The anterior saphenous vein. Part 3. Systematic review of the literature and payor coverage policies. Endorsed by the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum and the International Union of Phlebology.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to systemically review the literature on Anterior Saphenous Vein (ASV) reflux treatment and insurance impediments to treatment coverage. METHODS: A literature search was performed using a PRISMA framework. In addition, a cross-sectional analysis of insurance policies for ASV treatment was evaluated. RESULTS: Published evidence and treatment considerations in the literature for ASV treatment are discussed. In 155 of 226 (68.6%) insurance policies reviewed coverage of ASV ablation was allowed while 62/226 (27.4%) did not specify coverage and 9/226 (4.0%) specified ASV treatment was not covered. Of the 155 that provide ASV coverage, 98 (62.2%) provide coverage with criteria such as requiring prior treatment of the great saphenous vein. CONCLUSIONS: Vein treatment experts should continue to advocate to insurance carriers to update their varicose vein treatment policies to reflect the substantial clinical evidence so that patients with ASV reflux can be appropriately treated.

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

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

A Comparison of Venaseal Versus Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes Within a Managed Care Organization.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous insufficiency is a common medical condition that afflicts over 30 million adults in the United States. Treatment and management have changed dramatically over the past 20 years with the introduction of various endovenous therapies, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cyanoacrylate closure using the Venaseal system. In this study, we explore a direct comparison of outcomes between RFA and VenaSeal conducted by a single surgeon within a managed care organization. METHODS: Between May 2020 and December 2021, there were 87 patients undergoing 97 total procedures who were treated with either VenaSeal (n = 55) or RFA (n = 42), conducted by a single surgeon within a managed care organization. Primary outcomes included successful greater saphenous vein (GSV) closure, postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT), embolization, saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) thrombosis, skin reaction (allergic or thrombophlebitis), or procedure-related emergency room (ER) and urgent care (UC) visits. Retrospective chart review was conducted to describe patient demographics, indications for treatment, treatment details (number of access sites and indication for treatment), as well as follow-up adjunctive vein procedures (sclerotherapy and stab phlebectomy). RESULTS: All patients had postprocedural ultrasound (US) performed within 7 days by the operating surgeon and mean overall patient follow-up from index procedure was 12 months; 2 patients were lost to follow-up due to death. All operations utilized intraoperative US, and SFJ thrombosis was not observed in any patient postprocedure. The average age of VenaSeal and RFA groups was 59.05 and 59.51 years, respectively. The average number of access sites during the procedure for VenaSeal and RFA was 1.56 and 1.20, respectively. Of the 55 VenaSeal treatments, 9.1% of patients reported postoperative skin reactions, and 9.1% of patients underwent subsequent stab phlebectomy (22 stabs on average). Of the 42 RFA treatments, 7.1% of RFA patients reported postoperative skin reactions, and 9.5% underwent subsequent stab phlebectomy (36 stabs on average). The percentage of patients who had postoperative UC or emergency department visits related to the procedure in the VenaSeal and RFA groups was 3.6% and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both VenaSeal and RFA demonstrated effective vein closure of the GSV at 12-month follow-up, with VenaSeal demonstrating continued noninferiority to RFA. Based on our data, postoperative skin reactions do not appear to be significantly higher with VenaSeal treatment, as previously reported.

Ultrasound assessment is linked to histological vein wall thickness in chronic venous disease.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies compared both ultrasound and histological approaches for the same series of patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). We aimed to assess the diagnostic performances of duplex ultrasound assessment (US) of Vein Wall Thickness (VWT) among patients with CVD. METHODS: 38 adults with primary varicose veins having undergone Great Saphenous Vein thermal ablation with phlebectomy, and agreeing to biopsy of the Posterior Accessory Great Saphenous Vein (PASV) were consecutively included in a two-center prospective study. VWT assessment of the PASV was performed using both US, and microscope examination. High values for microscope-assessed VWT were defined at > 0.5 mm. RESULTS: The mean age was 53.0 ± 13.1 years, 71% were women. Maximization of US performances was obtained with a threshold of 0.6 mm: Sensitivity (Se) = 92.9%, Specificity (Sp) = 91.7%, positive (86.7%) and negative predictive value (NPV) (95.7%), positive (11.1) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) (0.07). CONCLUSIONS: US assessment of VWT could be a non-invasive tool for diagnosis and follow-up in CVD, and an interesting in vivo parameter complementing diameter and reflux measures, with a view to optimizing treatment. It could help to determine i) the energy level necessary in case of endovenous laser ablation, and ii) the sclerosing agent concentration in case of chemical ablation.

A systematic review of routine post operative screening duplex ultrasound after thermal and non-thermal endovenous ablation.

OBJECTIVE: The Society of Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum recommend duplex ultrasound (DUS) following endovenous ablation. However, this screening may not be cost-effective or clinically indicated. The most common abnormal finding, endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT level 1-2), represents extension of thrombus from the saphenous <50% across the femoral or popliteal vein, which is thought to have a benign course regardless of intervention. The likelihood of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after thermal and non-thermal ablations was explored to determine the utility of routine postoperative DUS. METHODS: This is an updated and expanded systematic review including data from randomized trials and large observational studies (≥150 patients) of thermal and non-thermal ablations, examining the incidence of VTE. Using PubMed and EMBASE, 4584 publications were screened from 2000 through 2020. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 72 studies were included. Random effects DerSimonian-Laird method was conducted to obtain the pooled incidence. We calculated the number of tests needed to detect one VTE, and the cost was derived from Center for Medicare Services tables. RESULTS: A total of 31,663 patients were included. The pooled incidence of EHIT II-IV, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE) was 1.32% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75%-2.02%); DVT (excluding EHIT), 0.20% (95% CI, 0.0%-0.2%); EHIT (I-IV), 2.51% (95% CI, 1.54%-3.68%); and EHIT (II-IV), 1.00% (95% CI, 0.51%-1.61%). There was no mortality. There was a lower DVT rate in thermal vs non-thermal ablations (0.23% vs 0.43%; P = .02); however, for all VTE (EHIT I-IV + DVT + PE), thermal techniques had more thrombosis (2.5% vs 0.5%; P <.001). When clinical significance is defined as DVT + EHIT (II-IV), 175 studies are needed to identify one VTE, costing $21,813 per "significant VTE." Patients receiving pharmacological prophylaxis had less EHIT I-IV compared with those who did not (3.04% vs 1.63%; P < .001); those who received DUS during the first post-op week had three times higher EHIT incidence compared with those whose first DUS was >7 days postoperative (6.6% vs 2.4%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: For thermal and non-thermal endovenous ablations, the incidence of VTE diagnosed with routine DUS is small and without clear clinical significance but caries a high cost. The Society of Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum recommendation to perform DUS within 72 hours is not justified by these data. We recommend a more targeted post-ablation scanning protocol including symptomatic patients and those at high risk.

Quality-of-life assessment in patients treated with radiofrequency ablation with or without great saphenous vein recanalization.

Quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic venous disorders has a central role to decide the correct treatment approach. In particular, in case of mini-invasive therapy, such as endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the postoperative QoL improvement remains one of the most important outcome to be reached. Despite this, very few data are published on the long-term QoL modifications after RFA. The aim of this brief report is to describe and analyze the role of QoL scales in a population of patients treated with RFA of the great saphenous vein and phlebectomies, highlighting results in short- and long-term follow-up period, and differences between recanalized and non-recanalized patients.

Clinical results and cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency and cyanoacrylate ablation compared with traditional surgical stripping for treating varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: Disease of the venous system is an underappreciated public health problem. Minimally invasive treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cyanoacrylate adhesive ablation (CAA) have almost entirely replaced surgical stripping (SS) of the great and small saphenous veins. The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes at 3 years after SS, RFA, and CAA by assessing the incidence of complications and reinterventions and performing a cost-effectiveness analysis. METHODS: From February 2016 to February 2019, all consecutive patients with symptomatic varicose veins treated at vascular department of two hospitals using SS, RFA, or CAA were included in the present study. The clinical outcomes were measured by quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), complications, and reintervention. A comparison with conservative treatment was also performed. A detailed resource use was recorded for each procedure. All costs were normalized to May 2020 U.S. dollars and euros. Analysis of the data was by the treatment received. All statistical tests were two-sided, and the significance level was set at 5%. Two perspectives of the analysis were considered: the social perspective and that of the Spanish Public Health System. The study period was 3 years. No discount rate was applied. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients were enrolled in the present study: SS, n = 90 (38.6%); RFA, 93 (39.9%); and CAA, n = 50 (21.5%). The number of complications was 11 (12.2%), 3 (3.3%), and 3 (6%) in the SS, RFA, and CAA groups, respectively (P = .06). No patient had required reintervention. The median loss of workdays for the SS, RFA, and CAA group was 15 days (interquartile range [IQR], 10-30 days), 0 days (IQR, 0-6 days), and 0 days (IQR, 0-1 days), respectively (P < .001). The median level of satisfaction for the SS, RFA, and CAA group was 9 (IQR, 8-10), 10 (IQR, 9-10), and 10 (IQR, 9-10), respectively (P < .001). The QALYs was 2.6 years for all three procedures. The median overall cost was €852 (US$926) for SS, €1002 (US$1089) for RFA, and €1228.3 (US$1335) for CAA. The total cost per QALY was €323/QALY (US$351/QALY) for SS, €380/QALY (US$413/QALY) for RFA, and €467/QALY (US$508/QALY) for CAA. The indirect costs were measured by the cost of the workdays lost for each patient and were €1527 (US$1660; IQR, €1018-3054); €0 (IQR, €0-611) for RFA, and €0 (IQR, €0-102) for CAA (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: All three techniques were cost-effective (procedures with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio <€30,000/QALY can be recommended). From the Spanish Public Health System perspective, when considering only the health care costs, the most cost-effective technique was SS. From the social perspective, including the opportunity costs of medical leave, CAA was the most cost-effective technique, saving €1600 per patient, a cost that more than compensated for the savings realized from using SS in direct health care costs.

Clinical assessment of endovenous thermal ablation combined with concomitant phlebectomy for the treatment of lower limb varicose veins with or without poor glycemic control.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the clinical results of endovenous thermal ablation combined with stab phlebectomy for unilateral varicose veins based on diabetic management. METHODS: The study reviewed 501 patients who underwent endovenous thermal ablation combined with stab phlebectomy for unilateral varicose veins, including 337 nondiabetics (control group) and 164 diabetics. Diabetics with hemoglobin A1c ≥7% were classified as the poor glycemic control group, and hemoglobin A1c <7% as the good glycemic control group. Surgical outcomes were assessed by Venous Clinical Severity Score. The Chronic Venous disease quality of life Questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. RESULTS: Lower limb varicose veins can be treated successfully with endovenous thermal ablation combined with stab phlebectomy in patients with or without poor glycemic control, accompanied by a significant improvement in health status. For patients with initial varicose veins (preoperative Venous Clinical Severity Score <10), the results revealed satisfactory improvements in Venous Clinical Severity Score and quality of life among the control, poor glycemic control, and good glycemic control groups. Patients with advanced varicose veins (preoperative Venous Clinical Severity Score ≥10) also showed an obvious amelioration concerning venous symptoms and quality of life. However, the extent of improvement varied among the 3 groups. Patients subjected to advanced varicose veins with the condition of poor glycemic control exhibited a less desirable improvement in postoperative health conditions compared with the control and good glycemic control groups, especially in edema relief and ulcer healing. CONCLUSION: Endovenous thermal ablation combined with stab phlebectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of varicose veins with or without poor glycemic control. Clinical attempts at hemoglobin A1c management may contribute to improved clinical outcomes in patients with advanced varicose veins.

Systematic review on the incidence and management of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis following endovenous thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the incidence of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) and evaluate its management after endovenous thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV). METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies with at least 100 patients who underwent great saphenous vein endovenous thermal ablation and had duplex ultrasound follow-up within 30 days. Data were gathered on the incidence of thrombotic complications and on the management of cases of EHIT. The primary outcome for the meta-analysis was EHIT types 2 to 4 and secondary outcomes were deep venous thrombotic events (which we defined as types 2-4 EHIT plus deep vein thrombosis [DVT]), DVT, and pulmonary embolism (PE). Pooled proportions were calculated using random effects modelling. RESULTS: We included 75 studies (23,265 patients). EHIT types 2 to 4 occurred in 1.27% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74%-1.93%). Deep venous thrombotic events occurred in 1.59% (95% CI, 0.95%-2.4%). DVT occurred in 0.28% (95% CI, 0.18%-0.4%). Pulmonary embolism occurred in 0.11% (95% CI, 0.06%-0.18%). Of the 75 studies, 24 gave a description of the management strategy and outcomes for EHIT and there was inconsistency regarding its management. Asymmetrical funnel plots of studies that reported incidence of EHIT 2 to 4 and DVT suggest publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: The recently published guidelines on EHIT from the Society for Vascular Surgery/American Venous Forum provide a framework to direct clinical decision-making. EHIT and other thrombotic complications occur infrequently and have a benign course.

Effect of endovenous ablation assessment stratified by great saphenous vein size, gender, clinical severity, and patient-reported outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The policies of insurance carriers have used the truncal vein size as a criterion for coverage. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of great saphenous vein (GSV) size ≥5 mm vs <5 mm on patient presentation and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients in a national cohort were prospectively captured in the Vascular Quality Initiative Varicose Vein Registry. From January 2015 to October 2017, the Vascular Quality Initiative Varicose Vein Registry database was queried for all patients who had undergone varicose vein procedures. The CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) classification, Venous Clinical Severity Score, and patient-reported outcomes were compared by GSV size (<5 mm, group 1; ≥5 mm, group 2) before and after the procedures. A 2-sample Wilcoxon test was performed to assess the differences between the 2 groups stratified by GSV size. To assess for postoperative improvement, a matched-pairs Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed for each group separately. RESULTS: During the study period, 5757 vein ablation procedures had been performed for GSV: 770 for GSV size <5 mm and 4987 for GSV size ≥5 mm. Patients in group 1 were more likely to be women (81.7% vs 68.4%; P = .001) and older (56.8 vs 55.6 years; P = .012). The CEAP clinical class was more advanced in group 2 than in group 1 (P = .001). The maximal GSV diameter in group 2 was significantly greater than in group 1 (8.32 vs 3.86 mm; P = .001); 64% of group 2 and 59.2% of group 1 had undergone radiofrequency thermal ablation (P = .001). No mortalities occurred in either group. Group 2 had more complications postoperatively (0.6% vs 0%; P = .027), required postoperative anticoagulation (8.8% vs 5%, P = .001), developed partial recanalization (0.8% vs 0.3%; P = .001), and missed more work days (2.32 vs 1.6 days) compared with group 1. A similar rate of hematoma developed in both groups, but group 1 had a higher rate of paresthesia. Both groups had improvement in the Venous Clinical Severity Score and HASTI (heaviness, achiness, swelling, throbbing, itching) score. The degree of symptomatic improvement between the 2 groups was similar. CONCLUSIONS: All patients demonstrated improvement in both clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes after endovenous ablation, regardless of GSV size. Patients with a preoperative GSV size ≥5 mm experienced similar improvement in symptoms but an increased complication rate. Patients with a smaller vein size should not be denied intervention or coverage by vein size.

Avaliação do coto residual após 12 meses de safenectomia sem ligadura alta da junção safeno-femoral / Assessment of residual stumps 12 months after saphenectomy without high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction

Resumo Contexto Atualmente, recomenda-se como primeira opção cirúrgica de varizes a termoablação da veia safena; porém, esse procedimento não é realizado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil. Como forma de incluir melhores resultados, técnicas cirúrgicas esforçam-se para mimetizar as novas tecnologias sem seus custos, sendo a principal delas a realização da safenectomia convencional sem ligadura das suas tributárias. Objetivos Avaliar a evolução do coto residual após safenectomia sem ligadura alta da junção safeno-femoral associada à invaginação do mesmo, assim como avaliar o comportamento das veias acessórias anterior/posterior. Métodos Estudo prospectivo e intervencionista. Foram operados 52 membros pela técnica de safenectomia sem ligadura alta da junção safeno-femoral seguida da invaginação do coto residual. Os pacientes foram avaliados no pré e pós-operatório (7 dias, 3, 6 e 12 meses) através de ultrassonografia vascular com Doppler para análise de diâmetro e extensão do coto residual, diâmetro e refluxo na veia acessória anterior/posterior e presença de neovascularização. A análise estatística foi realizada por média, desvio padrão, mediana, valor mínimo e máximo, frequências e percentuais, teste de Fisher e bimodal. Resultados Evidenciou-se um efeito significativo do tempo sobre a medida de diâmetro (p < 0,001) e da extensão (p = 0,002) do coto residual, porém o mesmo não foi observado quanto ao diâmetro (p = 0,355) ou refluxo na veia acessória anterior. Foi identificada neovascularização em 7 (14,3%) membros. Conclusões Após a utilização da técnica descrita, o coto residual apresentou retração e diminuição do seu diâmetro no período de 1 ano e não transmitiu refluxo para veia acessória. As taxas de neovascularização foram condizentes com a literatura.

Abstract Background Currently, the first-choice option recommended for varicose vein surgery is thermal ablation of the saphenous vein, but this procedure is not available on the Brazilian National Health Service (SUS - Sistema Único de Saúde). In an effort to improve results, surgical techniques have been developed to mimic the new technologies, without their high costs. The most prominent such method involves conventional saphenectomy, without ligation of tributaries. Objectives To assess progression of the residual stump after saphenectomy without high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction but with stump invagination and to assess the behavior of anterior/posterior accessory veins. Methods Prospective intervention study. A total of 52 limbs were treated with saphenectomy without high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction followed by invagination of the residual stump. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 7 days, and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using vascular ultrasonography with Doppler to analyze the length of the residual stump, the diameters of the residual stump and the anterior/posterior accessory vein, reflux in the accessory vein, and presence of neovascularization. Statistical analysis involved calculation of means, standard deviations, medians, minimum and maximum values, frequencies, and percentages, and Fisher's test and the binomial test. Results There was evidence of a significant time effect on residual stump diameter (p < 0.001) and length (p = 0.002), but the same was not observed with relation to diameter (p = 0.355) or reflux of the anterior accessory vein. Neovascularization was found in 7 (14.3%) limbs. Conclusions After use of the technique described, the residual stump retracted, its diameter reduced over the 1 year postoperative period, and it did not transfer reflux to the accessory vein. Neovascularization rates were in line with the literature.

Validation of the 3D SYM VEIN Symptom Assessment Tool.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to validate the SYM VEIN consensus 3D scoring tool in chronic venous disease (CVD). METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study with a total of 35 consecutive patients with CVD. Patients with CVD undergoing saphenectomy were assessed with the revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (r-VCSS), the CIVIQ-20 quality of life score questionnaire, and the SYM VEIN consensus statement 3D system, pre-operatively and four weeks post-operatively. The total 3D score was tested for reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness. RESULTS: The total 3D score demonstrated good reliability and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.85). Principal component analysis identified three groups of symptoms (paraesthesia, burning pain, and pruritus, vs. heaviness, sensation of swelling and aching/pain, vs. restless leg and throbbing pain) demonstrating a high intragroup correlation and likely to share similar pathophysiology, indicative of adequate construct validity. The total 3D score showed a significant correlation with r-VCSS and CIVIQ-20 score (rho .46, p = .005 and rho .65, p < .001, respectively) indicative of adequate convergent validity. After saphenectomy, significant reductions (p < .001) of the total 3D, and 3D scores for all but two individual venous symptoms were observed, indicative of excellent responsiveness. Median total 3D score was reduced from 31 to 6 (83.8% decrease, p < .001), median r-VCSS was reduced from 6 to 0 (100% decrease, p < .001), and median CIVIQ-20 score was reduced from 24 to 14 (40% decrease, p < .001). The difference of median percentage change between r-VCSS and CIVIQ-20 score vs. total 3D score was significant (p = .005 and p < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The total SYM VEIN 3D score has good reliability, construct validity and excellent responsiveness, although less prone to change after saphenectomy compared with r-VCSS.

Differential Longitudinal Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention to the Left Internal Mammary Artery and Other Bypass Grafts of the LAD: Findings From the NCDR.

OBJECTIVES: Limited studies of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft exist. We compared outcomes of different bypass grafts to the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. METHODS: Participants ≥65 years old in the CathPCI Registry who underwent PCI of a bypass graft to the LAD between 2009 and 2014 were included. Individuals were divided by graft type: LIMA; saphenous vein graft (SVG); or other. Clinical characteristics and outcomes using Medicare claims data for mortality, rehospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or unplanned repeat revascularization at 1 year were examined. RESULTS: There were 10,051 PCIs performed on grafts to the LAD: 6797 SVGs (67.6%), 3011 LIMA grafts (30.0%); and 243 other (2.4%). Procedural success rates (SVG 92.9%, LIMA 91.1%, other 93.4%; P=.65) and in-patient mortality rates (SVG 3.0%, LIMA 2.7%, other 2.1%; P=.61) were similar. However, dissection rates were higher in LIMA interventions (SVG 0.7%, LIMA 2.8%, other 2.5%; P<.001). At 1 year, mortality, MI, and repeat revascularization were lower in arterial grafts (mortality: SVG 16.6%, LIMA 14.8%, other 11.8% [P<.001]; MI: SVG 9.9%, LIMA, 6.6%, other 8.1% [P<.001]; revascularization: SVG 14.4%, LIMA 9.5%, other 10.4% [P<.001]). After multivariable adjustment, LIMA patients had lower rates of MI (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.84) and repeat revascularization (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.79) compared with the SVG group. Mortality was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar procedural success rates compared with SVG and other graft types, LIMA interventions were independently associated with lower rates of recurrent MI and repeat revascularization at 1 year.

ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS AFTER THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE ASCENDING THROMBOPHLEBITIS OF THE GREAT SAPHENOUS VEIN WITH OF HIGH-FREQUENCY ENDOVENOUS WELDING.

Acute thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins is an urgent problem as it can spread to the deep veins with the subsequent development of pulmonary embolism. The social implications of varicotrombophlebitis are the long-term disability of most patients up to complete disability, so finding the least invasive methods of correction of the discussed disease is a pressing issue of modern phlebology. The research objective is to carry out a comparative analysis of the quality of life of patients with acute ascending thrombophlebitis of the great sapheneous vein after treatment with high-frequency endovenous welding and standard phlebectomy. The results of treatment of 63 patients with acute ascending thrombophlebitis of great saphenous vein (GSV) with III and IV class of thrombophlebitis, who were hospitalized in the surgical wards of the Municipal Clinical Hospital No. 8 of Kyiv from 2017 to 2018, were analyzed. Welding of the thrombotic vein segment was performed using an endovenous welding catheter (WC). Quality of life (QOL) results were assessed using CIVIQ2 (Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire). According to ultrasound duplex scanning, complete vein ablation occurred in 97.22% of patients after endovenous welding (EW) of thrombotic GSV. In all patients of Group I already on day 2, the total rate of QOL by all factors (pain, physical, social, psychological) significantly (p<0.05) exceeded the presurgery values and was 79.3%, when before treatment this indicator was 4.3% higher. At follow-up, QOL values continued to improve over all observation periods compared to the previous term (p <0.05). Quality of life restriction in connection with pain, social and psychological factors after EW decreased 2.1 times(p<0.05), when in control group patients - only 1.2 times. The revealed advantages of the method of high-frequency endovenous welding by all indicators of quality of life over standard phlebectomy allow recommending this method for wide practical application.

Computed Tomography Angiography in the Assessment of Great Saphenous Vein as Conduit for Infrainguinal Bypass Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The great saphenous vein (GSV) is commonly used as a conduit during infrainguinal bypass (IIB) and is usually well seen on computed tomography angiography (CTA) which is frequently performed for preoperative planning. In this study, we asked whether CTA could replace ultrasonography (US) as the primary mode of conduit assessment, by comparing GSV measurements for patients who underwent both CTA and US vein mapping prior to IIB. METHODS: All IIB that were completed in the six-and-a-half-year period from January 1, 2012, to July 31, 2018, at the authors' institution were examined. Great saphenous vein measurements were analyzed for patients who had undergone both CTA and US vein mapping. Correlation between the measurements was calculated with the Pearson correlation coefficient. Data were then examined using Bland-Altman plots. Then categorical analysis was used to determine the adequacy of GSV for use as a bypass conduit. RESULTS: There were 302 patients who underwent IIB, with 73 legs, in 47 patients, examined with CTA and US. Computed tomography angiography and US measurements were moderately correlated (r = 0.531) across all measurement locations. Correlation progressively reduced distally (proximal thigh r = 0.534, midthigh r = 0.536, knee r = 0.35, midcalf r = 0.185, P = .074, ankle r = 0.078, P = .485). Bland-Altman plots of the pooled location data demonstrated no systematic bias. However, the upper and lower limits of agreement were wide, between -2.02 and +2.37 mm, demonstrating a lack of agreement between CTA and US. Analysis of each location revealed similar findings. A receiver operator characteristic curve was constructed based on a minimum US GSV diameter for adequate bypass conduit of 3 mm. The CTA value that maximized the Youden index was 3.8 mm. CONCLUSION: The level of error between CTA and US measurements, demonstrated by the large limits of agreement on Bland-Altman plots, would not be clinically acceptable. However, if a larger threshold is accepted, CTA has the potential to replace preoperative US vein mapping of GSV.

Steam ablation versus stripping of great saphenous varicose veins. / Vanndampbehandling versus stripping av vena saphena magna ved åreknuter.

BACKGROUND: Use of new technology can lead to changes in the treatment course for patients and in treatment costs for the health service. The aim of this study was to compare sickness absence and time to resumption of daily activities, as well as treatment costs, for two surgical treatments for varicose veins: endovenous steam ablation and vein stripping. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This prospective observational study included 46 patients treated with steam ablation and 37 treated with vein stripping in the period 2015-2016. The two groups were matched with respect to age, sex, occupational status and classification. After treatment, patients were interviewed every other week until daily activities had been resumed. Detailed information on expenditure related to personnel, equipment, premises and materials was used to calculate the cost of treatment. RESULTS: Patients treated with steam ablation resumed daily activities after a median of 0 (interquartile range 0-2) days versus 4 (2-7) days for vein stripping (p < 0.001), and sporting activities after 4 (2-9) days versus 11 (3-19) days (p < 0.004). For patients in employment, sickness absence after steam ablation was 2 (2-5) days versus 14 (6-21) for patients treated with vein stripping (p < 0.001). The estimated treatment cost for steam ablation was NOK 5 973, compared with NOK 10 109 for vein stripping. INTERPRETATION: Steam ablation led to shorter convalescence and sickness absence for the patient, and lower costs for the hospital. Reduced sickness absence also implies lower costs for society.

A 1470-nm laser combined with foam sclerotherapy in day surgery: a better choice for lower limb varicose veins.

Day surgery is being more and more adopted by clinicians. Higher wavelength lasers give patients better experience than lower wavelength lasers, which makes it more suitable for day surgery. This study compares the short- and mid-term efficacy, postoperative morbidity, and patient satisfaction of "1470-nm endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) combining foam sclerotherapy in day surgery" with "810-nm EVLA with high ligation combining foam sclerotherapy in hospital surgery" on great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency postoperatively. A single-institution historical cohort study of 194 patients was performed in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, China. Ninety-seven patients received 1470-nm EVLA combining foam sclerotherapy in day surgery ("1470-nm group"), and 97 patients received 810-nm EVLA with high ligation combining foam sclerotherapy in hospital surgery recommended by guidelines ("810-nm group"). No significant difference was found between the 1470-nm group and the 810-nm group in terms of GSV occlusion rate (both 100%), complication rate, and recurrence rate (8.2 vs. 11.3%) during the period of 1-12 months after surgery. Serious complications in the 1470-nm group and 810-nm group were 0 and 1.0%. Minor complications in the 1470-nm group and 810-nm group were ecchymosis at 20.6 and 18.6%, edema at 69.1 and 63.9%, and paresthesia around ankle at 0 and 3.1%, respectively. Advantage of the 1470-nm group over the 810-nm group was statistically significant considering the patient perioperative comfort and economic cost. Treatment of 1470-nm EVLA combining foam sclerotherapy in day surgery has similar efficacy as the 810-nm EVLA with high ligation combining foam sclerotherapy in hospital surgery in GSV insufficiency and is more comfortable with less incision, hospitalization procedure, and medical costs. It may be a new option for patients who are afraid or unable to be hospitalized.

Economic implications of endovenous great saphenous ablation in a public health care system.

BACKGROUND: In mid-2007, endovenous ablation (EVA) of the great saphenous vein was introduced into the publicly funded health care system in Saskatchewan, Canada. We hypothesize that the introduction of EVA resulted in a decrease in use of high ligation and stripping (HL/S), decreased costs to the health care system, and increased demand of patients for great saphenous vein ablative procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed administrative data to capture cases of HL/S between 2003 and 2014 and cases of EVA of the great saphenous vein (endovenous laser treatment and radiofrequency ablation) between 2007 and 2014. Accounting for the change in practice pattern that occurred slowly between 2007 and 2009, we divided our patients into the pre-EVA era (2003-2006) and the post-EVA era (2010-2014). Procedure costs were determined with models used by our health region for this purpose. RESULTS: Utilization rates for great saphenous vein intervention remained similar in the pre-EVA (90 procedures per year) and post-EVA (92 procedures per year; P = .83) eras. Case costs of HL/S ($1965.12/case) were higher than those of EVA (endovenous laser treatment, $1295.08/case; radiofrequency ablation, $1410.54/case). The total annual costs of great saphenous vein intervention decreased from $176,861 in the pre-EVA era to $134,525 (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of publicly funded EVA has reduced rates of HL/S and reduced costs to our health system by approximately $42,000 per year, without increasing great saphenous vein intervention rates.

An Artificial Cadaveric Leg Blood Flow System for Endoscopic Vein Harvesting Simulation.

Despite being the most common training model for endoscopic vein harvesting, cadaveric legs are limited by their absence of blood flow, resulting in a faded vascular appearance. Because the saphenous vein and the surrounding tissue seem less distinguishable, dissection of the saphenous vein and bipolar coagulation of its branches becomes increasingly inefficient and difficult. An inexpensive artificial blood flow system was developed to overcome this limitation. A cadaveric leg was thawed to a soft and yielding degree, and the saphenous vein was dissected medial and proximal to the medial malleolus. An artificial blood solution was prepared by dissolving 4% protein powder, red dye, and a contrast agent-for x-ray visualization-in saline. The solution was perfused through the saphenous vein and artery. The open ends of the vessels were temporarily clamped after the perfusion had been completed. Blood flow within the vessels was confirmed via angiography and endoscopic visualization of the leg's vessels. A bleeding effect was observed when the saphenous vein was perforated or when a vascular branch was transected. Conversely, a tight seal indicated successful bipolar coagulation of a branch, providing an objective, quantifiable assessment parameter. The artificial blood flow system helps overcome the limitations of the cadaveric leg, creating a more realistic and inexpensive model for endoscopic vein harvesting simulation training.

Age is not a barrier to good outcomes after varicose vein procedures.

BACKGROUND: The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) Varicose Vein Registry (VVR) represents a patient-centered database launched in January 2015. Previous work describing overall trends and outcomes of varicose vein procedures across the United States demonstrates a benefit from these procedures. The existing gaps in evidence to support current and future Medicare coverage of varicose vein procedures necessitate further description of clinical outcomes in patients ≥65 years old compared with the population <65 years old. METHODS: This study analyzed prospectively captured anatomic, procedural, and outcome data for all patients in a national cohort of all VQI VVR-participating centers. The VQI VVR database was queried for all patients undergoing varicose vein procedures between January 2015 and July 2016. Preprocedural and postprocedural Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared between patients <65 years and ≥65 years old. Univariate descriptive statistics of demographic and procedural data were performed. Student t-tests were then performed on change in CEAP classification, VCSS score, and PROs (heaviness, achiness, throbbing, swelling, itching, appearance, and impact on work) for each group. RESULTS: There were 4841 varicose vein procedures performed from January 2015 to May 2016. There were 3441 procedures performed in 2691 patients (3631 limbs) in the group <65 years old and 1400 procedures performed in 1068 patients (1467 limbs) in the group ≥65 years old. Truncal veins alone were the most common veins treated in both groups. The majority of patients were white and female in both groups. Most of the demographic characteristics were clinically similar (although statistically different) in both groups with the exception of a higher body mass index in the group <65 years old and a history of bilateral varicose vein treatment, and anticoagulation was more common among patients ≥65 years old. Patients in both groups experienced statistically significant improvement in VCSS, PROs, and CEAP class. There was no difference in overall complications between age groups. CONCLUSIONS: All patients demonstrated an associated improvement in both clinical outcomes (CEAP class, VCSS) and PROs. There was no significant difference in the improvement in CEAP class and VCSS between patients younger and older than 65 years, although the younger population reported greater improvement in PROs. Given these findings, patients older than 65 years appear to benefit from varicose vein procedures and should not be denied interventions on their varicose veins and venous insufficiency on the basis of their age only.