Saphenous vein ablation with a new cyanoacrylate glue device: a systematic review on 1000 cases.

BACKGROUND: To review published evidence regarding an n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) injection device for great (GSV) and small (SSV) saphenous vein incompetence in terms of occlusion rate, postoperative complications and quality of life improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: International bibliographic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus) were searched to identify possible target articles. The only inclusion criterion was the use of the Variclose® system (Biolas, Ankara, Turkey) for superficial vein insufficiency. Exclusion criteria were case reports, review, meta-analysis, article with <6-month follow-up data, abstracts and congress presentations. PRISMA guidelines were used to lead articles selection. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the final data analysis. A total of 918 patients (1000 limbs) underwent an NBCA procedure for GSV (947 cases) or SSV (53 cases) incompetence. The average procedure duration was 11.7 min. The most common postoperative complications were postoperative pain (4.8%) and superficial vein thrombosis (2.1%). No deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism cases were described. The occlusion rates at six, 12 and 30 months were 97.3%, 96.8% and 94.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: NBCA injection with the Variclose device seems to be a feasible, effective and safe treatment in GSV incompetence. Long-term follow-up studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to achieve high-quality evidence.

Multicomponent compression stockings in chronic venous leg ulcer treatment A review of the current literature.

The role of compression stockings in the treatment of chronic venous disease was amply demonstrated. Concerning patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs), multi-layer bandage is the standard of care. Recently, multicomponent compression stocking (McCS) systems for VLUs treatment and healing nowaday have been proposed. The aim of this review is to describe and analyze current literature evidence regarding McCS used in VLUs treatment. KEY WORDS: Compression therapy, Compression stockings, Venous leg ulcers.