Venous thrombosis following endovenous laser ablation with and without thromboprophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs infrequently after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of VTE after EVLA with and without pharmacologic prophylaxis. METHODS: From October 2019 to March 2020, a series of consecutive patients from the prospectively maintained VEINOVA (vein occlusion with various techniques) registry was retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent EVLA with and without postoperative thromboprophylaxis. A 1470-nm laser wavelength with a radial fiber was used for EVLA. Concomitant phlebectomy or sclerotherapy of insufficient tributaries was allowed. Perivenous tumescence was applied with 1% Rapidocaine (lidocaine hydrochloride monohydrate; Sintetica SA). Ablation of varicose veins was performed by continuously drawing back the laser fiber at a power of 10 W, aiming for a linear endovenous energy delivery of 60 to 90 J/cm. Compression stockings were applied postoperatively, and the patients were advised to wear them for 1 week. Duplex ultrasound was performed at the 1- and 4-week follow-up visits to determine the occlusion rate and the occurrence of EHIT and VTE. RESULTS: Overall, 249 patients were identified from the registry. Of the 249 patients, 26 were omitted because of treatment of recurrent varicose veins. Finally, 223 consecutive patients with 223 legs and 227 saphenous veins (159 great saphenous veins, 49 small saphenous veins, and 19 anterior accessory saphenous veins) were included in the final analysis. Their mean age was 58.1 ± 13.8 years, and 167 patients (73.1%) were women. The clinical CEAP (clinical, etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology) classification was C2 for 11 legs (4.9%), C3 for 123 legs (55.2%), C4a or C4b for 86 legs (38.6%), and C5 to C6 for 3 legs (1.4%). Thromboprophylaxis was given to 132 patients (59.2%) for 3 days (rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily to 130 patients [98.5%] and low-molecular-weight heparin to 2 patients [1.5%]). No thromboprophylaxis was administered to 91 patients (40.8%) after EVLA. The average treatment length was 34.2 ± 19.3 cm and the average diameter was 5.0 ± 1.3 mm. At 1 week of follow-up, no thrombotic event had occurred in either group. At 4 weeks of follow-up, one case of EHIT class 2 (1.1%) and one case of pulmonary embolism (1.1%) had occurred in the group without thromboprophylaxis. In the thromboprophylaxis group, one deep vein thrombosis (0.8%) event had occurred (adjusted P = .135). At 1 and 4 weeks of follow-up, the treated varicose veins remained occluded in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Endovenous ablation of truncal varicose veins appears to be safe with a low thrombotic event rate with or without pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. However, more data are needed before a final recommendation regarding the best thromboprophylaxis treatment option can be given.

Endovenous Thermal Ablation for Treatment of Symptomatic Saphenous Veins-Does the Body Weight Matter?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine whether body weight may affect the effectiveness and safety of endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) for the treatment of symptomatic varicose veins. METHODS: This retrospective single-center cohort study analyzed the outcomes and patient demographic data with a focus on the body weight of all patients who had ETA of symptomatic varicose veins between September 2017 and October 2020. RESULTS: A total of 1178 treated truncal veins from 636 patients were analyzed. The mean ± standard deviation body mass index (BMI) was 25.5 ± 4.9. In 2.3% of cases, the patients were underweight (BMI < 18.5), 31.0% were overweight (BMI > 25), and 16.6% were obese (BMI > 30). Complete truncal occlusion was observed 1 year post intervention in 97.6-100% and patients were satisfied or very satisfied in 96.2-100% across BMI groups. Pain was low but significantly higher in the patients with obesity 6 weeks post intervention (visual analog scale 0.84 ± 1.49) and a higher infection rate was observed in the patients with obesity (n = 4/132; 3.0%). No significant association was observed between BMI and bleeding or thromboembolic events. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with obesity experienced prolonged pain and more infections after ETA, but ETA for varicose vein treatment remains effective and safe, independent of the patient's BMI.

Safety, feasibility, and early efficacy of the water-specific 1940-nm laser wavelength for ablation of saphenous incompetence.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and early efficacy of saphenous vein ablation using a water-specific 1940-nm diode laser wavelength using low linear endovenous energy density. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a series of patients who had undergone endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) between July 2020 and October 2021 from the multicenter, prospectively maintained VEINOVA (vein occlusion with various techniques) registry. EVLA was performed using a water-specific 1940-nm radial laser fiber. In the same session, all insufficient tributaries were treated by phlebectomy or sclerotherapy. Tumescent anesthesia was injected into the perivenous space. The vein diameter, energy delivered, and linear endovenous density were reviewed at baseline. The incidence of venous thromboembolism, endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT), burns, phlebitis, paresthesia, and occlusion were reviewed at 2 days and 6 weeks of follow-up. We used descriptive statistics to describe the results. Results: Overall, 229 patients were identified. Of the 229 patients, 34 were excluded because of treatment of recurrent varicose veins at a previously operated site (residual or neovascularization). Finally, 108 patients with varicose veins and 87 with recurrent varicose veins (new varicose veins in an untreated area) due to disease progression were included in the present analysis. A total of 256 native saphenous veins (163 great saphenous veins, 53 small saphenous veins, and 40 accessory saphenous veins) in 224 legs had undergone EVLA. The mean patient age was 58.3 ± 16.5 years. Of the 195 patients, 134 (68.7%) were women and 61 (31.3%) were men. Nearly one half of the patients had a history of saphenous vein surgery (44.6%). The CEAP (clinical, etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology) class was C2 in 31 legs (13.8%), C3 in 108 (48.2%), C4a to C4c in 72 (32.1%), and C5 or C6 in 13 legs (5.8%). The treatment length was 34.8 ± 18.3 cm. The mean diameter was 5.0 ± 1.2 mm. The average linear endovenous density was 34.8 ± 9.2 J/cm. Concomitant miniphlebectomy was performed in 163 patients (83.6%) and concomitant sclerotherapy in 35 patients (18%). At 2 days and 6 weeks of follow-up, the occlusion rate of the treated truncal veins was 99.6% and 99.6%, respectively, with only one truncal vein (0.4%) with partial recanalization at 2 days and 6 weeks of follow-up. No cases of proximal deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or EHIT had occurred at follow-up. Only one patient (0.5%) had developed calf deep vein thrombosis at 6 weeks of follow-up. The incidence of postoperative ecchymosis was rare (1.5%) and had resolved at 6 weeks of follow-up. Conclusions: EVLA of incompetent saphenous veins using the water-specific 1940-nm diode laser wavelength is feasible and appears to be safe and efficient with a high occlusion rate, minimal side effects, and a zero rate of EHIT.

Association of Intima-Media Thickness Measured at the Common Carotid Artery With Incident Carotid Plaque: Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of 20 Prospective Studies.

Background The association between common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and incident carotid plaque has not been characterized fully. We therefore aimed to precisely quantify the relationship between CCA-IMT and carotid plaque development. Methods and Results We undertook an individual participant data meta-analysis of 20 prospective studies from the Proof-ATHERO (Prospective Studies of Atherosclerosis) consortium that recorded baseline CCA-IMT and incident carotid plaque involving 21 494 individuals without a history of cardiovascular disease and without preexisting carotid plaque at baseline. Mean baseline age was 56 years (SD, 9 years), 55% were women, and mean baseline CCA-IMT was 0.71 mm (SD, 0.17 mm). Over a median follow-up of 5.9 years (5th-95th percentile, 1.9-19.0 years), 8278 individuals developed first-ever carotid plaque. We combined study-specific odds ratios (ORs) for incident carotid plaque using random-effects meta-analysis. Baseline CCA-IMT was approximately log-linearly associated with the odds of developing carotid plaque. The age-, sex-, and trial arm-adjusted OR for carotid plaque per SD higher baseline CCA-IMT was 1.40 (95% CI, 1.31-1.50; I2=63.9%). The corresponding OR that was further adjusted for ethnicity, smoking, diabetes, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipid-lowering and antihypertensive medication was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.24-1.45; I2=59.4%; 14 studies; 16 297 participants; 6381 incident plaques). We observed no significant effect modification across clinically relevant subgroups. Sensitivity analysis restricted to studies defining plaque as focal thickening yielded a comparable OR (1.38 [95% CI, 1.29-1.47]; I2=57.1%; 14 studies; 17 352 participants; 6991 incident plaques). Conclusions Our large-scale individual participant data meta-analysis demonstrated that CCA-IMT is associated with the long-term risk of developing first-ever carotid plaque, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

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.

Combining Proximal Foam Sclerotherapy and Distal Endovenous Laser Ablation for Recurrent Varicose Vein Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent varicose veins with neovascularization are a common clinical problem. Although endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) has become the standard treatment modality to treat truncal veins, additional sclerotherapy is required to treat newly formed tortuous veins. A novel laser fiber with an injection channel (nLF) allows for such simultaneous proximal sclerotherapy and offers a potentially more effective treatment option. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present our experience using the nLF for combined EVLA and sclerotherapy treatment of symptomatic recurrent varicose veins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study analyzed the outcomes of all patients with symptomatic recurrent varicose veins, treated with an nLF between September 2020 and August 2022. RESULTS: In total, 28 combined EVLA/sclerotherapy procedures performed with the nLF in 26 patients were analyzed. In all cases, neovascularizations were treated by sclerotherapy through the nLF catheter, followed by laser ablation of the remaining truncal veins. All follow-up ultrasound examinations showed persistent complete occlusion of the treated truncal veins and neovascularizations. No clinically relevant complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Combining proximal foam sclerotherapy and distal EVLA using an nLF for the treatment of symptomatic recurrent varicose veins is safe and effective.

Skin hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy with polidocanol: A systematic review.

Skin hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy with polidocanol-containing sclerosants is a common local side effect. Sclerotherapists should be familiar with factors that trigger hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy with polidocanol-containing sclerosants. A systematic literature review of works reporting hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy for telangiectasias, reticular veins, side branches and truncal varices with polidocanol-containing sclerosants was performed. Reported incidence rates, follow-up periods and potentially triggering factors were assessed and analysed. The search yielded 1687 results; of these, 27 reports met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of hyperpigmentation seemed to increase with higher concentrations of polidocanol and was more evident after sclerotherapy for epifascial veins than for intrafascial truncal veins when the polidocanol concentration was more than 0.25%. Regarding sclerotherapy for telangiectasias and reticular veins, the incidence of hyperpigmentation ranged between 2% and 25% for polidocanol 0.25% (liquid and foam), between 12.5% and 67.9% for polidocanol 0.5% (liquid and foam) and between 13% and 73% for polidocanol 1% (liquid and foam). Regarding truncal veins, the incidence ranged from 7% to 45.8% for polidocanol 1% (liquid and foam), from 16% to 17% for polidocanol 2% (foam) and from 7.4% to 32.5% for polidocanol 3% (liquid and foam). Regarding the treatment of side branches, the incidence of hyperpigmentation ranged from 5.6% to 53% for both foam and liquid sclerotherapy. Regarding the duration of hyperpigmentation, there are few data describing reticular veins and telangiectasias. Hyperpigmentation persisting for more than 6 months has been reported to have an incidence of up to 7.5%. Hyperpigmentation persisting for more than 1 year after foam polidocanol 1%-3% treatment for truncal veins has an incidence ranging from 8.1% to 17.5%. Other factors such as higher volumes and compression therapy after treatment seem to have a minor influence. Data regarding hyperpigmentation after polidocanol-related sclerotherapy are poor and should be improved by higher-quality research.

Reliability Assessment and Validation of the Skin Hyperpigmentation Index Compared to the Physician Global Assessment Score.

BACKGROUND: The skin hyperpigmentation index (SHI), a new objective method for measuring skin hyperpigmentation, needs validation. OBJECTIVE: To gain evidence of the reliability and validity of the SHI. METHODS: Fifteen raters were divided into 3 groups (5 dermatologists, 5 nondermatologist physicians, and 5 nonphysician clinicians). Each rated 5 pigmented mole lesions with mild-to-severe hyperpigmentation to determine intra- and interrater reliability. All raters photographed the lesions and rated them using the subjective Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score. The same photographs were then assessed based on automatic computer measurement software using the online SHI tool (https://shi.skinimageanalysis.com). RESULTS: The SHI reliability was excellent for all intra- and interrater assessments, while most PGA assessments showed good intra- and interrater agreement. Between-group reliability was excellent for SHI, while moderate-to-good for PGA evaluations. Concordance between the SHI and PGA assessments was strong across all groups of assessors. CONCLUSION: There is evidence that the SHI is a reliable instrument for measuring skin hyperpigmentation, and can be used by nonexperienced clinicians.

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.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Progression as Surrogate Marker for Cardiovascular Risk: Meta-Analysis of 119 Clinical Trials Involving 100 667 Patients.

BACKGROUND: To quantify the association between effects of interventions on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) progression and their effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. METHODS: We systematically collated data from randomized, controlled trials. cIMT was assessed as the mean value at the common-carotid-artery; if unavailable, the maximum value at the common-carotid-artery or other cIMT measures were used. The primary outcome was a combined CVD end point defined as myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization procedures, or fatal CVD. We estimated intervention effects on cIMT progression and incident CVD for each trial, before relating the 2 using a Bayesian meta-regression approach. RESULTS: We analyzed data of 119 randomized, controlled trials involving 100 667 patients (mean age 62 years, 42% female). Over an average follow-up of 3.7 years, 12 038 patients developed the combined CVD end point. Across all interventions, each 10 µm/y reduction of cIMT progression resulted in a relative risk for CVD of 0.91 (95% Credible Interval, 0.87-0.94), with an additional relative risk for CVD of 0.92 (0.87-0.97) being achieved independent of cIMT progression. Taken together, we estimated that interventions reducing cIMT progression by 10, 20, 30, or 40 µm/y would yield relative risks of 0.84 (0.75-0.93), 0.76 (0.67-0.85), 0.69 (0.59-0.79), or 0.63 (0.52-0.74), respectively. Results were similar when grouping trials by type of intervention, time of conduct, time to ultrasound follow-up, availability of individual-participant data, primary versus secondary prevention trials, type of cIMT measurement, and proportion of female patients. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of intervention effects on cIMT progression predicted the degree of CVD risk reduction. This provides a missing link supporting the usefulness of cIMT progression as a surrogate marker for CVD risk in clinical trials.

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.

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.

Bedside hand vein inspection for noninvasive central venous pressure assessment.

Rapid estimates of the central venous pressure (CVP) can be helpful to administer early fluid therapy or to manage cardiac preload in intensive care units, operating rooms or emergency rooms in order to start and monitor an adequate medical therapy. Invasive CVP measurements have inherent and non-negligible complication rates as well as great expenditures. Several noninvasive methods of CVP measurements, like ultrasound-guided techniques, are available, but require trained skills and special equipment which might not be at hand in all situations. Our purpose was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of CVP estimates assessed upon the height of hand veins collapse (HVC) using invasively measured CVP as the gold standard. The HVC was determined by slowly lifting the patient's hand while watching the dorsal hand veins to collapse. The vertical distance from the dorsal hand to a transducer air zero port was noted and converted to mmHg. The observer was blinded to the simultaneously measured CVP values, which were categorized as low (<7 mmHg), normal (7-12 mmHg) and high (>12 mmHg). Measurements were performed in 82 patients who had a median [IQR] age of 67 [60;74]. Median CVP was 12 [8;15] mmHg and the median absolute difference between the measured HVC and CVP was 4 [2;7] mmHg. The Spearman correlation coefficient between CVP and HVC was 0.55, 95%-CI [0.35;0.69]. Overall CVP categorization was correct in 45% of the cases. HVC had a sensitivity of 92% for a low CVP with a negative predictive value of 98%. A high HVC had a sensitivity of 29% but a high specificity of 94% for a high CVP. The overall performance of observing the hand vein collapse to estimate CVP was only moderate in the intensive care setting. However, the median difference to the CVP was low and HVC identifies a low CVP with a high sensitivity and excellent negative predictive value.

Progression of conventional cardiovascular risk factors and vascular disease risk in individuals: insights from the PROG-IMT consortium.

AIMS: Averaged measurements, but not the progression based on multiple assessments of carotid intima-media thickness, (cIMT) are predictive of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in individuals. Whether this is true for conventional risk factors is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: An individual participant meta-analysis was used to associate the annualised progression of systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with future cardiovascular disease risk in 13 prospective cohort studies of the PROG-IMT collaboration (n = 34,072). Follow-up data included information on a combined cardiovascular disease endpoint of myocardial infarction, stroke, or vascular death. In secondary analyses, annualised progression was replaced with average. Log hazard ratios per standard deviation difference were pooled across studies by a random effects meta-analysis. In primary analysis, the annualised progression of total cholesterol was marginally related to a higher cardiovascular disease risk (hazard ratio (HR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.07). The annualised progression of systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was not associated with future cardiovascular disease risk. In secondary analysis, average systolic blood pressure (HR 1.20 95% CI 1.11 to 1.29) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.16) were related to a greater, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97) was related to a lower risk of future cardiovascular disease events. CONCLUSION: Averaged measurements of systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol displayed significant linear relationships with the risk of future cardiovascular disease events. However, there was no clear association between the annualised progression of these conventional risk factors in individuals with the risk of future clinical endpoints.

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.

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.

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.

Correction: Predictive value for cardiovascular events of common carotid intima media thickness and its rate of change in individuals at high cardiovascular risk - Results from the PROG-IMT collaboration.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191172.].

Predictive value for cardiovascular events of common carotid intima media thickness and its rate of change in individuals at high cardiovascular risk - Results from the PROG-IMT collaboration.

AIMS: Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) predicts cardiovascular (CVD) events, but the predictive value of CIMT change is debated. We assessed the relation between CIMT change and events in individuals at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 31 cohorts with two CIMT scans (total n = 89070) on average 3.6 years apart and clinical follow-up, subcohorts were drawn: (A) individuals with at least 3 cardiovascular risk factors without previous CVD events, (B) individuals with carotid plaques without previous CVD events, and (C) individuals with previous CVD events. Cox regression models were fit to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of the combined endpoint (myocardial infarction, stroke or vascular death) per standard deviation (SD) of CIMT change, adjusted for CVD risk factors. These HRs were pooled across studies. In groups A, B and C we observed 3483, 2845 and 1165 endpoint events, respectively. Average common CIMT was 0.79mm (SD 0.16mm), and annual common CIMT change was 0.01mm (SD 0.07mm), both in group A. The pooled HR per SD of annual common CIMT change (0.02 to 0.43mm) was 0.99 (95% confidence interval: 0.95-1.02) in group A, 0.98 (0.93-1.04) in group B, and 0.95 (0.89-1.04) in group C. The HR per SD of common CIMT (average of the first and the second CIMT scan, 0.09 to 0.75mm) was 1.15 (1.07-1.23) in group A, 1.13 (1.05-1.22) in group B, and 1.12 (1.05-1.20) in group C. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that common CIMT is associated with future CVD events in individuals at high risk. CIMT change does not relate to future event risk in high-risk individuals.