Compression Therapy after Thermal Ablation of Varicose Veins: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether compression therapy after thermal ablation of varicose veins can improve the prognosis of patients. METHODS: Systematic research were applied for Chinese and English electronic databases(PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP Databases). Eligible prospective studies that comparing the efficacy of compression therapy and non-compression therapy on patients after thermal ablation of varicose veins were included. The interest outcome such as pain, quality of life (QOL), venous clinical severity score (VCSS), time to return to work and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: 10 studies were of high quality, and randomized controlled trials involving 1,545 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. At the same time, the meta-analysis showed that the application of compression therapy improved pain (SMD: -0.51, 95% CI: -0.95, -0.07) but exhibited no statistically significant effect on QOL (SMD: 0.04, 95% CI: -0.08, 0.16), VCSS (MD: -0.05, 95% CI: -1.19, 1.09), time to return to work (MD: -0.43, 95% CI: -0.90, 0.03), total complications (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.27, 1.09), and thrombosis (RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.31, 1.62). CONCLUSION: Compression therapy after thermal ablation of varicose veins can slightly relieve pain, but it has not been found to be associated with improvement in other outcomes.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Comparing Thermal Versus Non-Thermal Endovenous Ablation in Superficial Venous Incompetence.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare technical success, complications, and quality of life after thermal vs. non-thermal endovenous ablation for the treatment of superficial venous incompetence. DATA SOURCES: Electronic bibliographic sources (Google Scholar, Pubmed, Cochrane Database, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase). REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was conducted using terms to identify relevant studies to be included. The primary outcome was vein occlusion rate at up to four weeks and one to two years from procedure. Secondary outcome measures included peri-procedural pain, nerve injury, endothermal heat induced thrombosis, and quality of life. RESULTS: Eight randomised controlled trials met the selection criteria. These comprised a total of 1 956 patients, of whom 1 042 underwent endovenous thermal ablation and 915 underwent endovenous non-thermal ablation. There was no statistically significant difference in occlusion rate at all time points. Relative risk at four weeks and one to two years was 0.99 (95% CI 0.96 - 1.02) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.88 - 1.01), respectively. Non-thermal ablation was tolerated better and had less risk of nerve injury. There was no statistically significant difference in risk of endothermal heat induced thrombosis (EHIT). There was improvement in quality of life scores post-procedure but there was no statistically significant difference in thermal vs. non-thermal ablation. The quality of evidence assessed using GRADE methodology showed high quality for occlusion rate at four weeks and one to two years, moderate quality for nerve injury and peri-procedural pain, and low quality for EHIT. CONCLUSION: Vein occlusion rates after thermal vs. non-thermal endovenous ablation are similar. In the early post-operative period, non-thermal endovenous ablation demonstrated the advantages of less pain and less risk of nerve injury. Improvement in quality of life after both thermal and non-thermal endovenous ablation is similar.

Endovenous thermal ablation in the treatment of large great saphenous veins of diameters > 12 mm: A systematic review meta-analysis and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) in treating large great saphenous veins (GSV) > 12 mm in diameter. METHODS: We performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 for comparative and noncomparative studies depicting EVTA in the treatment of GSV > 12 mm. Primary endpoints included GSV occlusion, technical success, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT). We conducted a comparative analysis between GSV > 12 mm and < 12 mm and a meta-regression analysis for two sets of studies, one including the whole dataset, containing treatment arms of comparative studies with GSV < 12 mm and one exclusively for GSV > 12 mm. RESULTS: Seven studies, including 2564 GSV, depicting radiofrequency (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) were included. GSV > 12 mm occlusion, technical success, DVT, and EHIT estimates were 95.9% (95% CI: 93.6-97.8), 99.9% (95% CI: 98.9-100.0), 0.04% (95% CI: 0.0-3.4), and 1.6% (95% CI: 0.3-3.5). Meta-regression revealed a negative association between GSV diameter and occlusion for both the whole dataset (p < 0.01) and the > 12 mm groups (p = 0.04), GSV diameter and technical success for both groups (p < 0.01), (p = 0.016), and GSV diameter and EHIT only for the whole dataset (p = 0.02). The comparative analysis between GSV < 12 mm and GSV > 12 mm displayed an occlusion estimate of OR 1.79 (95% CI: 1.25-2.56) favoring small GSV. CONCLUSION: Whereas we have displayed excellent occlusion and technical success results for the EVTA of GSV > 12 mm, our analysis has illustrated the unfavorable impact of GSV diameter on occlusion, technical success, and EHIT outcomes regardless of the 12 mm threshold. Potential parameter or device adjustments in a diameter-oriented fashion could further enhance outcomes.

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.

Treatment of chronic venous disorder: A comprehensive review.

Chronic venous disorder (CVD) is highly prevalent vascular disorder affecting up to 45% of the general population, with clinical manifestations ranging from teleangiectasias to venous leg ulcers (VLUs). We examined the currently available data in order to provide an updated, comprehensive review on treatment options of CVD. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials, and OpenGrey databases for relevant articles in English published until November 2020. Compression treatment is the mainstay of conservative treatment. Pharmacological treatment can provide significant symptomatic relief and hence it should be considered as part of conservative treatment. Transcutaneous Lacer treatment (TCL) is a safe and effective alternative option to sclerotherapy for treatment of C1 stage. High ligation and stripping (HL/S), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) systems and non thermal non tumescent ablation (NTNT) systems are safe and efficacious first-line options for treatment of saphenous insufficiency. Interventional treatment of co-existing incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) is not supported by contemporary evidence. Regarding deep venous insufficiency (DVI), treatment of symptomatic femoroiliocaval occlusive venous disease refractory to conservative treatment with percutaneous transluminal venoplasty stenting has produced encouraging results.

Lower prevalence of stump reflux after endovenous laser flush ablation of the great saphenous vein.

Background: This single center prospective randomized study was performed to compare the effect of endovenous laser flush ablation (EVLAf) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) close to the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) with a standard ablation (EVLAs) up to two cm distally of the SFJ on reflux in the GSV stump. Patients and methods: Between April 2013 and January 2016, 146 legs in 146 consecutive patients, meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria, were treated by EVLA. All patients were randomized into 2 groups. In group 1 EVLAf started from the SFJ level, and in group 2 EVLAs started two cm below the SFJ. The primary endpoint was reflux in the GSV stump after 900 days. Secondary endpoints were reflux in the anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV), proximal clinically recurrent varicose veins related to reflux in the stump and/or the AASV. Results: At day 900, 27 patients were lost to follow-up. Reflux in the stump was detected in 3.6% in group 1 and in 22.2% in group 2 (p<0.05). Reflux in the AASV was present in 7.1% in group 1 and in 17.46% in group 2 (p=0.09). Proximal clinically recurrent varicose veins were observed in 8.9% in group 1 and in 19.1% in group 2 (p=0.12). The greatest diameter of the stump was significantly larger in group 2 (group 1: 0.41 cm, group 2: 0.6 cm, p<0.001). Conclusions: EVLAf is associated with a significantly lower incidence of reflux in the GSV stump, with a trend to a lower incidence of reflux in the AASV and with a lower incidence of proximal recurrent varicose veins after 900 days follow-up compared to EVLAs. EVLAf may improve the clinical recurrence rate after EVLA of the GSV.

Our experience regarding patients with headache, vomiting, and urinary retention following endothermal ablation of the greater saphenous vein under spinal anesthesia: Gender type, age interval, and procedural risk factors are important.

OBJECTIVES: The endovenous thermal ablation of the greater saphenous vein under spinal anesthesia is still a popular technique. Although this procedure is considered to be fast and simple, side effects such as headaches, vomiting, and urinary retention could occur. These side effects make the recovery period difficult for the patient. The patient's age, gender, and procedural risk factors such as needle sizes and types are important parameters that affect the occurrence and rate of undesirable outcomes. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the endovenous thermal ablation method for the management of incompetent great saphenous veins under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 128 patients with incompetent varicose veins who were treated with an endovenous thermal ablation method under spinal anesthesia were retrospectively investigated between January 2016 and January 2019. The pre-, intra-, post-procedural, and follow-up data of the patients were collected and retrospectively compared. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients (69 males, 59 females; mean age 45.8 ± 11.8 years; range 21-71 years) were included in the study. The average preprocedural great saphenous vein diameters were 7.41 ± 18.8 mm (range: 5.5-13.0). The average ablated vein length was 25.3 ± 3.4 (range: 15-35) cm. The average tumescent anesthesia use was 300.9 ± 52.6 (range: 150-500) mL. The average procedure time was 18.2 ± 1.8 (range: 11-25) min. The venous clinical severity scores and the chronic venous insufficiency quality of life questionnaire scores declined significantly (p for venous clinical severity scores: 0.001, p for chronic venous insufficiency quality of life questionnaire scores: 0.001). There was no postoperative paresis or paresthesia. There was one case of deep venous thrombosis and three cases of bruising. The total of three months' occlusion rates was 96.9% (124/128).The overall post-dural puncture headache ratio was 18%. Women significantly suffered from more headaches than men (27% vs. 10%, p = 0.013). The extreme age intervals (pertaining to ages between 18 and 30 or 50+) were almost significantly less affected by headaches in comparison to the group with the age interval between 31 and 50 (11.3%, 24.2%, p: 0.056). A percentage of 12.5 patients suffered from vomiting. It was recorded that female patients suffered from vomiting more so than the males (20.3%, 5.8%, p: 0.013). Pertaining to vomiting, there was no significant difference between the two age interval groups (p: 0.14). Urinary retention was observed in 6.3% of the patients. The female gender had a higher ratio of urinary retention, but the difference was insignificant. (8.5%, 4.3%, p: 0.46). There was no significant difference between the age interval groups in terms of urinary retention. CONCLUSIONS: The endovenous thermal ablation of the greater saphenous vein under spinal anesthesia is a fast and effective treatment option for the management of incompetent saphenous veins. However, side effects such as headaches, vomiting, and urinary retention that are affected by gender types, age-intervals, and procedural characteristics should be kept in mind.

Office Based Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation of Truncal Veins: A Case for Moving Varicose Vein Treatment out of Operating Theatres.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the efficacy and outcomes at one year after office based endovenous radiofrequency ablation (OBEVRFA) as a standalone procedure for varicose veins under local anaesthesia. METHODS: A retrospective study of prospectively collected data of all OBEVRFAs done in the vascular unit from April 2014 to June 2016 was performed. The demographics, clinical findings, initial venous duplex ultrasound (DUS) findings, the vein ablated, and immediate complications were recorded. Patients were reviewed at six weeks and again if necessary with or without a repeat DUS. The follow up period ranged from 12 to 38 months. Patients undergoing further procedures for symptomatic residual veins within the follow up period were recorded. Average cost and income were obtained from the hospital Patient Level Information and Costing Systems data. RESULTS: A total of 523 limbs were listed for OBEVRFA during the study period. Ninety-four (18%) were cancelled on the day of surgery for various reasons. A total of 429 procedures in 394 patients were performed. There were 35 bilateral cases; each limb performed on separate occasions. The female to male ratio was 1.2:1. The median age was 54 years (range 17-88 years). The CEAP (Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic and Pathophysiologic) classification was C2 to C3, 291 (68%); C4 to C5, 11 (26%), and C6, 26 (6%). Forty-seven (11%) recurrent varicose veins were treated. There were three recorded cases of endovenous heat induced thrombosis (EHIT). Sixty (14%) patients were lost to follow up. One hundred and five (29%) patients underwent repeat DUS for persistent symptoms. In the follow up period, only 86 patients (23%) needed further multiple avulsions. CONCLUSIONS: OBEVRFAs of the truncal veins for the treatment of varicose veins is safe and effective and could be performed in all suitable patients to free up theatre capacity.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Thrombotic Events Following Endovenous Thermal Ablation of the Great Saphenous Vein.

OBJECTIVES: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the incidence of thrombotic events following great saphenous vein (GSV) endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA). METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase and conference abstracts were searched. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials and case series that included at least 100 patients who underwent GSV EVTA (laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation [RFA]) with duplex ultrasound (DUS) within 30 days. The systematic review focused on the complications of endovenous heat induced thrombosis (EHIT), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). The primary outcome for the meta-analysis was deep venous thrombotic events which were defined as DVT or EHIT Type 2, 3, or 4. Secondary outcomes for the meta-analysis were EHIT Type 2, 3, or 4, DVT and PE. Subgroup analyses were performed for both the RFA and EVLA groups. Pooled proportions were calculated using random effects modelling. RESULTS: Fifty-two studies (16,398 patients) were included. Thrombotic complications occurred infrequently. Deep venous thrombotic events occurred in 1.7% of cases (95% CI 0.9-2.7%) (25 studies; 10,012 patients; 274 events). EHIT Type 2, 3, or 4 occurred in 1.4% of cases (95% CI 0.8-2.3%) (26 studies; 10,225 patients; 249 events). DVT occurred in 0.3% of cases (95% CI = 0.2%-0.5%) (49 studies; 15,676 patients; 48 events). PE occurred in 0.1% of cases (95% CI = 0.1-0.2%) (29 studies; 8223 patients; 3 events). Similar results were found when the RFA and EVLA groups were analysed separately. CONCLUSION: Thrombotic events occur infrequently following GSV EVTA. Given the large numbers of procedures worldwide and the potential for serious consequences, further research is needed on the burden of these complications and their management.

Predictors of Recanalization of the Great Saphenous Vein in Randomized Controlled Trials 1 Year After Endovenous Thermal Ablation.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The objective was to identify predictors to develop and validate a prognostic model of recanalization of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in patients treated with endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA). METHODS: The search strategy of Siribumrungwong was updated between August 2011 and August 2014 using MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane register to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in which patients presenting with GSV reflux were treated with radiofrequency or endovenous laser ablation. Leg level data (n = 1226) of 15/23 selected RCTs were pooled. The primary outcome was recanalization of the GSV; the secondary outcome was change in health related quality of life (HRQoL) measured by the Chronic Venous Insufficiency quality of life Questionnaire or Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire 1 year post-procedure. Candidate predictors were age, sex, body mass index, clinical class, GSV diameter, saphenofemoral junction reflux, type of device, energy, and length of treated vein. RESULTS: At 1 year, 130 GSVs were recanalized (11%). Clinical class (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-3.3) and diameter (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7) of the GSV were the strongest predictors of recanalization. Other predictors included in the final model were sex, type of device, and length of treated vein. The performance of the recanalization model was moderate, with an area under the curve above 0.717. GSV diameter, type of device, and amount of energy delivered were the only predictors of the change of HRQoL. None of the candidate predictors were included in the final HRQoL model (R(2) = .027). CONCLUSION: There are several important prognostic factors for GSV recanalization and change of HRQoL after EVTA. However, the performance of each model was unsatisfactory to allow use in clinical practice yet.

[Endovenous ablation of saphenous vein varicosis]. / Endovenöse Ablation der Stammvenenvarikose.

In the past 15 years, the minimally invasive endovenous treatments of varicose veins have been widely accepted. The efficacy of the different endovenous methods and the minimal post operative side effects are meanwhile well documented in a large number of evidence based publications. The recent NICE Guidelines (2013) considering the varicose vein treatment recommend in case of an insufficiency of saphenous veins first the endovenous thermal ablation with radiofrequency or laser, then the ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and as the third line the classic surgical treatment with stripping and high ligation.

[Cryosclerosis. The forgotten endovenous cryoablation of the great saphenous vein. Mid-term results of a prospective comparative trial]. / Cryosclerosis. Az elfelejtett endovénás cryoablatio a vena saphena magna elégtelenségének kezelésében. Egy prospektív összehasonlító vizsgálat középtávú eredményei.

INTRODUCTION: Cryosclerosis was introduced by Milleret and Le Pivert in the 1980s. METHOD: A prospective non-randomized comparative study has been performed on initial 96 patients. 48 patients were treated by cryosclerosis and the others received conventional stripping. 52 cases were analyzed for 2-years. The primary end-point of the study was to determine the occlusion rate of cryosclerosis. The clinical failure, the improvement in the Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic classification and Venous Clinical Severity Scores were analyzed as secondary outcome. RESULTS: Total recanalization of the great saphenous vein causing clinical failure was observed in one case (4%). The reopening of the great saphenous vein was observed in 4 limbs (15%) that did not cause the incompetence of the trunk. The occlusion rate was 81%. Recurrent varicosity was observed by 35% and 42% of the patients in the cryosclerosis and stripping groups respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups (log rank test, p = 0.391). There was significant improvement in both the Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic classification and Venous Clinical Severity Scores in each group without remarkable differences observed between the groups either at baseline or on the mid-term. CONCLUSIONS: Cryosclerosis seems to be effective in the remodeling of the great saphenous vein. The method has no remarkable mid-term clinical advantages over classical stripping so far. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(50), 1994-2001.

Occlusion rate, venous symptoms and patient satisfaction after radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (RFITT®): are there differences between the great and the small saphenous veins?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on the therapy of insufficient saphenous veins mainly compare different treatment methods. Only a few investigate differences of a specific treatment option between the great (GSV) and the small saphenous vein (SSV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, clinical improvement and patient satisfaction after radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (RFITT®) with regard to the treated vein. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 65 patients (40 women, 25 men; mean age 54.75 years) who were treated with RFITT® for incompetent saphenous veins (n = 83: 62 GSV, 21 SSV). Occlusion rates were determined by duplex-sonography. Additionally, we performed a prospective analysis of venous symptoms and signs by means of a standardized questionnaire and of patient satisfaction using a semi-quantitative rating (1 = very good, 6 = insufficient). RESULTS: The GSV group showed a significantly greater reduction of venous symptoms in comparison to the SSV group (p = 0.005) despite no significant differences in long term occlusion rates (mean time after operation: 22 months) of 90 % in the GSV group and 81.8 % in the SSV group (p = 0.598). Following the procedure, detailed analysis revealed significantly more swelling (p = 0.022), feeling of heavy legs (p = 0.002) and nightly calf cramps (p = 0.001) in the SSV group. Additionally, RFITT® led to a significant improvement in patient satisfaction in the GSV group (from 1.93 at day 1 - 3 to 1.41 after 6 - 12 months, p = 0.009) but not in the SSV group (from 2.29 to 2.07, p = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the improvement of venous symptoms and patient satisfaction, the benefit of RFITT® is greater for patients with incompetent GSV compared to those with incompetent SSV.

Laser-sclerosing foam hybrid treatment, a non-tumescent technique for insufficient great saphenous vein ablation.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to report on the Laser-Sclerosing Foam Hybrid Treatment (LSFHT) and its outcomes when used on patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. METHODS: This was a single center retrospective cohort study on patients with GSV insufficiency that were treated with the LSFHT technique, a surgical procedure that comprises the use of both sclerosing foam and endovenous ablation and avoids the use of tumescent anesthesia. Occlusion rates and complications were reported. RESULTS: 139 legs from 106 patients were operated, achieving a 100% occlusion rate, while only a small burn and 2 popliteal vein thrombosis cases occurred. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the LSFHT is a feasible fast procedure that proved both effective and safe for the treatment of GSV insufficiency.

Endovenous thermal ablation mid-term outcomes for the treatment of large diameter incompetent great saphenous veins.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) in treating large diameter, ≥12 mm, incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV) in comparison to smaller ones. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study was undertaken including 196 patients (205 limbs) undergoing EVTA. According to maximum GSV diameter patients were divided into two groups (group A <12 mm, group B ≥12 mm). Primary outcome was anatomic success defined as absence of reflux of GSV. Secondary outcomes were complications, postoperative pain using the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and improvement of Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (CΙVIQ-20) scores assessed at 7- days, 1 month, 12 months and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: 118 patients with GSV diameter <12 mm (group A) and 87 with GSV diameter ≥12 mm (group B) were included. Patients' demographics, CEAP classification and length of ablated vein did not differ between the groups. Preoperative VCSS and VAS pain score were significant greater in group B (6.03 vs 6.94, p = .04 and 5.21 vs 5.77, p = .032, respectively). No differences in adverse events were observed post-operatively among groups. GSV occlusion rate at 1 month was 98.3% (SE 1.3%) in group A and 96.5 % (2.2%) in group B (p = .3), at 12 months 95.7% (SE 2%) and 94.2% (SE 2.8%) (p = .5), and at 24 months 94% (SE 2.4%) and 93.1% (SE 3%) (p = .4) respectively. Both groups experienced significant and similar improvement in their VCSSs and CIVIQ scores postoperatively. In a subgroup analysis among different EVTA and GSV >12 mm, 1470 nm endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) showed comparable results in terms of occlusion rates, complications, VCSS and CIVIQ scores. CONCLUSIONS: Endovenous thermal ablation techniques are efective and safe in the treatment of GSV incompetence regardless the diameter of the GSV. Both 1470 nm EVLA and RFA techniques performed similar outcomes.

A systematic review on ablation techniques for larger saphenous veins in patients with symptomatic superficial venous disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to summarize the existing evidence for the treatment of saphenous veins >10 mm in diameter, to determine whether there were vein size limits for treatment modalities, and to determine if there are specific technical considerations for treatment of large veins. METHODS: We searched the literature for reports of treatment methods and outcomes for patients with large-diameter saphenous veins treated with various ablation methods between 1993 and 2023. These studies were evaluated for the size of the vein determined as "large diameter," type of ablation method, study type, outcomes, adverse events, and any technical considerations noted. A systematic review was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. The COVIDENCE software was used for full-text screening and data extraction. Three reviewers reviewed the data, and the content expert served as the tiebreaker. RESULTS: Seventy-one records were identified, of which 24 studies were deemed appropriate for extraction. Most of the studies identified reported outcomes of endovenous thermal ablation modalities. There were fewer studies on non-thermal, non-tumescent techniques, and these studies reported an overall lower occlusion rate compared with endovenous thermal ablation techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Large head-to-head trials or randomized controlled that compare all the modalities over a long follow-up duration are yet to be performed. In the existing literature, there is considerable heterogeneity in terms of the study size, design, definition of large veins, site of vein measurement, and follow-up periods, making it challenging to make fair comparisons and draw firm conclusions. Currently available evidence supports the use of endothermal ablation techniques for the treatment of veins >10 mm in diameter as they have a more favorable efficacy and safety profile and have a larger body of evidence available compared with non-thermal, non-tumescent techniques or surgery.

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.

Personal factors and postoperative changes in the revised Venous Clinical Severity Score of varicose veins.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this observational study was to measure the Revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS) in patients treated for varicose veins (VVs) owing to saphenous vein reflux. Treatment was by endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) alone or by ETA and ambulatory phlebectomy (AP). A secondary aim was to determine whether participant characteristics and treatment methods affect rVCSS and how the score changes over time. METHODS: We enrolled 44 men with 55 treated legs and 79 women with 105 treated legs (bilateral cases, 23.1%). Patients were treated and evaluated from April 2016 to September 2020. All legs were treated by ETA, and participants were divided into three groups depending on AP treatment: E0 group (40 legs), no AP; EP1 group (101 legs), AP performed only at one site above or below the knee; and EP2 group (19 legs), AP performed both above and below the knee. The rVCSS was measured in the treated legs up to five times: preoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 7, 90, and 180. RESULTS: The mean age was 67.5 ± 11.24 years (range, 32-87 years). No significant differences in medical history or demographics or lifestyle were found between the groups. The mean preoperative rVCSS also was not different between groups (E0, 4.4 ± 0.3 points; EP1, 4.6 ± 0.2 points; and EP2, 5.4 ± 0.4 points; P = .14). Factors associated with less improvement in the rVCSS were a high body mass index (P = .046) and the occurrence of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (P = .001), and factors associated with more improvement in the rVCSS were hypertension (P = .026), hyperuricemia (P = .022), and wearing compression stockings (P = .013). The rVCSS decreased strongly at POD1 and then gradually decreased until POD180. It was not significantly different between EP1 and EP2, but it improved significantly earlier in these two groups than in the E0 group. The rVCSS at POD180 was as follows: E0, 1.633 ± 0.233 points; EP1, 1.003 ± 0.148 points; and EP2, 0.982 ± 0.322 points. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with less improvement in the rVCSS are a high body mass index and the occurrence of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis. Hypertension, hyperuricemia, and wearing compression stockings are associated with greater improvements in the rVCSS. Patients treated with ETA and AP tend to improve earlier than patients treated by ETA alone, but all patients improve to nearly the same level within 6 months.

Linear endovenous energy density (LEED) should always be quoted with the power used in endovenous thermal ablation - results from an in-vitro porcine liver model study.

BACKGROUND: Linear Endovenous Energy Density (LEED) is the energy used per cm of vein in endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) but does not include time. This study examines the effect of time during EVTA. METHOD: EVTA was performed in a previously validated porcine liver model. LEEDs of 40, 60, 80 and 100 J/cm, using different powers were repeated 5 times each. Thermal spread, tissue carbonisation and device-tissue sticking during treatment were recorded. RESULT: LEED positively correlated to thermal spread and carbonisation of the tissue. Power was correlated with carbonisation but not thermal spread. Pullback had no correlations with thermal spread or carbonisation. Catheter sticking found occurred in powers >= 15 W or LEED >= 80 J/cm. CONCLUSION: LEED is a good measure of EVTA but does not include time. Power, which does include time, correlates with carbonisation and with device-tissue sticking. The power used must be quoted with the LEED.