Correlation between experience targets and competence for general surgery certification.

BACKGROUND: Working time restrictions and public expectation have stimulated competence-based assessment in surgery. Nevertheless, certification of completion of training, and board accreditation across the developed world, still rely on experiential models based on indicative numbers as markers of operative competence. This study assessed the correlation between trainer assessment of competence and completion of indicative numbers. METHODS: Analysis of UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme portfolios of general surgical trainees in a single Local Education and Training Board allowed comparison of Procedure Based Assessment (PBA) scores (level of competence) for cholecystectomy, segmental colectomy and Hartmann's procedure with operative numbers. RESULTS: Among 121 trainees, there was a positive correlation between operative numbers and 1058 PBA scores for cholecystectomy (rs = 0·532, P < 0·001), segmental colectomy (rs = 0·552, P < 0·001) and Hartmann's procedure (rs = 0·663, P < 0·001). Of those who completed the indicative numbers defined for each procedure to achieve certification of completion of training, only eight of 30 performing cholecystectomy, eight of 52 undertaking segmental colectomy and seven of 36 performing Hartmann's procedure had achieved three PBAs at the level considered to represent independent operating (level 4). More than half of all assessments (259 of 428, 60·5 per cent; 85 of 132 cholecystectomy, 140 of 217 colectomy and 34 of 79 Hartmann's) performed after trainees had completed their indicative numbers were scored below level 4. CONCLUSION: A minimum number of index procedures did not reflect competence in a significant proportion of trainees. A more reliable tool is required for certification.

Cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation or surgery as treatment for primary varicose veins from the randomized CLASS trial.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patients with varicose veins constitutes a considerable workload and financial burden to the National Health Service. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) compared with conventional surgery as treatment for primary varicose veins. METHODS: Participant cost and utility data were collected alongside the UK CLASS multicentre randomized clinical trial, which compared EVLA, surgery and UGFS. Regression methods were used to estimate the effects of the alternative treatments on costs to the health service and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at 6 months. A Markov model, incorporating available evidence on clinical recurrence rates, was developed to extrapolate the trial data over a 5-year time horizon. RESULTS: Compared with surgery at 6 months, UGFS and EVLA reduced mean costs to the health service by £655 and £160 respectively. When additional overhead costs associated with theatre use were included, these cost savings increased to £902 and £392 respectively. UGFS produced 0·005 fewer QALYs, whereas EVLA produced 0·011 additional QALYs. Extrapolating to 5 years, EVLA was associated with increased costs and QALYs compared with UGFS (costing £3640 per QALY gained), and generated a cost saving (£206-439) and QALY gain (0·078) compared with surgery. Applying a ceiling willingness-to-pay ratio of £20 000 per QALY gained, EVLA had the highest probability (78·7 per cent) of being cost-effective. CONCLUSION: The results suggest, for patients considered eligible for all three treatment options, that EVLA has the highest probability of being cost-effective at accepted thresholds of willingness to pay per QALY.

Rehabilitation post-COVID-19: cross-sectional observations using the Stanford Hall remote assessment tool.

INTRODUCTION: The multisystem COVID-19 can cause prolonged symptoms requiring rehabilitation. This study describes the creation of a remote COVID-19 rehabilitation assessment tool to allow timely triage, assessment and management. It hypotheses those with post-COVID-19 syndrome, potentially without laboratory confirmation and irrespective of initial disease severity, will have significant rehabilitation needs. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of consecutive patients referred by general practitioners (April-November 2020). Primary outcomes were presence/absence of anticipated sequelae. Binary logistic regression was used to test association between acute presentation and post-COVID-19 symptomatology. RESULTS: 155 patients (n=127 men, n=28 women, median age 39 years, median 13 weeks post-illness) were assessed using the tool. Acute symptoms were most commonly shortness of breath (SOB) (74.2%), fever (73.5%), fatigue (70.3%) and cough (64.5%); and post-acutely, SOB (76.7%), fatigue (70.3%), cough (57.4%) and anxiety/mood disturbance (39.4%). Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were 69% and 63% less likely to have anxiety/mood disturbance and pain, respectively, at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation assessment should be offered to all patients suffering post-COVID-19 symptoms, not only those with laboratory confirmation and considered independently from acute illness severity. This tool offers a structure for a remote assessment. Post-COVID-19 programmes should include SOB, fatigue and mood disturbance management.

Changing characteristics of post-COVID-19 syndrome: Cross-sectional findings from 458 consultations using the Stanford Hall remote rehabilitation assessment tool.

BACKGROUND: In the UK, there have been multiple waves of COVID-19, with a five-tier alert system created to describe the transmission rate and appropriate restrictions. While acute mortality decreased, there continued to be a significant morbidity, with individuals suffering from persistent, life-restricting symptoms for months to years afterwards. A remote rehabilitation tool was created at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall to assess post-COVID-19 symptoms and their impact on the UK military.This study aims to understand changes in post-COVID-19 syndrome between wave 1 and wave 2, identify interactions between alert level and symptoms and investigate any predictive nature of acute symptoms for postacute symptomology in a young, physically active population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 458 consecutive remote rehabilitation assessments performed at DMRC Stanford Hall between 2 April 2020 and 29 July 2021. Consultations were coded, anonymised, and statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between acute and postacute symptoms, and between symptoms, alert levels and waves. RESULTS: 435 assessments were eligible; 174 in wave 1 and 261 in wave 2. Post-COVID-19 syndrome prevalence reduced from 43% to 2% between the waves. Acutely, widespread pain was more prevalent in wave 2 (p<0.001). Postacutely, there was increased anxiety (p=0.10) in wave 1 and increased sleep disturbance (p<0.001), memory/concentration issues (p<0.001) and shortness of breath/cough (p=0.017) in wave 2. Increasing alert level was associated with increased postacute symptom prevalence (p=0.046), with sleep disturbance increasing at higher alert level (p=0.016). Acute symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbance and myalgia, were associated with multiple postacute symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the overall prevalence and symptom burden in the UK military in the first two waves of COVID-19. By reporting differences in COVID-19 in different waves and alert level, this study highlights the importance of careful assessment and contextual understanding of acute and postacute illnesses for individual management plans.

Comparative stability of sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STD) and polidocanol foam: impact on vein damage in an in-vitro model.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the half-life of STD and polidocanol air-based foams and the damage they inflict upon human great saphenous vein in an in-vitro model. METHODS: The time for the volume of 3% STD and polidocanol foams to reduce by 10% (T(90)) and 50% (T(50)) was recorded in an incubator at 37 °C. Segments of proximal GSV harvested during varicose vein surgery were filled with foam for 5 or 15 min. Histological analysis determined percentage endothelial cell loss and depth of media injury. RESULTS: Median (±IQR) T(90) and T(50) for polidocanol were 123.3 s (111.7-165.6) and 266.3 s (245.6-383.1) versus 102.03 s (91.1-112) and 213.13 s (201-231.6) for STD (T(90)p = 0.008, T(50)p = 0.004). Median endothelial loss with polidocanol was; 63.5% (62.2-82.8) and 85.9% (83.8-92.5) versus 86.3% (84.8-93.7) and 97.64% (97.3-97.8) for STD after 5 and 15 min (p = 0.076 and p = 0.009). The median depth and % media thickness injured were 0 µm (0-0 µm) and 0% for both assessments with polidocanol versus 37.4 µm (35.3-45.8 and 43.4 µm (42.1-46.7) and 3.5% (3.1-3.6) and 5.3% (3.7-6.0) after 5 and 15 min for STD (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Although polidocanol foam shows greater stability than STD foam perhaps remaining in the vein for longer, endothelial cell loss and damage to the media were significantly greater with STD.

Nitrous oxide exposure does not seem to be associated with increased mortality, stroke, and myocardial infarction: a non-randomized subgroup analysis of the General Anaesthesia compared with Local Anaesthesia for carotid surgery (GALA) trial.

BACKGROUND: Nitrous oxide has been associated with increased vascular risk in the perioperative period. Here, we conducted a secondary analysis of the GALA trial to ascertain the impact of nitrous oxide on outcomes after carotid surgery under general anaesthesia (GA). METHODS: One thousand seven hundred and seventy-three patients underwent GA, but 158 patients were excluded from this analysis as nitrous oxide use was unknown. The decision to use nitrous oxide was at the discretion of the anaesthetist and was not randomized. Six hundred and seventy-one patients received nitrous oxide and 944 patients did not. Logistic regression was used to analyse the same primary outcome as the original trial (risk of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction within 30 days of the operation). RESULTS: Patients who received nitrous oxide were more likely to have had coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and atrial fibrillation (all P<0.05). Overall, there were 35 (5.2%) primary outcome events in patients receiving nitrous oxide compared with 44 (4.7%) in those who did not [relative risk 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI: 0.73, 1.73); P=0.63]. The adjustment for the imbalanced baseline variables using logistic regression reduced the point estimate of harm for nitrous oxide [adjusted odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI (0.68, 1.74); P=0.73]. CONCLUSIONS: Given the greater prevalence of vascular risk factors in the nitrous oxide group and the lack of any definite effect on the primary outcome measure, these data do not support a clinically meaningful adverse effect of nitrous oxide on our composite outcome in patients undergoing carotid surgery.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) to treat recurrent varicose veins.

OBJECTIVES: This cohort study assesses the effectiveness and safety of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in the management of recurrent varicose veins (RVVS). METHOD: 104 limbs (95 patients) undergoing EVLA for RVVS were grouped according to pattern of reflux. For patients with recurrent SFJ/great saphenous vein (GSV) (Group GR) and SPJ/small saphenous vein (SSV) (Group SR) varicosities ablation rates and QoL (Aberdeen Varicose Vein Severity Scores (AVVSS)) were compared with those for age/sex matched patients undergoing EVLA for primary GSV/SSV dependent varicose veins (Groups GP and SP). RESULTS: In patients with RVVS the axial vein was ablated in 102/104 (98%) limbs whilst 2 GSVs (group GR) partially recanalised by 3 months (GSV ablated in 49/51 (96%) limbs versus 50/51 (98%) limbs in GP [p = 0.2]). Improvements in AVVSS at 3 months (median GR: 14.2 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 10.2-18.9) to 3.2(1.2-6.4), p < 0.001; GP: median 15.9(IQR 11.4-22.7) to 3.8(1.1-5.6), p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney u-test) were similar (78% versus 76%, p = 0.23). The SSV was ablated in 24/24 limbs in groups SR and SP and the % improvement in AVVSS was 83% (median 14.4 (IQR 8.2-19.4) to 2.4 (1.9-4.6), p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney u-test) and 84% (median 13.8 (IQR 6.3-17.5) to 2.2 (1.2-5.1), p < 0.001) respectively (p = 0.33). These improvements persisted at 1 year follow-up. A further 29 limbs with isolated anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV) or segmental GSV/SSV reflux were successfully ablated. Complication rates for primary and RVVS were similar. CONCLUSIONS: EVLA is a safe and effective option for the treatment of RVVS and could be a preferred option for suitable patients.

A strategy to meet the 'two-week' target for carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) within two weeks of the index neurological event (INE) achieves maximum stroke prevention. This study assesses the impact of institution-wide policy changes on CEA performance in symptomatic patients. Between two study periods (1 January 2007 and 31 December 2007; 1 August 2008 and 31 July 2009) transient ischaemic attack (TIA) clinics, an acute stroke protocol and utilisation of vascular operating lists, were adopted. Following the changes, the interval between the INE and CEA fell from 23 (n = 65; interquartile range (IQR) 9-66) to 6.5 (n = 52; IQR 2-13.5) days (p < 0.001) with 32.3% v 82.7% performed within two weeks (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were seen in the time taken from onset of symptoms to presentation, and presentation to a carotid duplex and surgical review. Univariate analyses suggest this improvement is associated with the type of INE, point of presentation and the need for further imaging. Implementation of these policies has produced a significant improvement in service provision largely meeting the two-week target.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of general anaesthesia versus local anaesthesia for carotid surgery (GALA Trial).

BACKGROUND: Health outcomes and costs are both important when deciding whether general (GA) or local (LA) anaesthesia should be used during carotid endarterectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy under LA or GA in patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis for whom surgery was advised. METHODS: Using patient-level data from a large, multinational, randomized controlled trial (GALA Trial) time free from stroke, myocardial infarction or death, and costs incurred were evaluated. The cost-effectiveness outcome was incremental cost per day free from an event, within a time horizon of 30 days. RESULTS: A patient undergoing carotid endarterectomy under LA incurred fewer costs (mean difference pound178) and had a slightly longer event-free survival (difference 0.16 days, but the 95 per cent confidence limits around this estimate were wide) compared with a patient who had GA. Existing uncertainty did not have a significant impact on the decision to adopt LA, over a wide range of willingness-to-pay values. CONCLUSION: If cost-effectiveness was considered in the decision to adopt GA or LA for carotid endarterectomy, given the evidence provided by this study, LA is likely to be the favoured treatment for patients for whom either anaesthetic approach is clinically appropriate.

Relationship of carotid plaque echomorphology to presenting symptom.

BACKGROUND: Attempts to stratify carotid plaques according to clinical risk using single longitudinal view (SLV) echomorphology have not been uniformly successful. We compared SLV grey scale median measurements (SLV-GSM) with a newer technique of multiple cross-sectional view echomorphology (MCSV-GSM) in carotid plaques from 3 patient groups (asymptomatic, ocular, and hemispheric symptoms). METHODS: SLV and MCSV images were obtained from 109 carotid stenoses (70-99%; 41 hemispheric, 17 ocular, 51 asymptomatic). SLV-GSM and MCSV-GSM(min) (lowest plaque MCSV image GSM) were determined to assess echolucency whilst MCSV-GSM(max-min) (highest minus lowest MCSV-GSM) assessed heterogeneity. RESULTS: Echolucency was greater (lower GSM) in plaques causing hemispheric symptoms versus asymptomatic plaques (MCSV-GSM(min), P = .002; SLV-GSM, P = .002). Only MCSV imaging detected differences in echolucency between asymptomatic plaques and those causing ocular symptoms (SLV-GSM, p = 0.84; MCSV-GSM(min), p = .003). Symptomatic plaques showed greater heterogeneity versus asymptomatic plaques, significantly in those causing ocular symptoms (hemispheric P = .126; AF P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: Both SLV and MCSV echomorphology confirm increased echolucency in plaques causing hemispheric symptoms. Plaques causing ocular symptoms could only be distinguished from asymptomatic plaques with MCSV assessment (increased echolucency and heterogeneity). This suggests that amaurosis fugax may be associated with a more focal plaque instability that is best detected with MCSV imaging.

The impact of different concentrations of sodium tetradecyl sulphate and initial balloon denudation on endothelial cell loss and tunica media injury in a model of foam sclerotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Recanalisation rates (20-32%) 1-3 years after truncal vein foam sclerotherapy (FS) suggest thrombotic occlusion rather than irreversible vein wall injury. This study examines the injury inflicted by sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STD) foam before and after balloon endothelial denudation (BD). METHODS: In 20 patients undergoing great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping 1.5 cm proximal GSV were harvested (controls). The next 1.5 cm were harvested after in situ BD (n = 10) or no denudation (n = 10). These test segments were filled with 1% or 3% STD foam (5 min), flushed and fixed in formalin. Percentage endothelial cell loss (ECL) and tunica media injury were determined (H&E staining) and collagen structure assessed (transmission electron microscopy, TEM). RESULTS: Controls showed no injury. 1% and 3% STD foam caused 86.3% and 92.2% ECL (p < 0.001 versus controls; 1% versus 3%, p = 0.55). Endothelial cells persisted in all sections. BD increased ECL (1%: 96.9%, 3%: 98.1%, p = 0.01) Tunica media injury (smooth muscle vacuolation) was minimal (8.9% (1% STD) and 12% (3% STD) of its depth) and not enhanced by BD (1%: 8.7%, p = 0.93; 3%: 11.3%; p = 0.86). No collagen disruption occurred (TEM). CONCLUSIONS: Balloon denudation increased ECL but did not facilitate tunica media injury. Equivalent injury was inflicted by 1% and 3% STD.

Tiludronate infusion in the treatment of bone spavin: a double blind placebo-controlled trial.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Tiludronate regulates bone remodelling through a decrease of the resorptive process and should therefore ameliorate the remodelling processes active in osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints ('bone spavin') and alleviate pain associated with abnormal bone lysis. OBJECTIVE: To confirm the efficacy of tiludronate, administered as a single infusion at a dose of 1 mg/kg bwt, in the treatment of bone spavin in the horse. METHODS: A double blind placebo controlled trial on 108 clinical cases of bone spavin was undertaken. The lameness score of the lamest limb was assessed following distal tarsal analgesia of the contralateral limb and followed-up using the same procedure throughout the study. Bone spavin in the lamest limb was confirmed by distal tarsal analgesia and radiography. Horses were treated at Day 0 and reassessed 60 days later after controlled exercise. A second nonblinded treatment was given to unresponsive horses and all horses were re-examined at Day 120. Exercise levels were recorded at each examination. RESULTS: Eighty-seven horses completed the trial as per the protocol. The tiludronate horses were significantly less lame than the placebo horses (P = 0.0318). Horses treated at Day 60 with tiludronate showed further improvement in lameness at Day 120 (P = 0.0096 and P = 0.0034 for horses treated with tiludronate and placebo at Day 0, respectively). The only significant difference in radiographic findings between tiludronate and placebo was for presence of periarticular osteophytes (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Tiludronate treatment is proven to be effective in bone spavin in horses in association with a controlled exercise programme. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tiludronate in combination with controlled exercise offers an alternate medical treatment for bone spavin.

General anaesthesia versus local anaesthesia for carotid surgery (GALA): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The effect of carotid endarterectomy in lowering the risk of stroke ipsilateral to severe atherosclerotic carotid-artery stenosis is offset by complications during or soon after surgery. We compared surgery under general anaesthesia with that under local anaesthesia because prediction and avoidance of perioperative strokes might be easier under local anaesthesia than under general anaesthesia. METHODS: We undertook a parallel group, multicentre, randomised controlled trial of 3526 patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis from 95 centres in 24 countries. Participants were randomly assigned to surgery under general (n=1753) or local (n=1773) anaesthesia between June, 1999 and October, 2007. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with stroke (including retinal infarction), myocardial infarction, or death between randomisation and 30 days after surgery. Analysis was by intention to treat. The trial is registered with Current Control Trials number ISRCTN00525237. FINDINGS: A primary outcome occurred in 84 (4.8%) patients assigned to surgery under general anaesthesia and 80 (4.5%) of those assigned to surgery under local anaesthesia; three events per 1000 treated were prevented with local anaesthesia (95% CI -11 to 17; risk ratio [RR] 0.94 [95% CI 0.70 to 1.27]). The two groups did not significantly differ for quality of life, length of hospital stay, or the primary outcome in the prespecified subgroups of age, contralateral carotid occlusion, and baseline surgical risk. INTERPRETATION: We have not shown a definite difference in outcomes between general and local anaesthesia for carotid surgery. The anaesthetist and surgeon, in consultation with the patient, should decide which anaesthetic technique to use on an individual basis. FUNDING: The Health Foundation (UK) and European Society of Vascular Surgery.

Influence of warfarin on the success of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV).

BACKGROUND: Although warfarin is routinely stopped prior to varicose vein surgery the absence of incisions may make this unnecessary prior to EVLA. Nevertheless continuing therapy may compromise ablation rates resulting in treatment failure. Since EVLA is particularly suitable for older patients with co-morbidities this study investigates whether warfarin influences outcome. METHOD: A prospective observational cohort study was designed to assess ablation rates (1 year, duplex ultrasound), Aberdeen varicose vein symptom severity scores (AVVSS) and patient satisfaction following GSV EVLA in 22 patients ("warfarin group": 12 female, 10 male; 24 limbs) taking warfarin and 24 age/sex and disease-severity matched controls who were not taking anticoagulants ("no-warfarin group"). RESULTS: Complete ablation of the treated-length of GSV was achieved in 20/24 (83%) limbs in the "warfarin group" versus 23/24 (96%) in the "no-warfarin" group (p=0.347, chi squared). Suboptimal energy densities were delivered to 3/4 failures in the "warfarin group". A similar, significant (p<0.001, Wilcoxon) improvement in AVVSS occurred in both groups [warfarin: median 14.6 (inter-quartile range 8.9-19.1) to 3.8 (1.9-6.2), no-warfarin: median 13.9 (IQR 7.6-20.1) to 3.5 (2.2-6.4)]. Patients were equally satisfied with outcomes (warfarin=92%, no-warfarin=90%; p=0.391, Mann-Whitney). No major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: EVLA in patients taking warfarin is safe and effective. Since cessation of therapy is unnecessary it should provide a valuable alternative to surgery in these patients.

Neovascularisation and recurrence 2 years after varicose vein treatment for sapheno-femoral and great saphenous vein reflux: a comparison of surgery and endovenous laser ablation.

OBJECTIVE: Neovascularisation is a major cause of recurrent varicosities following surgery. This prospective cohort study compares recurrence rates and the occurrence of neovascularisation following surgery or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for great saphenous vein reflux. METHOD: 118 consecutive patients (72 female, 46 male, median age 48 [range 32-68 years]), 129 limbs were reviewed at a median of 24 months (range 18-30) after surgery (n=60 limbs) or EVLA (n=69 limbs) for primary sapheno-femoral and GSV reflux. Varicose vein recurrence, ultrasound detected groin neovascularisation and patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale) were recorded. RESULTS: Recurrence rates at 2 years were: surgery group 4/60 (6.6%; mid-thigh perforator n=2, residual GSV with neovascularisation n=2), EVLA group 5/69 (7%; GSV recanalisation n=3 (all received <50 J/cm laser energy), mid-thigh perforator n=1, new anterior saphenous vein reflux n=1) p=0.631. Neovascularisation was detected in 11/60 (18%) of the surgery group and 1/69 (1%) of the EVLA group, p=0.001. Patient satisfaction rates were 90% and 88% respectively (p=0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Although the frequency of recurrent varicosities 2 years after surgery and EVLA was similar, neovascularisation, a predictor of future recurrence, was less common following EVLA. Further, current recommendations on delivering > or =70 J/cm laser energy should reduce recanalisation rates and recurrence after EVLA.

Arterio-venous fistula following endovenous laser ablation for varicose veins.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) obliterates incompetent truncal veins as an alternative to varicose veins surgery. We describe 3 patients who developed an arterio-venous fistula (AVF) following great (GSV: 1) or small (SSV: 2) saphenous vein EVLA. Two fistulae closed spontaneously with conservative management. Concomitant venous and arterial wall thermal injury or needle trauma during administration of tumescent anaesthesia may cause this rare complication. Haemodynamic effects appear minimal and spontaneous closure is likely, supporting a non-interventional policy.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV): abolition of sapheno-femoral reflux with preservation of the great saphenous vein.

AIM: During surgery for sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) and anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV) reflux, many surgeons also strip the great saphenous vein (GSV). This study assesses the short-term efficacy (abolition of reflux on Duplex ultrasound) of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the AAGSV with preservation of a competent GSV in the treatment of varicose veins occurring due to isolated AAGSV incompetence. METHOD: Thirty-three patients (21 women and 12 men) undergoing AAGSV EVLA alone (group A) and 33 age/sex-matched controls undergoing GSV EVLA (Group B) were studied. Comparisons included ultrasound assessment of SFJ competence, successful axial vein ablation, Aberdeen Varicose Vein Symptom Severity Scores (AVVSS) and a visual analogue patient-satisfaction scale. RESULTS: At the 1-year follow-up, EVLA had successfully abolished the target vein reflux (AAGSV: median length 19 cm (inter-quartile range, IQR: 14-24 cm) vs. GSV: 32 cm (IQR 24-42 cm)) and had restored SFJ competence in all patients. Twenty of the 33 patients (61%) in group A and 14 of the 33 (42%) in group B (p=0.218) required post-ablation sclerotherapy at 6 weeks post-procedure for residual varicosities. The AVVSS at 12 months follow-up had improved from the pre-treatment scores in both the groups (group A: median score 4.1 (IQR 2.1-5.2) vs. 11.6 (IQR: 6.9-15.1) p<0.001; group B: median score 3.3 (IQR 1.1-4.5) vs. 14.5 (IQR 7.6-20.2), p<0.001), with no significant difference between the groups. Patient-satisfaction scores were similar (group A: 84% and group B: 90%). Previous intervention in group A included GSV EVLA (n=3) or stripping (n=9). Thus, the GSV was preserved in 21 patients. The AVVSS also improved in this subgroup (4.4 (2.0-5.4) vs. 11.4 (6.0-14.1), p<0.001) and SFJ/GSV competence was found to be restored at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: AAGSV EVLA abolishes SFJ reflux, improves symptom scores and is, therefore, suitable for treating varicose veins associated with AAGSV reflux.

Jugular venous neurone specific enolase (NSE) increases following carotid endarterectomy under general, but not local, anaesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies indicate that local (LA) rather than general anaesthesia (GA) for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is associated with reflex hypertension and preservation of cerebral cytochrome oxidase after carotid clamping. The hypothesis that LA offers protection against ischaemic cerebral injury has been investigated by measuring ipsilateral jugular venous neurone specific enolase (NSE: neuronal glycolytic enzyme) and S-100B (glial cell protein) during and after CEA. METHODS: 27 patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease (70-99% stenosis) underwent CEA, 14 under LA and 13 under GA. Jugular venous blood samples were assayed for NSE and S-100B before carotid clamping and at 5min before and 5min, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24h after clamp release. RESULTS: No neurological complications occurred. S-100B levels were low and did not increase from baseline in either group. Pre-clamp NSE levels were similar in both groups (LA: 17.6 (15.2-20.7)microg/l, GA: 21.5 (11.3-26.2)microg/l; p=0.37) but increased significantly 2h after clamp release in GA patients (LA: 25.5 (16.6-27.8)microg/l, GA: 48.2 (31.4-61.3)microg/l, p=0.05) with a significant rise from baseline in GA patients (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: CEA performed under GA is associated with greater rises in jugular venous NSE, and hence cerebral injury, than CEA performed under LA.

Vascular endothelial growth factor is associated with histological instability of carotid plaques.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes events favouring carotid plaque instability: inflammatory chemoattraction, thrombogenesis, and upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and cell adhesion molecules. The aim of this study was to assess neovascularization, VEGF and its receptors in high-grade stable and unstable carotid plaques. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for CD34, VEGF, VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 1 and VEGFR2 was performed in 34 intact carotid endarterectomy specimens, and compared in sections demonstrating maximal histological instability (cap rupture/thinning) or, if stable, maximal stenosis. RESULTS: VEGF staining was increased in 12 unstable compared with 22 stable plaques (median (interquartile range, i.q.r.) plaque score 4.0 (4.0-4.0) versus 3.0 (2.0-3.0); P = 0.002) with upregulation of VEGFR1 (plaque score 4.0 (2.0-4.0) versus 2.0 (1.0-3.0); P = 0.016). In unstable plaques this was associated with increased microvessel density in the cap (median (i.q.r.) 12.1 (4.0-30.0) versus 1.1 (0.0-7.3) microvessels/mm(2); P = 0.017) and shoulder regions (7.7 (3.4-21.4) versus 3.1 (0.4-10.8) microvessels/mm(2); P = 0.176). CONCLUSION: Increased VEGF and receptor staining were seen in histologically unstable carotid plaques. Although these differences could reflect cytokine-driven inflammatory events accompanying plaque instability, VEGF and VEGFR1 could be key mediators.