Success rate and factors predictive of redo endothermal ablation of small saphenous veins.

OBJECTIVE: Endothermal ablation, such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), has been increasingly used for treatment of small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency. Prior studies have shown recurrence rates of 0% to 10% in incompetent SSVs (ISSVs). The objective of the present study was to determine the efficacy of redo venous ablation for symptomatic recanalized SSVs and to predict the factors related to recanalization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 2566 procedures in 1752 patients with chronic venous insufficiency due to ISSVs from 2012 to 2018 was performed, using individual medical record review for data extraction. All 2566 procedures were performed using endothermal ablation for patients in whom initial conservative management had failed. Postoperative duplex ultrasound scans were performed within 3 to 7 days after treatment. We defined successful obliteration as a lack of color flow using postoperative duplex ultrasound. We defined recanalization as the presence of reflux on duplex ultrasound in the target vessel during follow-up. We conducted follow-up examinations every 3 months during the first year and every 6 months subsequently. RESULTS: Of the 2566 procedures, redo ablation was performed in 91 ISSVs for 86 patients, including 58 women and 28 men. Of the 91 procedures, 54 were performed on the left lower extremity and 37 on the right lower extremity. The mean body mass index was 32.2 ± 7.66 kg/m2. The mean age was 62.4 ± 15.10 years. The CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology) class was C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 for 0, 0, 29, 43, 1, and 18 patients, respectively. The mean maximum diameter of the targeted veins for the redo procedures was 4.51 ± 1.33 mm. Of the 91 procedures, 40 were performed using EVLA and 51 were performed using RFA. The initial technical success was 98.9%. The redo procedures showed an early closure of 96.7%. At a mean follow-up duration of 24.9 ± 14.9 months, the closure rate was 96.5%. No correlation was found between successful obliteration with the redo procedure and age, gender, CEAP class, laterality, EVLA vs RFA, body mass index, or vein diameter. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of successful closure for ISSVs with initial and redo procedures were comparable. These data have validated the potential usefulness of performing redo SSV ablation.

Partial In-Stent Thrombosis After Iliac Vein Stenting in Non-Thrombotic Vein Lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Iliac vein stenting is a safe and efficacious procedure for the correction of iliac vein stenosis. One of its known major complications is complete iliac vein stent thrombosis. However, we have noticed in our practice that a number of patients developed only early partial in-stent (<60%) thrombosis, within the first 30 days. In order to try to learn more about these lesions, we reviewed the data for possible causes of these lesions. MATERIALS/METHODS: From September 2012 to August 2018, we obtained 3518 iliac vein venograms using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for patients with venous insufficiency who failed to respond to conservative therapy. Patients were followed up with transcutaneous duplex ultrasound (DUS) every 3 months for the first year and every 6 - 12 months thereafter. Patients were prescribed clopidogrel for 3 months or were told to continue their pre-existing anticoagulants. RESULTS: There were 2234 women and 1284 men who received an iliac vein stent. The mean age was 65.7 ±14 years. Mean follow-up for this cohort was 17 months. Of 74 patients developed a full thrombosis, 38 developed a partial venous thrombosis and 3406 developed no thrombosis. When comparing those who developed a partial thrombus versus those who developed no thrombus/full thrombus, overall age, laterality, CEAP, gender, and whether the patient received clopidogrel prior to the procedure and after the procedure were not found to be statistically significant factors. However, patients with an ASA score of 2 or 3,were found to be at a higher risk of developing a partial thrombus(P = 0.0223) compared to those who had an ASA score of 1 or 4. CEAP Scores and ASA class breakdown can be seen in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively. Of the 38 partial venous thrombosis that developed,18 completely resolved within the first 3 months after the procedure and 20 remained chronic past 3 months after the procedure. Patients with partial venous thrombosis were asymptomatic upon clinical presentation, and none developed post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Male gender was associated with partial thrombus resolution(P = 0.0036) CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ASA scores of 2 or 3, seemed to be at a higher risk of developing a partial thrombus when compared to patients with ASA score of 1 or 4. Male gender was associated with partial thrombus resolution. All other factors appear to not be statistically significant in impacting the development of a partial thrombus. This has been the first attempt to look at this new clinical entity.

Comparison of endovascular strategy versus hybrid procedure in treatment of chronic venous obstructions involving the confluence of common femoral vein.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of extensive chronic venous obstruction (CVO) with post-thrombotic trabeculation involving the common femoral vein with extension into the femoral vein or deep femoral vein remains a challenge and the best treatment technique for such cases is not clear. In the present study, we compared the results of endovascular alone vs endovascular with additional endophlebectomy (hybrid) procedures for such patients. METHODS: The medical records of 102 consecutive patients (108 limbs) treated between 2015 and 2020 for iliofemoral CVO extending to the femoral confluence were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: the hybrid procedure (HP) and endovascular treatment (EN) groups. The HP group consisted of those treated with stent implantation and endophlebectomy of the common femoral vein with creation of an arteriovenous fistula. The EN group included those who had undergone stent implantation alone. The patency rates, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients, 47 (49 limbs) were in the EN group and 55 (59 limbs) were in the HP group. The demographics of the two groups were similar with no statistically significant differences in cumulative primary, assisted primary, or secondary patency rates at 36 months (33.7% vs 36.3%, P = .839; 59.8% vs 64%, P = .941; 69% vs 72.7%, P = .851; respectively). The patients in the EN group, however, had better clinical improvement with a lower postoperative complication rate (P = .012), shorter procedure duration (P < .001), and shorter hospital stay (P = .025). CONCLUSIONS: The EN and HP both provided similar patency rates for patients with CVO extending into the femoral confluence. The endovascular strategy has the benefit of fewer postoperative complications and a shorter procedure duration and hospital stay compared with the HP.

Blood flow from competent tributaries is likely contributor to distally increasing reflux volume in incompetent great saphenous vein.

OBJECTIVE: Venous reflux is the sole pathophysiologic process in primary chronic venous disease and its progression. We hypothesize that the reflux volume (RV) increases along a great saphenous vein (GSV) in a distal direction. We aimed to compare simultaneously measured RV in the upper and lower GSV segments in a thigh. METHODS: Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled (70 limbs of patients with primary incompetence of the GSV) and consented to this participate in the single-center study. Patients were stratified into two groups: incompetent terminal valve and competent terminal valve. A cross-section area of the GSV was measured at the upper (CSA1, cm2) and distal (CSA2, cm2) points in a thigh. A cross-section area of each tributary that joined with the GSV between the points was measured, and their total cross-section area was calculated (CSAtrib). After a distal cuff compression-decompression maneuver, a time average mean velocity (cm/s) and reflux duration (seconds) were measured at both points simultaneously. The RV (mL) was calculated for each point (RV1 and RV2). The difference in absolute values of ΔRV (mL) and its relative changing (ΔRV, %) were calculated. RESULTS: The main result was RV increases caudally from saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) to the knee level (RV1 12.7 ± 8.4 and RV2 20.5 ± 14.0 mL; P < .0001). There was no difference between CSA1 and CSA2 (0.34 ± 0.17 and 0.33 ± 0.17 cm2, respectively; P = .9) but the time average mean velocity was a statistically significant different in two points (7.3 ± 3.9 and 11.4 ± 5.7 cm/s, respectively; P < .0001). All of the tributaries between the points were competent. CONCLUSIONS: The RV in the GSV increases caudally from SFJ to the knee level. The observed RV was an aggregate of all GSV tributaries' flow and the flow via the SFJ if incompetent.

The presence of a pathologic perforator may be predictive of central venous pathology and multilevel disease in severe chronic venous insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: The treatment of a refluxing perforator is indicated in the setting of severe chronic venous insufficiency, but there are limited data on the presence of multilevel disease in these patients. This study sought to evaluate whether the presence of a pathologic perforator is predictive of the presence of central venous pathology. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of the institutional Vascular Quality Initiative database. Consecutive patient limbs were identified that underwent intervention of refluxing perforators. The patients who underwent imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography (group A), were compared with those who did not undergo imaging (group B). The treated limbs in group A were also compared with the contralateral limbs as an internal control. Anatomical findings on imaging were analyzed by two independent investigators. The primary outcome was the presence and degree of central venous stenosis as measured by an orthogonal diameter reduction of >50% by axial imaging. Secondary outcomes included demographic and clinical differences between the two groups, frequency of central venous intervention, and duration of ulcer healing. Standard statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-three patient limbs underwent treatment of a pathologic perforator, with 30 in group A and 63 in group B. The following demographic and clinical variables were higher in group A compared with group B: male sex, body mass index, deep venous thrombosis history, recent or active anticoagulation use, perforator diameter, Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology class 4, 5, or 6, and Venous Clinical Severity Score. Radiographic analysis of group A revealed concordance of a treated pathologic perforator with an ipsilateral central venous stenosis in 53.3% of patients, and a higher frequency of common iliac vein stenosis (50% vs 21.4%, P = .024) and external iliac vein stenosis (20% vs 0%, P = .012) compared with the contralateral limbs. When separated by the left or right limb, the left limbs exhibited a greater degree of common iliac vein stenosis as compared with the contralateral limbs (50.7% ± 20.9% vs 16.3% ± 16.5%, P < .001) as well as a greater frequency of >50% common iliac vein stenosis (46.7% vs 13.3%, P = .046). The right limbs exhibited a greater frequency of >50% external iliac vein stenosis as compared with the contralateral limbs (33.3% vs 0%, P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency who undergo treatment for a pathologic perforator may have additional ipsilateral central venous pathology, supporting the presence of multilevel disease. Additional axial imaging might unmask central venous pathology and provide another option for treatment.

Symptom improvement after cyanoacrylate glue adhesion and endovenous laser ablation in low-grade CEAP clinical classes.

OBJECTIVE: Low-grade primary superficial venous reflux (C0-C3 EpAsPr [Ep (primary), As (superficial), and Pr (reflux)]) is a common feature of chronic venous disease. However, the procedural efficacy focusing on symptom characteristics and improvement patterns in this population has not been fully explored. METHODS: From 2018 to 2019, 325 limbs from 279 patients with C0-C3 EpAsPr (including 66.1% with C0-C1) who had undergone cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with UGFS were included in the present study. Venous symptoms were classified into five categories: leg heaviness, calf cramping, itching sensation, pain, and numbness. A retrospective propensity score-matched analysis of data collected using a prospectively designed case report form was performed to identify the improvement magnitude of each symptom. As secondary outcomes, the postoperative changes in symptom severity (0-5 points), venous reflux-originated severity score, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), and 14-item chronic venous insufficiency quality of life questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) were evaluated in a 3-month postoperative data analysis. RESULTS: After adjusting the data, 174 limbs (CA with UGFS, n = 87; EVLA with UGFS, n = 87) were matched. The symptoms with the greatest improvement after treatment were night cramping (94.7%) and itching (93.8%), followed by heaviness (85.2%), numbness (77.8%), and pain (60.9%). All symptom improvement scores after each endovenous procedure showed similar patterns in both groups. The advantages of CA with UGFS over EVLA with UGFS were a shorter procedure time (20.1 ± 10.6 minutes vs 28.4 ± 10.9 minutes; P = .001) and lower perioperative visual analog for pain scores (2.99 ± 2.34 vs 3.74 ± 2.49; P = .03). Compared with the preoperative values, the venous reflux originated severity score, VCSS, CIVIQ-14 score, and symptom severity score were significantly improved in both groups (P < .001 for all). Improvements in all five symptoms (P = .085 to P = 1.0), VCSS (P = .435), CIVIQ-14 score (P = .788), and satisfaction score (P = .392) at 3 months postoperatively were comparable between the two groups. In the CA group, 2 cases of endovenous glue-induced thrombosis and 24 cases (27.6%) of type IV hypersensitivity reactions occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive endovenous surgery with CA and EVLA provides significant symptom improvement for patients with low-grade CEAP classes.

Effect of body mass index on initial presentation and outcomes after stenting for quality of life-impairing chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of obesity has been increasing, with recent data indicating that the age-adjusted mean body mass index (BMI) is close to 30 kg/m2 in the United States. Prior studies have raised concerns for an increased incidence of chronic venous insufficiency in the obese population. We aimed to build on current knowledge by assessing the effects of BMI on the initial presentation and outcomes after intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) luminal area-guided stenting in patients presenting with quality of life (QOL)-impairing chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction (CIVO). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of contemporaneously entered electronic medical record data on 464 continuous patients (464 limbs) with initial iliofemoral stents (2014-2017) for QOL-impairing CIVO was performed. The characteristics evaluated and compared included the degree of iliofemoral compression, CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) clinical class, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), grade of swelling (GOS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score, ulcer healing, reflux (venous segmental disease score; venous filling index-90), calf pump function (ejection fraction; residual volume fraction), and quality of life (CIVIQ-20 [chronic lower limb venous insufficiency 20-item questionnaire]) for those with a BMI <30 kg/m2 (group I) and a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (group II). Paired and unpaired t tests were used for comparisons of the clinical variables and a Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate stent patency. RESULTS: Of the 464 limbs in the study cohort, 122 were in group I and 342 in group II. The median BMI was 26.3 kg/m2 (interquartile range, 19.6-29.9 kg/m2) in group I and 38.9 kg/m2 (interquartile range, 30.0-66.9 kg/m2) in group II. The IVUS luminal area-determined degree of compression was higher in group I than in group II across the common iliac, external iliac, and common femoral segments (P < .01). The supine foot venous and femoral venous pressures were higher in group II than in group I (P < .001). The ejection fraction was higher (57.4% vs 45.6%; P = .0008) and residual volume fraction was lower (27.5% vs 40.5%; P = .0008) in group II than in group I. Although the baseline VCSS and GOS were lower in group I than in group II (P < .05), no differences were found in the VAS for pain scores or ulcer prevalence. The median follow-up was 22 months. At 24 months after stenting, improvement was found in the VCSS, GOS, and VAS for pain score in both groups. The CIVIQ-20 QOL score had improved from 58.1 to 18.8 in group I (P = .0002) and from 60 to 37.5 in group II (P < .0001). At 5 years, primary patency was 70% in group I and 73% in group II (P = .6) and primary assisted patency was 100% in both groups (P = .99) without a significant difference in the reintervention rate (P = .5). CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients with CIVO-impairing QOL have a lesser degree of iliofemoral venous stenosis, more severe venous hypertension, and better calf pump function than their nonobese counterparts. After stenting, no differences were found in the clinical, stent patency, or QOL-related outcomes between the two groups.

Endovenous microfoam ablation of below knee superficial truncal veins is safe and effective in patients with prior saphenous treatment across a wide range of CEAP classes.

OBJECTIVE: Patients requiring thermal or chemical ablation of below knee (BK) truncal veins often have their proximal saphenous veins treated initially and comprise a study population with multilevel, refractory chronic venous insufficiency. The study objective was to assess the outcomes after microfoam ablation of BK truncal and tributary veins in patients with a history of proximal great saphenous vein (GSV) ablation or stripping. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All the patients who had undergone endovenous chemical ablation with commercially manufactured polidocanol microfoam for symptomatic BK truncal vein reflux after a previous saphenous ablation or stripping were identified. The patients had undergone duplex ultrasound scanning 48 to 72 hours after the procedure; those who had not adhered to the recommended follow-up protocol were excluded. The demographic data, CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) classification, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), procedure details, adverse thrombotic events, and follow-up data were abstracted. RESULTS: Between April 2018 and April 2021, 201 limbs were treated for symptomatic superficial truncal vein reflux with microfoam ablation. Of the 201 limbs, 68 in 49 patients met the inclusion criteria for the present study. The veins treated included the BK GSV (n = 45) and small saphenous vein (n = 23). The median follow-up was 97 days (range, 33-457 days) for the entire cohort. Most patients (63%) had a preoperative CEAP classification of C4 to C6. The median preoperative VCSS was 12.5. All the limbs that had undergone microfoam ablation in this cohort had a previously treated proximal ipsilateral GSV, with either thermal ablation or stripping. The median postoperative VCSS after BK treatment decreased to 10 (P < .001). The closure rate at the last follow-up was 96%. The overall symptomatic relief was 78% at the last follow-up. The absolute ulcer healing rate during the study period was 64% (16 of 25 ulcers had healed). One patient had developed thrombus extension into the popliteal vein, which resolved with anticoagulation therapy. One asymptomatic patient had developed nonocclusive thrombus in a gastrocnemius vein after small saphenous vein ablation. Because she was asymptomatic, anticoagulation therapy was not prescribed. Postoperative pain, phlebitis, and swelling were reported in 12%, 12%, and 2% of patients, respectively, and all had resolved at the last follow-up visit. Three limbs treated with chronic oral anticoagulant agents had had recanalized truncal veins during the study period after initial closure. No pulmonary emboli or neurologic adverse events were reported. No symptoms of saphenous or sural nerve injury had occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Endovenous chemical ablation with commercially manufactured polidocanol microfoam of BK truncal veins is a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe, refractory chronic venous insufficiency and prior saphenous interventions. This technique results in excellent overall closure rates and symptomatic relief with low adverse venous thrombotic events, across a wide range of CEAP classes.

Changes of stump length depending on starting position of glue injection related to venous diameter during cyanoacrylate closure for incompetent saphenous veins.

OBJECTIVE: A common pattern of recurrence after cyanoacrylate treatment of incompetent saphenous veins has been associated with reflux from the residual stump. The purpose of this study was to analyze the starting point of cyanoacrylate glue injection from the junction to decrease the stump length. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed using prospectively collected data of patients with cyanoacrylate closure (CAC). Preoperatively, the diameter of the saphenous vein was measured. CAC was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. After the procedure, clinical outcomes including pain, Venous Clinical Severity Score, and quality of life using the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire were evaluated. Postoperative duplex scanning was performed to evaluate the occlusion rate of the target vein, stump length, and presence of endovenous glue-induced thrombosis. The stump length was analyzed according to the preoperative venous diameter to determine the proper point of glue injection to decrease the stump length. RESULTS: During the study period, CAC was performed in 408 patients. The mean age was 56.2 ± 11.5 years (range, 19-84 years). A total of 279 patients (68.4%) were women. Occlusion of the target vein was achieved in all patients. After the procedure, pain, Venous Clinical Severity Score, and quality of life were improved (P < .001). Endovenous glue-induced thrombosis developed in 5.8% of patients. There was a 1.53-fold linear increase in the stump length for every 1-mm increment of the preoperative venous diameter. In 20 patients with a venous diameter ≥5 mm, glue injection was performed safely 4 cm distal to the junction to decrease the stump length. CONCLUSIONS: The stump length linearly increased with an increase in the saphenous vein diameter. If the diameter of the saphenous vein is more than 5 mm, cyanoacrylate glue may be injected 4 cm distal to the junction to decrease the stump length.

Ultrasound-assisted varicose vein surgery and endovenous laser ablation using 1470-nm laser for treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence has similar outcomes at 1 year in a single-center prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Technical errors are the most common preventable cause of recurrence after high ligation and stripping procedures for the treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence. Ultrasound-assisted varicose vein surgery (UAVS) uses intraoperative ultrasound during high ligation and stripping to minimize such failures, although no data have been reported regarding its use during open surgery. The present study compared the short-term outcomes of UAVS and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with a 1470-nm laser. METHODS: The present prospective randomized study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2019. We compared 40 patients who had undergone UAVS under regional anesthesia with an equal number of patients who had undergone EVLA under tumescent anesthesia. Both groups received 1 week of standardized postoperative analgesia. The improvements in the pain score, venous clinical severity score, and recurrence at 6 months and 1 year were studied. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in either clinical or radiologic great saphenous vein recurrence after UAVS compared with EVLA at 1 year. The mean pain score at 8 hours after the procedure was higher in the UAVS group (3.7 ± 1.2 vs 2.9 ± 1.0; P = .03). At 1 week, the score was higher in the EVLA group (1.8 ± 0.7 vs 1.4 ± 0.5; P = .01). At 6 months, the venous clinical severity score had improved from 9.2 ± 3.7 to 2.4 ± 1.4 in the UAVS group and from 9.3 ± 3.2 to 2.1 ± 0.8 in the EVLA group (P = .64). At 1 year, the corresponding scores were 1.3 ± 0.7 and 1.4 ± 0.6 (P = .21). CONCLUSIONS: UAVS has high technical success, making it a suitable alternative to EVLA using a 1470-nm laser.

A multicenter randomized controlled trial of cyanoacrylate closure and surgical stripping for incompetent great saphenous veins.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of varicose veins has shifted from conventional surgical stripping (SS) to minimally invasive endovenous modalities. Cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) with the VenaSeal system (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) has increased in popularity owing to its nonthermal and nontumescent technique. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of CAC and SS for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins. METHODS: An open-label, multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted. The subjects were randomized to either the CAC or SS procedure. The primary endpoint of the present study was to evaluate complete closure of the target vein at 3 months. Target vein occlusion was assessed on the third day and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using duplex ultrasound. The pain and ecchymosis grades were also assessed. Additionally, the clinical outcomes, such as the venous clinical severity score and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score, were assessed. RESULTS: Three-month follow-up data were obtained for all 126 enrolled and randomized subjects (63 with CAC and 63 with SS). At 3 months, complete target vein closure was observed in both groups. The postoperative pain score was significantly better in the CAC group than in the SS group (0.3 ± 0.6 in the CAC group and 1.1 ± 1.5 in the SS group; P < .001). In addition, the mean ecchymosis grade was 0.3 ± 0.5 in the CAC group and 1.1 ± 1.1 in the SS group (P < .001). The venous clinical severity score and quality of life had improved equally in both groups. The adverse events after both procedures were mostly minor complications (9 events in CAC group and 20 events in SS group). Major complications occurred in one patient who had undergone the SS procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The CAC and SS procedures were both associated with complete occlusion of the target vein at 3 months. The postoperative pain and ecchymosis grades were significantly lower in the CAC group. Other differences between the two groups included the frequency and nature of the complications. The results showed that CAC has high success with few complications.

Residual volume fraction during walking using wireless air plethysmography in patients with chronic deep venous disease.

OBJECTIVE: Traditional air plethysmography (APG) provides a quantitative measure of the residual volume fraction (RVF) after 10 tiptoe movements. The recent development of a wireless Bluetooth (Bluetooth SIG, Inc, Kirkland, Wash) APG device, the PicoFlow (Microlab Elettronica, Padua, Italy), enabled us to measure RVF during normal walking. The aim of our study was to compare the RVF obtained during tiptoeing with RVF obtained during normal walking in patients with deep venous pathology (ie, reflux and/or obstruction). METHODS: A total of 61 consecutive symptomatic patients (27 women and 34 men; median age, 46 years; range, 18-79 years) with chronic venous disease due to deep venous pathology (venous reflux or obstruction, or both) before treatment or persisting after intervention were included in the present study. Of the 122 total limbs examined, 79 were affected by deep chronic venous disease and 43 contralateral limbs were normal with normal deep veins and acted as controls. The APG examination was performed using the PicoFlow device using the standard examination technique. The RVF was calculated from the residual volume at the end of 10 tiptoe movements and also during normal walking. RESULTS: At the end of the 10 tiptoe movements, the mean ± standard deviation RVF was 27.0% ± 13.2% in the limbs with normal deep veins and 38.8% ± 16.9% in the limbs with deep chronic venous disease (P < .001). During walking, when a steady state in volume was reached, the RVF was 26.3% ± 17.8% in the limbs with normal deep veins and 43.1% ± 18.6% in limbs with deep venous disease (P < 0.001). A significant difference was found between limbs with normal deep veins and limbs with deep venous reflux, irrespective of which exercise was performed. However, the mean RVF between the limbs with normal deep veins and those with outflow obstruction in the absence of reflux was significant during walking (P = .012) but not during tiptoeing (P = .212). The mean RVF was higher in the C3 to C6 limbs than in the C0 to C2 limbs with tiptoeing (29.9% ± 14.5% vs 38.3% ± 17.0%; P < .006). Similar results were obtained with walking (29.2% ± 18.0% vs 42.4% ± 18.8%; P < .004). CONCLUSIONS: In limbs with normal deep veins and deep veins with reflux, the RVF measured during walking with wireless APG was similar to the RVF obtained during tiptoeing. However, in the limbs with outflow obstruction in the absence of reflux, the RVF during walking was higher than the RVF after tiptoeing. Our results have shown that the evaluation of RVF during walking is feasible and practical.

Pregnancy after iliac vein stenting for pelvic venous insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: The use of iliac vein stenting for the treatment of pelvic pain secondary to pelvic venous insufficiency has significantly increased. In women of childbearing age, the effect of the gravid uterus on stent function and patency is unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of pregnancy on stent patency and reintervention rate in women with iliac vein stents. METHODS: A retrospective chart review and email survey was performed to identify women treated at the Center for Vascular Medicine who were treated with iliac vein stenting and who had subsequent pregnancies. Medical and surgical comorbidities, stent type, location, length, number of stents, reintervention rates, number of pregnancies after stenting, anticoagulation usage during pregnancy, and type of delivery were assessed. RESULTS: From January 2014 to December 2020, 15 women with 16 iliac vein stents and who had 17 subsequent pregnancies were identified. The average age at stenting was 35.3 ± 4.13 years. The average interval between stenting and conception was 350 ± 287 days. Before pregnancy, stent location was in the right common/right external iliac veins in 1 patient and left common/external iliac veins in 14 patients. The average stent diameter and length were 19.6 ± 3 and 79.5 ± 20.3 mm, respectively. Thirteen Boston Scientific Wallstents and three Bard Venovo stents were used before pregnancy. One patient with a Wallstent required a stent extension before pregnancy and one patient had two stents placed at the initial procedure. Two women were pregnant twice after stenting for a total of 17 pregnancies. There were 16 term and 1 premature delivery of single infants. Patients were treated with enoxaparin (Lovenox) for stent-related thrombosis prophylaxis in 11 of 17 pregnancies, 5 had no prophylaxis, and the status of 1 pregnancy is unknown. One asymptomatic patient underwent a stent venoplasty after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Iliac vein stents tolerate a gravid uterus well. No stents thrombosed during or after pregnancy and none required reintervention secondary to pregnancy-related compression. Anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin should be considered for stent thrombosis prophylaxis. Potential pregnancy should not be considered a contraindication to iliac vein stenting for the treatment of symptomatic pelvic venous insufficiency.

Upper Quadrant Edema Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Is Reliable, Valid, and Efficient for Patients With Lymphatic and Venous Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The main aims of this study were to (1) create a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) item bank for measuring the impact of upper quadrant edema (UQE) on physical function by calibrating responses to newly developed items; and (2) assess reliability, validity, and administration efficiency of scores based on computerized adaptive test (CAT) and 10-item short-form (SF) administration modes. METHODS: This was a retrospective study including data from patients treated in outpatient rehabilitation clinics for UQE that responded to all 27 candidate items at intake. Item response theory model assumptions of unidimensionality, local item independence, item fit, and presence of differential item functioning were evaluated. UQE-CAT- and UQE-SF-generated scores were assessed for reliability, validity, and administration efficiency. RESULTS: The total cohort included 3486 patients (mean [SD] age = 61 [13] years; range = 14-89 years). After removing 2 items, a 25-item solution was supported for its unidimensionality and fit to the item response theory model with reliability estimates of more than 0.93 for scores based on both CAT and SF administration modes. No items demonstrated differential item functioning. Scores discriminated among multiple patient groups in clinically logical ways and were moderately responsive to change with negligible floor and acceptable ceiling effects. CAT scores were generated using an average of 5.6 items (median = 5). CONCLUSION: Scores on the UQE PROM were reliable, valid, and efficient for assessing perceived physical function of patients with upper quadrant edema; thus, the measure is suitable for research and routine clinical administration. IMPACT: The newly developed UQE PROM is reliable and valid and offers efficient administration modes for assessing perceived physical function of patients with UQE caused by lymphatic and venous disorders, both for research and routine clinical care in busy outpatient rehabilitation settings. As an item response theory-based measure, the UQE PROM allows administration of condition-specific functional questions with low response burden for patients. This study supports a transition to PROMs that are based on modern measurement approaches to achieve high accuracy and efficiency.

Imaging of Pelvic Venous Disorders (PeVD); Should Every Patient Get an MRI?

Pelvic venous disease (PeVD) is part of the broad differential diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain with a challenging diagnosis and clinical workup to identify those patients that are most likely to benefit from intervention. Ultrasound, MRI, CT, venography, and intravascular ultrasound can all provide information to aid in the diagnostic algorithm. The purpose of this article is to review imaging as a component of the outpatient workup of patients with chronic pelvic pain to guide appropriate understanding and use of imaging modalities to accurately identify patients suffering from PeVD. A favored approach is to begin with transabdominal sonography with selective use of MRI/MRV in specific patient populations.

Nutcracker Syndrome: How to Diagnose It and When/How Should It Be Treated in the Pelvic Venous Disease Population.

With wider recognition of left renal vein compression / obstruction, especially as an incidental finding, the significance as it relates to the patient's symptoms needs to be evaluated in light of variable practices and results of treatment. This communication deals with problems of diagnosis, clinical significance, options and indications for treatment.

Clinical Presentation and Evaluation of Pelvic Venous Disorders in Women.

The term pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) describes a group of related clinical entities with overlapping clinical presentations that were previously characterized by separate imprecise syndromic terminology. The clinical manifestations of PeVD may variously include chronic pelvic pain; pelvic origin extrapelvic lower extremity and genital varices; lower extremity pain and swelling; and left flank pain and hematuria. This manuscript focuses on the primary manifestations of PeVD in women - chronic pelvic pain and pelvic origin lower extremity and vulvar varices - and will review the underlying pathophysiology and related complicating factors (such as maladaptive pain responses) to explain the variety of clinical presentations.

Ovarian Vein Embolization: How and When Should It Be Done?

Pelvic Venous Disease (PeVD) is characterized by pelvic varicosities and chronic pelvic pain, defined as noncyclic pelvic pain that persists for more than 6 months. Pain and discomfort related to PeVD typically worsen with upright positioning and occur more frequently in multiparous and premenopausal women. The most common cause of PeVD is pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI) due to incompetent valves. Noninvasive imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, and invasive catheter-based venography can help characterize varicosities and venous insufficiency, supporting the diagnosis of PeVD. In patients with PeVD, ovarian and/or internal iliac vein embolization demonstrate excellent technical and clinical success rates with relatively low complication rates and should be considered as standard management, in conjunction with medical therapy. Appropriate diagnostic work-up and patient selection are important prior to any intervention for achieving therapeutic success, as multiparous women have a higher success rate compared to patients with dyspareunia after embolization therapy. Post-procedure follow-up is critical for assessing symptom improvement and need for repeat intervention. However, further research is needed to identify additional predictors of successful outcomes after embolization therapy. This article aims to provide an overview of patient selection, interventional technique, challenges, and outcomes of ovarian vein embolization.

Tissue remodelling and increased DNA damage in patients with incompetent valves in chronic venous insufficiency.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), in which blood return to the heart is impaired, is a prevalent condition worldwide. Valve incompetence is a complication of CVI that results in blood reflux, thereby aggravating venous hypertension. While CVI has a complex course and is known to produce alterations in the vein wall, the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. This study examined the presence of DNA damage, pro-inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix remodelling in CVI-related valve incompetence. One hundred and ten patients with CVI were reviewed and divided into four groups according to age (<50 and ≥50 years) and a clinical diagnosis of venous reflux indicating venous system valve incompetence (R) (n = 81) or no reflux (NR) (n = 29). In vein specimens (greater saphenous vein) from each group, PARP, IL-17, COL-I, COL-III, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression levels were determined by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The younger patients with valve incompetence showed significantly higher PARP, IL-17, COL-I, COL-III, MMP-2 and reduced TIMP-2 expression levels and a higher COL-I/III ratio. Young CVI patients with venous reflux suffer chronic DNA damage, with consequences at both the local tissue and systemic levels, possibly associated with ageing.