Safety and efficacy of endovenous thermal ablation for treatment of symptomatic varicose veins during summertime.

Background: Traditionally, varicose vein treatment is predominately performed during the colder seasons. However, data whether higher outdoor temperatures affect the outcome and/or complication rate of endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) for treatment of symptomatic varicose veins are missing. Patients and methods: In this observational study, the medical records of all patients who had ETA of the great saphenous vein (GSV), accessory saphenous vein (ASV), or small saphenous vein (SSV) between September 2017 and October 2020 were reviewed. Results: In total 846 ETA interventions in 679 patients with 1239 treated truncal veins and an average length of 69 cm phlebectomy were included. The highest temperature recorded on and within the first 14 days after treatment was on average 19.0°C (SD±7.2°C) with a minimum and maximum of -1°C and 35.9°C. Interventions were categorized according to the recorded temperature (<25°C n=584; 25-29.9°C n=191; and ≥30°C n=71). The occlusion rates were excellent (99-100%) across groups. Despite a significantly higher proportion of patients with obesity, personal history of superficial vein thrombosis and length of phlebectomies in the high temperature groups, no significant difference regarding days of work loss, patients' satisfaction or complications including bleeding or thromboembolic events was observed. Infections were rare (0.8%), but more frequently observed in the 25-29.9°C group (2.6%; p=0.058). No infection was observed in the ≥30°C group and pain 6 weeks after the intervention was even lower (VAS 0.5±1.0 and 0.5±1.2 vs. 0.0±0.1, p=0.008). Conclusions: Given the minimal invasive nature of ETA, our results can reassure clinicians and patients that ETA varicose vein treatment is possible and safe throughout the year, even on hot summer days. A non-significant trend to more infections was observed but was not associated with other adverse outcomes such as prolonged analgetics intake or inability to work.

Perforator vein endovenous heat induced thrombosis after laser ablation of the great saphenous vein.

Endovenous heat induced thrombosis at the sapheno-femoral or sapheno-popliteal junction is a well-known complication after superficial truncal vein endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). This report describes a rare thigh perforator vein thrombus propagation into the femoral vein after EVLA of the great saphenous vein.

[Endoluminal Treatment of Varicose Veins: Value of Duplex Ultrasound (Part 2)]. / Endoluminale Varikosebehandlung: Stellenwert der Duplexsonografie (Teil 2).

Part one addressed the value of duplex ultrasound in the diagnostic workup of varicosis. The present article discusses the use of preinterventional, intrainterventional and postinterventional duplex ultrasound in endoluminal methods for the treatment of varices. It is a prerequisite for the planning, implementation, and follow-up of this form of therapy.

Clinical and duplex ultrasound evaluation of lower extremities varicose veins - a practical guideline.

Lower extremities varicose veins are among the most frequent diseases in the general population. They can cause complaints with a deterioration of the quality of life and are associated with potentially threatening clinical conditions such as chronic venous ulceration, haemorrhage from ruptured varicose veins, and venous thromboembolism. An accurate diagnostic work-up is crucial to confirm the presence and the extension of the venous problem, in order to obtain an optimal management of the condition. In the past years, great efforts have been made to reach an international consensus on the terminology, the symptomatology, the classification, and the duplex ultrasound examination of lower extremities varicose veins. Mainly guided by these consensus documents, the present article describes the diagnostic work-up of lower extremities varicose veins, based on a careful medical history, physical examination, and duplex ultrasound examination.

Heat exposure of Cannabis sativa extracts affects the pharmacokinetic and metabolic profile in healthy male subjects.

The most important psychoactive constituent of CANNABIS SATIVA L. is Δ (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabidiol (CBD), another important constituent, is able to modulate the distinct unwanted psychotropic effect of THC. In natural plant extracts of C. SATIVA, large amounts of THC and CBD appear in the form of THCA-A (THC-acid-A) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), which can be transformed to THC and CBD by heating. Previous reports of medicinal use of cannabis or cannabis preparations with higher CBD/THC ratios and use in its natural, unheated form have demonstrated that pharmacological effects were often accompanied with a lower rate of adverse effects. Therefore, in the present study, the pharmacokinetics and metabolic profiles of two different C. SATIVA extracts (heated and unheated) with a CBD/THC ratio > 1 were compared to synthetic THC (dronabinol) in a double-blind, randomized, single center, three-period cross-over study involving 9 healthy male volunteers. The pharmacokinetics of the cannabinoids was highly variable. The metabolic pattern was significantly different after administration of the different forms: the heated extract showed a lower median THC plasma AUC (24 h) than the unheated extract of 2.84 vs. 6.59 pmol h/mL, respectively. The later was slightly higher than that of dronabinol (4.58 pmol h/mL). On the other hand, the median sum of the metabolites (THC, 11-OH-THC, THC-COOH, CBN) plasma AUC (24 h) was higher for the heated than for the unheated extract. The median CBD plasma AUC (24 h) was almost 2-fold higher for the unheated than for the heated extract. These results indicate that use of unheated extracts may lead to a beneficial change in metabolic pattern and possibly better tolerability.

Thromboprophylaxis practice after outpatient endovenous thermal ablation.

OBJECTIVE: The use of endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) for the treatment of truncal varicose veins has been increasing worldwide; however, uncertainty remains regarding the need for thromboprophylaxis and follow-up of patients undergoing this minimally invasive procedure. A nationwide survey of among physicians performing ETA was conducted to assess the thromboprophylaxis practice and follow-up protocols after ETA in Switzerland. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all ETA-certified physicians (n = 193) in Switzerland. The survey covered procedure type, thromboprophylaxis (including pharmacologic and compression therapy), duplex ultrasound follow-up examinations, and the management of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT). RESULTS: Overall, 121 responses were received, for a response rate of 62.7%. Of the 121 respondents, 71 were vascular medicine specialists (58.7%) and 46 were general or vascular surgeons (38.0%), representing the two largest groups of specialists, followed by 2 dermatologists (1.7%) and 2 interventional radiologists (1.7%). Pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis after ETA was always used by 86 physicians (71.1%), nearly always by 8 (6.6%), frequently used by 5 (4.1%), rarely used by 21 (17.4%), and never by 1 physician (0.8%). A direct oral anticoagulant drug was the preferred type of thromboprophylaxis used by 92 physicians (77.3%). The first dose of thromboprophylaxis was mostly administered immediately after intervention by 53 physicians (53.7%). The duration of postablation thromboprophylaxis ranged from 1 to 21 days, with 7 to 10 days used by 57 physicians. Compression therapy was used by all physicians, with large variation in duration ranging from 1 to 42 days after a single ETA session and after ETA with concomitant phlebectomy. Postablation duplex ultrasonography was performed routinely by 120 respondents (99.2%), and 84 respondents (69.4%) performed two to three duplex ultrasound scans. Management of EHIT depended on the EHIT class and differed widely among the physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Our nationwide survey on thromboprophylaxis practices after ETA of truncal varicose veins in Switzerland showed that most physicians use pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis, with a direct oral anticoagulant drug the preferred agent. However, the timing of the first dose and the duration of thromboprophylaxis varied widely among the respondents, reflecting the uncertainty in this domain owing to the absence of high-quality evidence-based guidelines.

SOFA Score as a Reliable Tool to Detect High Risk for Venous Thrombosis in Patients With Critical Stage SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome from coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Different anticoagulation protocols have been applied in several studies in the absence of clear evidence. A reliable deep venous thrombosis (DVT) indicator in critical patients with SARS-CoV-2 could guide the anticoagulation treatment; however, it has not yet been identified, and clinical applicability of the most common markers is debatable. The aim of our study was to determine the actual incidence of DVT in critically ill SARS-CoV-2 patients and to find a reliable tool to identify patients who might benefit from therapeutic-intensity anticoagulation. Methods: From March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020, all patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for SARS-CoV-2 at Ospedale Regionale di Locarno, Locarno, Switzerland, were prospectively enrolled and screened daily with ultrasound for DVT. Following international consensus, a higher-intensity thromboprophylaxis was administered to all patients who were not at increased risk for bleeding. Sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated and time-to-DVT event in a COX proportional-hazard regression model was performed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine sensitivity and specificity and the Youden's Index to establish the best threshold. Results: A total of 96 patients were enrolled. Deep venous thrombosis was detected in 37% of patients. Sepsis-induced coagulopathy and SOFA scores were both correlated to DVT. A SIC score of 1 vs. ≥2 showed a close association with DVT, with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 90.0, 48.1, and 49.1, and 89.7%, respectively. Most significantly though, a SOFA score of 1 or 2 points was shown to be the most accurate value in predicting the absence of DVT, indicating no need for therapeutic-intensity anticoagulation. Its sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 87.9, 100, and 100, and 93.7%, respectively. The D-dimer test showed lower sensitivity and specificity whereas platelet count and aPTT were not found to be correlated to DVT. Conclusions: Patients with SOFA scores of 1 or 2 are at low risk of developing DVT and do not require therapeutic-intensity anticoagulation. Conversely, patients with scores ≥3 are at high risk of developing DVT.

Feasibility and safety of flush endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein up to the saphenofemoral junction.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal ablation distance from the catheter tip to the common femoral vein during endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is a matter of debate. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of flush ablation (fEVLA) of the GSV. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data included all consecutive fEVLA interventions of the GSV between September 2017 and October 2018. Interventions were performed with a 1470-nm radially emitting fiber. Primary end points were technical feasibility of fEVLA and endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) class 2 to class 4. Secondary end points were procedure-related complications; anatomic success at week 6; and flush occlusion at day 1, day 10, and week 6. RESULTS: A total of 135 consecutive intended fEVLA procedures were performed in 113 patients (86 female, 27 male). The average body mass index was 24.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2. The Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) clinical class for these patients was C2 in 78 (57.8%), C3 in 48 (35.6%), C4 in 8 (5.9%), and C5 in 1 (0.7%). The GSV diameter at the saphenofemoral junction was 9.4 ± 2.7 mm with a maximum of 16 mm. In 126 cases (93.3%), concomitant treatment of tributaries with phlebectomy or foam sclerotherapy was performed. In 127 cases (94.1%), fEVLA was technically feasible; in 8 cases (5.9%), appropriate catheter tip placement was not possible. In these cases, "standard" GSV ablation 10 to 20 mm distal to the saphenofemoral junction was performed. In the remaining 127 cases, one (0.8%) EHIT class 2 and one (0.8%) EHIT class 3 developed at day 10. After a 2- to 3-week course of anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, these EHIT cases resolved without sequelae. Furthermore, one (0.8%) superficial vein thrombosis and one (0.8%) calf vein thrombosis at the site of phlebectomy were observed. No local groin complication occurred. Flush occlusion was observed in 94.5%, 95.3%, and 88.2% of the cases at day 1, day 10, and week 6, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis revealed no significant association between flush ablation at day 1 and age, body mass index, CEAP class, fiber type, maximum vein diameter, or applied joules per centimeter. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that fEVLA of the GSV using a radial emitting laser is feasible and seems to be safe.

Endovenous Laser Ablation for Treatment of a Partially Thrombosed Proximal Great Saphenous Vein.

INTRODUCTION: Superficial vein thrombosis of the great saphenous vein near to the saphenofemoral junction is generally treated with anticoagulation or surgically. REPORT: We present the case of a 70-year-old man with varicosities and a partially thrombosed great saphenous vein near to the saphenofemoral junction, treated with endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein. DISCUSSION: The case illustrates an alternative treatment option for superficial vein thrombosis of the great saphenous vein, which permits avoiding a prolonged anticoagulation or surgical procedure.

Duration of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis after outpatient endovenous laser ablation: a propensity score-matched analysis.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to identify the optimal duration of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis after outpatient endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). METHODS: In this multicentre retrospective study in a university hospital, regional hospital and private practices, we collected the demographic, procedural and outcome data of all consecutive patients with varicose veins class C2 to C6 undergoing outpatient EVLA of truncal and accessory veins between February 2009 and December 2015. The cumulative primary efficacy endpoint consisted of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) class 2–4, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosed with duplex ultrasound or computed tomography angiography after 1 and 4 weeks of follow-up. Cumulative secondary endpoints were complete ablation of the treated veins and major bleeding, skin burns and infection. RESULTS: A total of 864 patients were treated with EVLA as an outpatient procedure. Of those, 35 patients were omitted because of therapeutic anticoagulation or dual antiplatelet therapy. Another 36 cases were excluded as the patients received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis for 5 days. A total of 793 were included in the final analysis. Of those, 225 patients (28.4%) received fondaparinux 2.5 mg s.c. for 3 days, 166 patients (20.9%) received rivaroxaban 10 mg p.o. for 3 days and 402 patients (50.7%) received rivaroxaban 10 mg for 10 days. The incidence of EHIT class 2–4 was 0.8% (n = 6) in total, 1.3% (n = 6) in group 1 (treated for 3 days) and 0.3% (n = 1) in group 2 (treated for 10 days) (odds ratio [OR] 0.19, confidence interval [CI] 0.02–1.66, p = 0.133). The cumulative primary composite endpoint at 4-week follow-up was 1.1% (n = 9) and was 2.1% (n = 8) in group 1 and 0.3% (n = 1) in group 2 (OR 0.0.12, CI 0.01–0.96, p = 0.046). Propensity score-matched analysis revealed no significant difference in the composite primary endpoint (CI −0.074 to 0.26). Complete occlusion rate was 99.2% in group 1 and 98.8% in group 2 (OR 0.61, CI 0.15–2.59, p = 0.506). No PE or major bleeding events occurred in either group. Propensity score-matched analysis showed no significant difference in the secondary endpoints. CONCLUSION: Using propensity score-matched analysis we showed that pharmacological thromboprophylaxis after EVLA seems to be equally effective with 3 days or 10 days of treatment with a similar success rate and safety profile. Undoubtedly, a large randomised control trial, ideally including a group without pharmacological thromboprophylaxis, is needed to draw more definitive conclusions on the optimal duration of pharmacological post-EVLA thromboprophylaxis.

Safety and efficacy of outpatient endovenous laser ablation in patients 75 years and older: a propensity score-matched analysis.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in patients 75 years and older in an outpatient setting. METHODS: In this multicentre retrospective study, we collected the demographic, procedural and outcome data of all consecutive patients with varicose veins class C2 to C6 undergoing EVLA of truncal and accessory saphenous veins. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete ablation of the treated veins diagnosed with duplex ultrasound at 4-week follow up. The primary safety endpoint was endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at 4-week follow up as diagnosed by duplex ultrasound. A secondary endpoint was minor or major bleeding. RESULTS: Between February 2009 and December 2015, a total of 829 patients were treated with EVLA of the truncal and accessory saphenous veins. Among them, 747 were <75 years old (group 1) and 82 were ≥75 years old (group 2). The primary efficacy outcome was reached in 739 patients (98.9%) in group 1 and in 80 patients (97.6%) in group 2 (odd ratio [OR] 0.43, confidence interval [CI] 0.09–2.07; p = 0.295). The number of patients with EHIT type 2 and DVT were 4 (0.5%) and 2 (0.3%), respectively, in group 1, and 2 (2.4%) and 1 (1.2%), respectively, in group 2 (OR 4.64, CI 0.83–25.75; p = 0.079 and OR 4.59, CI 0.41–51.27; p = 0.215, respectively). Minor bleeding events occurred in 36 patients (4.8%) in group 1 and 7 patients (8.9%) in group 2 (OR 1.84, CI 0.79-4.29; p = 0.155). No major bleeding occurred in either group. Propensity score-matched analysis revealed no significant difference in efficacy and safety outcomes. CONCLUSION: EVLA performed as an outpatient procedure seems to be effective and safe in the elderly population as compared to the younger age group.

Rivaroxaban for thrombosis prophylaxis in endovenous laser ablation with and without phlebectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) is a well-described complication of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). We report our centers' experience on the efficacy (EHIT level ≥2 according to the Kabnick classification) and safety (observed major and minor bleeding events) of rivaroxaban for EHIT prophylaxis in EVLA with and without concomitant phlebectomy. METHODS: Demographic, procedural, and outcome data of all patients with EVLA of the great, accessory, or small saphenous vein and EHIT prophylaxis with 10 mg/d rivaroxaban between 2012 and 2014 were reviewed and analyzed in this investigator-initiated multicenter retrospective observational single-arm study. RESULTS: During a median (interquartile range) follow-up duration of 51 (41-68) days, complete vein occlusion was achieved in 98.4% of 438 EVLA procedures in 306 patients. One patient had an EHIT level 2 (0.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.006%-1.3%). No major bleedings (0%; 95% confidence interval, 0.0%-0.8%) and six minor bleedings (1.4%; 95% confidence interval, 0.5%-3%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Rivaroxaban (10 mg/d) for 5 to 10 days seems to be an efficacious and safe alternative for EHIT prophylaxis in EVLA with or without phlebectomy.

Successful lysis in a stroke following endovenous laser ablation and extensive miniphlebectomy of varicose veins.

Stroke is a very rare but potential fatal complication of endovenous thermal treatment in patients with a right-to-left shunt. To our best knowledge, there are only two reports in the literature of stroke after endovenous thermal ablation of varicose veins, one after endovenous laser ablation and one after radiofrequency ablation and phlebectomy, both treated conservatively. This report describes a successful lysis in a patient with an ischemic stroke associated with bilateral endovenous heat-induced thrombosis class I after endovenous laser ablation of both great saphenous vein and extensive miniphlebectomy in a patient with an unknown patent foramen ovale.

Varicosities of the lower extremity, new approaches: cosmetic or therapeutic needs?

Varicose veins of the lower extremity (VVLE) are a frequently encountered vascular disorder in the general population. The general view that VVLE are a non-serious disease with primarily aesthetic impact is a common misconception, as the disease can have a significant negative impact on generic and disease-specific quality of life. Further, VVLE may be associated with potentially threatening clinical conditions, such as chronic venous ulceration, venous thromboembolism and haemorrhage from ruptured varicose veins. In the case of symptomatic varicose veins, in the presence of advanced lower limb skin changes or when venous complications occur, a referral for dedicated evaluation by the vascular medicine specialist is recommended. The initial diagnostic test of choice to detect the extent of the varicose disease and to plan treatment is duplex ultrasound. Traditionally, compression therapy, surgical high ligation and stripping of the truncal veins have been considered standard of care for VVLE. Driven by the aim to reduce surgical trauma and improve the long-term effectiveness, minimally invasive treatment options have been developed in the last two decades, namely endovascular vein ablation techniques (EVA). Endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation have been established as first-line treatments for varicose veins associated with axial reflux on the basis of the most recent international guidelines. For practical purposes and depending on the concrete clinical situation, the various EVA and surgical techniques are often combined, leading to multimodal varicose vein therapy management. Knowledge of the different techniques is of utmost importance for the vascular medicine specialist. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the new EVA techniques and to elucidate the different therapeutic strategies for VVLE.

[Well-Tried and New Ones ­ Update Varicose Vein Treatment 2016]. / Altbewährtes und Neues - Update Krampfaderbehandlung 2016.

Venous leg symptoms are frequent, but their relevance is frequently underestimated. With the introduction of effective, minimal-invasive endovenous treatment modalities the treatment of varicose veins has recently made major advances. The basis of every treatment decision is a competent anamnesis, clinical investigation and duplex scan. Outpatient varicose vein treatment using endovenous methods has been proofed to be at least as effective as traditional varicose vein surgery but is associated with fewer adverse events. Accordingly, the endovenous methods are exspected to replace surgery as goldstandard treatment and endovenous thermal vein ablation (Laser/Radiofrequency) is accepted by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health for general reimbursment since 1st january 2016. All currently available methods have their advantages and limitations, the individual selection based on the present symptoms, anatomic findings and patients' preferences is fundamental for an optimal treatment result and maximized patient satisfaction.