). CONCLUSION: The use of PCDT for the treatment of iliofemoral DVT was observed to provide comparable patient outcomes, comparable vessel patency, an acceptable safety profile, and reduced overall lytic dose.

VenaSeal closure despite allergic reaction to n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

The VenaSeal closure system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn) is a nonthermal, minimally invasive method for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency using a proprietary n-butyl cyanoacrylate. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman who underwent right great saphenous vein closure with VenaSeal and subsequently had a biphasic reaction to n-butyl cyanoacrylate, confirmed on patch testing that had negative results for other cyanoacrylates. Despite the initial allergic response, which settled with antihistamines, follow-up duplex ultrasound imaging confirmed successful great saphenous vein closure, and the affected vein remained in situ without further complication.

Device profile of the Vici venous stent for chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction recanalization: overview of its safety and efficacy.

Introduction: Endovenous stenting is being increasingly used for the management of iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction due to thrombotic or non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL). Dedicated venous stents have replaced re-purposed arterial stents but there are limited data on their relative safety and efficacy.Areas covered: This review looks at the available literature on the safety and efficacy of the Veniti Vici Venous stent (Boston Scientific), a specific venous stent, and compares its outcomes with the other venous stents that are currently available. Reported outcomes include patency, clinical efficacy, and the number of adverse events.Expert opinion: The initial clinical trials of the Vici venous stent have shown both good clinical and safety outcomes at 12-24 months follow-up. Longer follow-up data are pending and further trials comparing available stents are required. Current evidence supports its use in the management of deep venous reconstruction, especially in occlusive post-thrombotic disease. Patients should, however, be made aware of the paucity of long-term data and the need for monitoring within a dedicated surveillance program following stent placement.

Midterm outcomes in postpartum women following endovenous treatment for acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: The development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) continues to be a considerable issue for both pregnant and postpartum women with rates as high as 70% among those managed with anticoagulation alone. This study aims to characterize the outcomes of interventional treatment for acute iliofemoral DVT in this at-risk population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all postpartum patients treated for acute iliofemoral DVT with lysis and stenting between January 2012 and December 2017 at a referral center. Patient demographics, risk factors, procedural factors. and complications were collected. Post-treatment outcomes were compared with all nonpostpartum females treated within the same time period. These included the severity of PTS evaluated using the Villalta scale, duration of vessel patency and factors affecting reintervention timing and success. Further detailed review of cases needing reintervention was also conducted through a retrospective review of documentation and an analysis of all imaging by a consultant radiologist. RESULTS: A total of 11 postpartum women were identified. The median age was 28 years (range, 22-41 years) and intervention was performed at a median of 3 weeks after birth (range 2-12 weeks). No major or minor complications associated with intervention were reported in any patients. The median Villalta score was 3 at 6 months, improving to 2 at 12 months. Overall, two patients were classified as mild having PTS (18%), with no cases of moderate to severe PTS. On comparison with nonpostpartum (n = 68) Villalta scores, no significant difference in outcome was observed at 6 months (median score, 3; range, 0-15 months; P = .95) or at 1 year (median score, 1; range, 0-15; P = .84). Cumulative patency at 1 year was found to be 64% in postpartum women compared with 93% in nonpostpartum women. The postpartum state was found to be a significant predictor of cumulative patency loss (hazard ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.62; P = .01). However, no significant difference in primary and primary-assisted patency was observed. Of the postpartum patients, 55% required reintervention (6/11) compared with 29% of nonpostpartum patients (20/68). The mean time to initial reintervention was 62 days (range, 7-233 days). Reintervention was unsuccessful in all cases presenting with 100% vessel occlusion (4/11), but successful in both cases with partial occlusion (2/11). Analysis of the etiologic factors associated with reintervention revealed that all reintervention cases were associated with technical failure to fully lyse and stent beyond residual disease at the initial procedure. No technical, flow, or hematologic factors were identified in the four cases that retained primary patency. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that percutaneous intervention to achieve early thrombus removal and venous stenting provides a favorable alternative to conservative therapies owing to its potential to decrease the severity of PTS. Completion of lysis and adequate stenting of disease is essential to prevent reocclusion, for which reintervention carries a lower likelihood of success. Further research is warranted to further characterize the appropriate management of postpartum women with iliofemoral DVT.

Two Year Outcome After Chronic Iliac Vein Occlusion Recanalisation Using the Vici Venous Stent®.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The aim was to assess two year outcomes with placement of the Vici Venous Stent® in patients with chronic iliofemoral venous occlusions (complete blockage). METHODS: This was a retrospective single centre study comprising patients treated with the Vici Venous Stent for venographically verified iliofemoral venous occlusion and post-thrombotic syndrome (Villalta score ≥ 5 points) at least 12 months after acute deep vein thrombosis. Venography and intravascular ultrasound were used peri-operatively; duplex ultrasound was used to assess stent patency during follow up. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients (101 limbs) had stent placement between March 2014 and October 2016. Median pre-treatment Villalta score was 14 (range 5-33). Stenting extended across the inguinal ligament in 63 limbs (62%) in order to land in a healthy venous segment. Six patients (7%) required endophlebectomy and fistula creation. Median imaging follow up was 21 months (range 0-41 months). Primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates at one year were 59%, 78%, and 87%, respectively, and two years 51%, 73%, and 82%, respectively. Forty-three limbs (43%) had re-intervention (lysis, venoplasty, and/or placement of stent) during follow up; median time to re-intervention was 32 days (range 0-520 days). At 24 months, 37 of 53 limbs (70%) with available Villalta assessment showed clinically significant improvement (>30% reduction of baseline score). Villalta scores at the 6, 12, and 24 month clinical follow up were significantly lower than before stenting (p < .001, all time points). In a subset analyses of limbs with stenting terminating above and below the inguinal ligament, secondary cumulative patency rates at 24 months were 90% and 79%, respectively; clinical outcome showed 58% vs. 73% of limbs with clinically significant improvement, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in patency or clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The Vici Venous Stent is associated with a good secondary patency rate and durable and substantial symptomatic resolution in patients with chronic post-thrombotic occlusions, regardless of whether stents extended beneath the inguinal ligament.

Cytomegalovirus proctitis mimicking rectal cancer in an immunocompetent elderly patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, but its impact on immunocompetent patients is still poorly understood. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence implying that chronic infection may contribute to a heightened cardiovascular risk. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of incidental diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus proctitis in an immune-competent white British elderly gentleman, admitted following a stroke and investigated for rectal cancer following the development of bloody diarrhoea and persistent systemic inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: This raised some several interesting points; firstly that we must revise our approach to investigating the immunocompetent elderly patient, secondly, could chronic Cytomegalovirus infection have contributed to the presentation of stroke in this patient and lastly what are the existing evidence for treatment in this population? We use this opportunity to try and address some of these questions and feel that this would be of benefit to the wider audience.We discuss the risk factors for disease in immune-competent patients and also a brief overview of the benefits of treatment in this population.