The 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society clinical practice guidelines for the management of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Part II: Endorsed by the Society of Interventional Radiology and the Society for Vascular Medicine.

The Society for Vascular Surgery, the American Venous Forum, and the American Vein and Lymphatic Society recently published Part I of the 2022 clinical practice guidelines on varicose veins. Recommendations were based on the latest scientific evidence researched following an independent systematic review and meta-analysis of five critical issues affecting the management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins, using the patients, interventions, comparators, and outcome system to answer critical questions. Part I discussed the role of duplex ultrasound scanning in the evaluation of varicose veins and treatment of superficial truncal reflux. Part II focuses on evidence supporting the prevention and management of varicose vein patients with compression, on treatment with drugs and nutritional supplements, on evaluation and treatment of varicose tributaries, on superficial venous aneurysms, and on the management of complications of varicose veins and their treatment. All guidelines were based on systematic reviews, and they were graded according to the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations, using the GRADE method. All ungraded Consensus Statements were supported by an extensive literature review and the unanimous agreement of an expert, multidisciplinary panel. Ungraded Good Practice Statements are recommendations that are supported only by indirect evidence. The topic, however, is usually noncontroversial and agreed upon by most stakeholders. The Implementation Remarks contain technical information that supports the implementation of specific recommendations. This comprehensive document includes a list of all recommendations (Parts I-II), ungraded consensus statements, implementation remarks, and best practice statements to aid practitioners with appropriate, up-to-date management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins.

Systematic review of endovascular versus laparoscopic extravascular stenting for treatment of nutcracker syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the current strategies of endovascular and laparoscopic extravascular stenting for symptomatic compression of the left renal vein (LRV), most frequently between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery (nutcracker syndrome [NCS]). METHODS: We performed a systematic review of all studies of endovascular and laparoscopic extravascular LRV stenting for NCS using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Science Citation Index Expanded, Emerging Sources Citation Index, and Epistemonikos databases. Data were collected in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis) guidelines. The English, Spanish, and German language literature was searched from January 1, 1946 to February 9, 2022. The outcomes assessed included symptom resolution, hematuria resolution, and reintervention at follow-up. RESULTS: The search yielded 3498 reports. After removing the duplicates and those without the full text available, 1724 studies were screened. Of these, 11 studies were included in the present review. Of the 11 studies, 7 were on endovascular stenting and 4 on laparoscopic extravascular stenting; all 11 studies were retrospective, single-center case series. Of the 233 patients, 170 (80 women) had undergone endovascular stenting and 63 (9 women) had undergone extravascular stenting. The follow-up period varied from 1 to 60 months after endovascular stenting and 3 to 55 months after extravascular stenting. The symptoms had resolved in 76% (range, 50%-100%) after endovascular stenting and 83% (range, 71%-100%) after extravascular stenting. Hematuria had resolved in 86% (range, 60%-100%) after endovascular stenting and 89% (range, 77%-100%) after extravascular stenting. Of 185 patients, 9 had required reintervention after endovascular stenting and none after extravascular stenting. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular and laparoscopic extravascular stenting are less invasive and, thus, more attractive treatment options that have been more recently developed for the management of NCS. The results from the present study have shown that symptom and hematuria resolution must be provided before they can be considered preferred management options for patients affected by NCS. Given the limited number of patients involved, no definitive conclusion could be drawn regarding the superiority of one technique compared with the other.

The 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society clinical practice guidelines for the management of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Part I. Duplex Scanning and Treatment of Superficial Truncal Reflux: Endorsed by the Society for Vascular Medicine and the International Union of Phlebology.

The Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society collaborated to update the 2011 Society for Vascular Surgery/American Venous Forum clinical practice guidelines and provide new evidence-based recommendations on critical issues affecting the care of patients with varicose veins. Each recommendation is based on a recent, independent systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic tests and treatments options for patients with lower extremity varicose veins. Part I of the guidelines includes evidence-based recommendations for the evaluation of patients with CEAP (Clinical Class, Etiology, Anatomy, Pathology) class 2 varicose vein using duplex ultrasound scanning and other diagnostic tests, open surgical treatment (ligation and stripping) vs endovenous ablation techniques, thermal vs nonthermal ablation of the superficial truncal veins, and management of incompetent perforating veins in CEAP class 2 disease. We have also made recommendations on the concomitant vs staged treatment of varicose tributaries using phlebectomy or liquid or foam sclerotherapy (with physician-compounded foam or commercially prepared polidocanol endovenous microfoam) for patients undergoing ablation of incompetent superficial truncal veins.

Society for Vascular Surgery best practice recommendations for use of social media.

The use of social media (SoMe) in medicine has demonstrated the ability to advance networking among clinicians and other healthcare staff, disseminate research, increase access to up-to-date information, and inform and engage medical trainees and the public at-large. With increasing SoMe use by vascular surgeons and other vascular specialists, it is important to uphold core tenets of our commitment to our patients by protecting their privacy, encouraging appropriate consent and use of any patient-related imagery, and disclosing relevant conflicts of interest. Additionally, we recognize the potential for negative interactions online regarding differing opinions on optimal treatment options for patients. The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) is committed to supporting appropriate and effective use of SoMe content that is honest, well-informed, and accurate. The Young Surgeons Committee of the SVS convened a diverse writing group of SVS members to help guide novice as well as veteran SoMe users on best practices for advancing medical knowledge-sharing in an online environment. These recommendations are presented here with the goal of elevating patient privacy and physician transparency, while also offering support and resources for infrequent SoMe users to increase their engagement with each other in new, virtual formats.

A predictive score for 30-day survival for patients undergoing major lower limb amputation for peripheral arterial obstructive disease.

To analyze outcomes following major lower extremity amputations (mLEAs) for peripheral arterial obstructive disease, gangrene, infected non-healing wound and to create a risk prediction scoring system for 30-day mortality. In this single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study. All patients treated with above-the-knee amputation (AKA) or below-the-knee amputation (BKA) between January 1st, 2010 and June 30th, 2018 were identified. The primary outcome of interest was early (≤ 30 days) mortality. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and freedom from amputation stump revision/failure. We identified 310 (77.7%) mLEAs performed on 286 patients. There were 188 (65.7%) men and 98 (34.3%) women with a median age of 79 years (IQR, 69-83 years). We performed 257 (82.9%) AKA and 53 (17.1%) BKA. There were 49 (15.8%) early deaths, which did not differ among the age quartiles of this cohort (15.4% vs. 14.3% vs. 15.4% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.826). Binary logistic regression analysis identified age > 80 years (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.17-4.31; P = 0.015), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.11-4.06; P = 0.023), and hemodialysis (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.15-5.52; P = 0.021) to be associated with early mortality. The final score (range 0-10) identified two subgroups with different mortality at 30 days: lower-risk (score < 4, 10.8%), and higher-risk (score ≥ 4: 28.7%; OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.63-6.32; P < 0.001). In our experience, mLEAs still have a 14% mortality rate over the years. Our lower-risk group (score < 4) is characterized by a lower rate of perioperative death and longer survival.

Risk factors for saphenous vein recanalization after endovenous radiofrequency ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Target vein recanalization is defined as the postoperative detection of blood flow in a venous segment previously ablated. It can be occurred after thermal-tumescent procedures, as radiofrequency (RFA) and endovenous laser (EVLA) ablation techniques. Despite several papers described and analyzed incidence and consequences of recanalization, limited data are published on risk factors for this condition. The aim of this general review is to investigate clinical and instrumental risk factors for great and small saphenous veins recanalization after RFA, indicating their impact in the follow-up period. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Articles were obtained through a detailed search of the scientific journal databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) for those published between January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2020. The term "radiofrequency venous ablation" was combined with "risk factors", "recanalization" and "recurrence", to obtain the first article cluster. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Risk factors analysis for saphenous vein recanalization after ablation is not a well-studied problem. Although several studies have analyzed recanalization patterns and anatomical causes of ablation failure, few and disaggregate data are available regarding clinical preoperative risk factors. BMI and saphenous trunk diameter seem to be the only two recognized characteristics that may affect short and long-term recanalization rate, though CVI status, sex, target vein treatment length and others factors may be taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should consider risk factors for recanalization in patient selection and treatment recommendations, but also recognize that not all "ablation failures" are of clinical relevance.

To drain or not to drain following carotid endarterectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: A postoperative neck hematoma can be a life-threatening complication after carotid endarterectomy necessitating urgent surgical decompression to avoid airway compromise. The practice of routine incisional drain placement is variable with few published studies evaluating the "to drain versus not to drain" approach. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of neck drain placement for prevention of neck hematoma requiring re-exploration for decompression. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the outcome of surgical re-exploration for neck decompression among patients receiving or not receiving wound drainage. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We identified 5 studies for inclusion, comprising 48,297 patients with 19,832 (41.1%) patients receiving a drain after carotid endarterectomy. Patients in the drain group had a significantly higher re-exploration rate after carotid endarterectomy compared to those who did not receive a drainage (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.49; P=0.02) with no heterogeneity (I2=0%). CONCLUSIONS: Routine drain placement does not offer complete protection against neck hematoma development and may give the surgeon a false sense of security in wound drainage. Thus, we conclude that drain placement following carotid endarterectomy should be selective, not routine.

A morphovolumetric analysis of aneurysm sac evolution after elective endovascular abdominal aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac shrinkage after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has been regarded as positive marker of EVAR success durability. The purpose of this study was to describe the morphovolumetric changes of the AAA sac during follow-up after elective EVAR and to analyze sac shrinkage-related variables. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study from a tertiary referral university hospital. All patients treated with EVAR between January 2013 and December 2018 were identified. Inclusion criteria were elective EVAR for AAA, preoperative computed tomography angiography within 6 months before EVAR and at least one postoperative computed tomography angiography during the follow-up, using a standardized protocol. Aneurysm sac shrinkage was defined as diameter decrease of 1 cm or more, volume shrinkage threshold was identified by a 16% decrease compared with the preoperative value. Primary outcomes were early (≤30 days) and late survival, and freedom from aneurysm-related mortality (ARM), and aortic reintervention. RESULTS: There were 149 of the 325 patients (45.8%) who met the inclusion criteria: 133 (89.3%) were male and 16 (10.7%) female. The mean age was 74 ± 7 years (range, 55-87 years); the median AAA diameter was 56 mm (interquartile range, 50.0-61.2 mm) and the median volume was 138.8 cm3 (range, 99.0-178.3 cm3). Primary technical success was achieved in 145 patients (97.3%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.3%. The median follow-up was 42 months (interquartile range, 22.5-58.0 months). Both AAA diameter and volume decreased (P = .001 and P = .035, respectively) compared with preoperative measurements. Diameter shrinkage was adjudicated in 27 patients (18.1%), volume shrinkage was observed in 42 patients (28.2%). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated an association between the AAA diameter shrinkage and the preoperative diameter (P = .002; hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.011-1.052). The presence of a persistent endoleak predicted the absence of volume shrinkage (P = .001; hazard ratio, 7.75; 95% CI, 2.282-26.291). The estimated freedom from ARM was 97.5 ± 1.0% (95% CI, 93-99) at 12 months, and 96 ± 2% (95% CI, 90-98) at both 36 and 60 months. Aortic reintervention during the follow-up period was necessary in 7 patients (4.7%). ARM was only observed in the group characterized by the concomitant absence of diameter and volume shrinkage. CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric analysis showed to have higher sensitivity than the simple two-dimensional measurement of the diameter to study AAA sac changes after EVAR. Although no predictor was found to be associated with AAA volume shrinkage, ARM occurred only in the group of AAAs with the absence of volume shrinkage.

Preliminary results from a multicenter Italian registry on the use of a new branched device for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to present early outcomes of patients treated for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms or complex abdominal aortic diseases using endovascular repair with a new branched endograft. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study included all patients treated with a new branched endograft. All elective patients were treated with a staged operative strategy and spinal drainage Primary outcomes of interest were technical success, early (≤30 days) mortality, and late (≥30 days) survival, and freedom from adverse aortic events. RESULTS: A total of 16 consecutive patients were treated for Crawford's extent type I (n = 1), type II (n = 7), type III (n = 1), and type IV (n = 5) endoleaks, with an additional two complex pararenal abdominal aortic lesions (enlarging type Ia endoleak, n = 1; anastomotic pseudoaneurysm, n = 1). There were 13 male (81%) and 3 female (19%) patients with a median age of 72.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 69-78 years). The median diameter of the aortic aneurysm was 65 mm (IQR, 58-81 mm) and the median EuroSCORE prediction for mortality was 18% (IQR, 12%-36%). Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was secondary to a previous dissection in four patients. A total of 62 of the 64 visceral vessels (96.9%) were stented. Technical success was achieved in 14 (87.5 %) and the cumulative aorta-related mortality rate was 19%. Spinal cord ischemia did not occur. The mean follow-up was 8 ± 4 months (range, 2-15 months). No type I or type III endoleaks were detected. Primary bridging stent patency was 98% (one asymptomatic thrombotic occlusion of a celiac trunk branch). No aortic reintervention was required. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms with this new branched endograft can be performed with high technical success and acceptable morbidity. A 19% mortality is quite high; however, it is tolerable in such a high-risk cohort. The survival rate was acceptable, and graft-related outcomes at early follow-up included an absence of threatening endoleaks and a high target visceral vessel patency.