More great saphenous vein valves - less varicose veins?

VASA ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 260-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Barbara Gräub ◽  
Markus Naef ◽  
Hans E. Wagner ◽  
Wolfgang G. Mouton

Background: In patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) the number of venous valves and the degree of valve deterioration have not been extensively investigated and are poorly understood. The aim of this prospective study was to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate the venous valves in CVD patients in view of their clinical classification. Patients and methods: Within two years a consecutive series of 152 patients (223 limbs) undergoing primary surgery for great saphenous vein varicose veins was investigated. In all patients the ‘C’ class according to the basic CEAP-classification was registered preoperatively (C2 to C6) for each limb. Both the quantity and quality of venous valves were assessed in the GSV’s after removal. Qualitative evaluation of the valves was based on macroscopic appearance using a classification from 0 to 5 and described as ‘valve disease class’. Results: A negative correlation between age and the number of valves was detected (p = 0.0035). There was an increase of C-class with increasing age. No significant correlation between the average number of valves per meter and the C-class was detected. For all C-classes an average of between four and five valves per meter was counted. Valve disease class was positively correlated with the C-class although the valve disease class was never higher than the C-class (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The valve disease class of the great saphenous vein correlates with the C-class of the CEAP-classification. The number of valves did not correlate with the ‘C’-class. With each increase in the CEAP class the age increased as well.

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 334-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Francois Uhl ◽  
Miguel Lo Vuolo ◽  
Nicos Labropoulos

Objective To describe the anatomy of the lymph node venous networks of the groin and their assessment by ultrasonography. Material and methods Anatomical dissection of 400 limbs in 200 fresh cadavers following latex injection as well as analysis of 100 CT venograms. Routine ultrasound examinations were done in patients with chronic venous disease. Results Lymph node venous networks were found in either normal subjects or chronic venous disease patients with no history of operation. These networks have three main characteristics: they cross the nodes, are connected to the femoral vein by direct perforators, and join the great saphenous vein and/or anterior accessory great saphenous vein. After groin surgery, lymph node venous networks are commonly seen as a dilated and refluxing network with a dystrophic aspect. We found dilated lymph node venous networks in about 15% of the dissected cadavers. Conclusion It is likely that lymph node venous networks represent remodeling and dystrophic changes of a normal pre-existing network rather than neovessels related to angiogenic factors that occur as a result of an inflammatory response to surgery. The so-called neovascularization after surgery could, in a number of cases, actually be the onset of dystrophic lymph node venous networks. Lymph node venous networks are an ever-present anatomical finding in the groin area. Their dilatation as well as the presence of reflux should be ruled out by US examination of the venous system as they represent a contraindication to a groin approach, particularly in recurrent varicose veins after surgery patients. A refluxing lymph node venous network should be treated by echo-guided foam injection.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orlando Adas Saliba Júnior ◽  
Hamilton Almeida Rollo ◽  
Orlando Saliba ◽  
Marcone Lima Sobreira

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of compression stockings in controlling the varicose veins in pregnant women. Method A prospective controlled randomized clinical trial was performed, including 60 women: intervention group (n = 30), who used compression stockings, and control group (n = 30). Diameters of the great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein in the lower limbs of pregnant women in an orthostatic position were analyzed using Duplex-ultrasound. The symptomatology and CEAP were evaluated. Results Great saphenous vein diameters in the intervention group were 0.37 cm initial and 0.32 cm final (p < 0.0001) in the right leg and 0.28 cm and 0.38 cm (p < 0.0001) in the control group. CEAP classification presented worsening in the control group (p < 0.0001). The signs and symptoms in the control vs. intervention group: pain (86.67% vs. 23.33%; p < 0.0001), edema (70.00% vs. 33.33%; p = 0.0045), and leg heaviness (93.33% vs. 13.33%; p < 0.0001). Conclusions Compression stockings were effective in controlling the varicose veins related to pregnancy.


2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 627-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
AA Kokkosis ◽  
H Schanzer

Objective To identify the anatomical and clinical parameters that predict lack of regression of superficial varicosities after ablation of the great saphenous vein. Methods Symptomatic patients treated with endovenous ablation from August 2006 to July 2013, by a single surgeon, were included. Recorded parameters included age, sex, size, and extent of varicosities (class I–IV) (patient standing), and diameter and length (patient supine) of treated great saphenous vein. Varicose vein classification was defined as: class I ≤6 mm and localized to thigh or leg, class II ≤6 mm and present in the thigh and leg (extensive), class III >6 mm and localized to the thigh or leg, and class IV >6 mm and extensive. “Excellent” results were defined as complete resolution of varicosities, “good” results as incomplete resolution, and “poor” results as no improvement. Results A total of 267 patients and 302 consecutive limbs were included in the study. There were 175 females (65.5%), and the mean age was 54 years old (22–92). The CEAP classification was as follows: C2 (81.5%), C3 (6.3%), C4 (7.9%), C5 (2.0%), and C6 (2.3%). Great saphenous vein diameters was significantly larger in patients with C3–C6 (proximal 0.84 ± 0.25 versus 0.65 ± 0.21, p = < 0.0001, distal 0.58 ± 0.18 versus 0.44 ± 0.13, p < 0.0001) or class III–IV varicose veins (proximal 0.85 ± 0.25 versus 0.75 ± 0.27, p = 0.012, distal 0.62 ± 0.62 versus 0.50 ± 0.17, p < 0.0001). Class III–IV limbs had a “good/poor” result 69.8% of the time, as compared to 51.9% of the limbs class I–II varicose veins (p = 0.002). Conclusions Advanced chronic venous disease (C3–C6) patients have larger diameter great saphenous veins, reflecting the progressive nature of the disease. Patients with more severe varicosities regardless of CEAP class were more likely to require a secondary procedure. The severity of the varicosities may not correlate with the degree of venous disease, but it is an indication of which patients should undergo secondary procedures, possibly with a one-stage approach.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-202
Author(s):  
Piotr Terlecki ◽  
Stanislaw Przywara ◽  
Marek Iłżecki ◽  
Karol Terlecki ◽  
Piotr Kawecki ◽  
...  

Objectives The current knowledge of chronic venous disease in teenagers and its treatment is very limited. The aim of the study is to present our experience and the available literature data on the treatment of varicose veins in teenagers with endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein. Methods Five patients, aged 15–17 years, were qualified for surgery, based on typical signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease. Minimally invasive treatment with endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein was applied. Results The technical success of surgery was achieved in all patients. Over a 2-year follow-up we did not observe any case of recanalisation of the great saphenous vein, recurrence of varicose veins, or serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. One patient presented with resolving of post-operative bruising, and two cases of local numbness were transient. Conclusions Endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein in the treatment of chronic venous disease in teenagers is effective and safe. The method provides excellent cosmetic effects, very short recovery time and high levels of patient satisfaction.


2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernardo Cunha Senra Barros ◽  
Antonio Luiz de Araujo ◽  
Carlos Eduardo Virgini Magalhães ◽  
Raimundo Luiz Senra Barros ◽  
Stenio Karlos Alvim Fiorelli ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment of varicose veins with preservation of the great saphenous vein. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 15 female patients between 25 and 55 years of age with clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification 2, 3 and 4. The patients underwent surgical treatment of primary varicose veins with great saphenous vein (GSV) preservation. Doppler ultrasonography exams were carried out in the first and third months postoperatively. The form of clinical severity of venous disease, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) was completed before and after surgery. We excluded patients with history of deep vein thrombosis, smoking or postoperatively use of elastic stockings or phlebotonics. RESULTS: All patients had improved VCSS (p <0.001) and reduction in the diameter of the great saphenous vein (p <0.001). There was a relationship between VCSS and the GSV caliber, as well as with preoperative CEAP. There was improvement in CEAP class in nine patients when compared with the preoperative period (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The varicose vein surgery with preservation of the great saphenous vein had beneficial effects to the GSV itself, with decreasing caliber, and to the symptoms when the vein had maximum caliber of 7.5 mm, correlating directly with the CEAP. The decrease in GSV caliber, even without complete abolition of reflux, leads to clinical improvement by decreasing the reflux volume.


2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Chastanet ◽  
P Pittaluga

Objective: To report the patterns of reflux in the great saphenous vein as well as to investigate the correlations between patterns of reflux, the demographics and the clinical findings in the population studied. Methods: A total of 1882 limbs were assessed by duplex ultrasound examination in 1449 patients (348 men and 1101 women). Ages ranged from 21 to 94 years (mean 51.8). The presence of symptoms of venous disease (aching, heaviness, night cramps, swelling, itching, burning, tingling and throbbing) and clinical signs were recorded. Results: Varicose veins without saphenous reflux occurred at a younger age (43 versus 55.6 years P < 0.05). The presence of incompetence at the saphenofemoral junction occurred in older patients (58.5 versus 54.1 years P < 0.05). Venous reflux to the ankle also occurred in older patients (mean 64.0 years P < 0.05). Saphenous vein reflux without clinical varices was associated with more advanced signs (C4–C6: 20.3% P < 0.05). A younger age was associated with less advanced signs (C0–C2:49.4 versus C4–C6: 60.1 years P < 0.05). Presence of symptoms was associated with advancing patient age (51.1 versus 49.1 years P < 0.05). Conclusions: A significant correlation between the extent of great saphenous vein reflux and the patient age and the clinical stage of SVI has been observed in this study. The authors hypothesize that these findings support the concept of early treatment of venous insufficiency before symptomatic and physiological deterioration occurs.


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