American College of Phlebology Guidelines – Treatment of refluxing accessory saphenous veins

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 448-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Gibson ◽  
Neil Khilnani ◽  
Marlin Schul ◽  
Mark Meissner

The American College of Phlebology Guidelines Committee performed a systematic review of the literature regarding the clinical impact and treatment of incompetent accessory saphenous veins. Using an accepted process for guideline developments, we developed a consensus opinion that patients with symptomatic incompetence of the accessory great saphenous veins (anterior and posterior accessory saphenous veins) be treated with endovenous thermal ablation (laser or radiofrequency) or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy to eliminate symptomatology (Recommendation Grade 1C).

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 58
Author(s):  
Sandeep Raj Pandey

Introduction and Objective: To compare open surgery, Endovenous thermal ablation(EVTA) and ultrasound(USG) guided foam sclerotherapy for primary superficial venous insufficiency(PVI) with respect to obliteration of superficial venous system at 3 months, clinical outcome and cost.Materials and Methods: Between January 2015 to January 2016, all patients with symptomatic PVI of lower limbs who were willing for definitive management were randomized to open surgery (n=20), EVTA (n=40) or ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (n=20). In foam sclerotherapy group, review USG was done at 1 week and if necessary re-injection was done. The patients in all the groups underwent review USG at 3 months. Obliteration of superficial venous system, clinical outcome and costs were registered.Results: 5 patients in foam sclerotherapy group required re-injection at 1 week. Superficial venous system was obliterated in all the patients of all the groups at 3 months. Improvement in clinical score was similar in all groups. The foam sclerotherapy group had less frequent analgesia intake, earlier return to normal activity and lower cost. Local complication rate was slightly higher in foam sclerotherapy group.Conclusion: Foam sclerotherapy is a cheaper alternative to open surgery & EVTA for PVI with respective to early measures of clinical outcome. USG guided sclerotherapy demonstrated to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. The observed complications were minimal and most of the patients reported satisfaction with the treatment outcomes. If patient have no cost issue, endovenous thermal ablation of varicose veins is better than open surgery & foam sclera in context of minimally invasive, cosmetic, less pain, no incisions, early ambulation & same day discharge.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 321-329
Author(s):  
Moro Leo ◽  
Ricci Stefano ◽  
Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele

Objective Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) – one of the most frequently recommended methods for treating great saphenous vein incompetence – is easy and inexpensive. However, it achieves a lower occlusion rate compared to endovenous thermal ablation. The application of UGFS to pre-terminal great saphenous vein interruption, eliminating the saphenous stem wash out effect, enhances the short-term occlusion rate. This study explores the results of this technique at 12 months. Method Thirty great saphenous veins (28 patients) with junction incompetence, with calibres >6 mm and >30 cm reflux stem length were submitted to echo-guided pre-terminal great saphenous vein interruption and foam great saphenous vein occlusion. Participants were subjected to a 12-month post-operative review by ultrasound assessment of great saphenous vein occlusion and terminal stump stability. Comparisons were made between pre-operative and 12-month Validation of Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), photopletismography, Aberdeen questionnaire and complications. Results After 12 months, 28/30 great saphenous veins remained occluded (93%). One complete and one partial recanalization did not require retreatment. Four saphenous stumps showed a reflux during Valsalva (one due to recanalization, one limited to the stump, two with reflux in the anterior accessory saphenous vein). VCSS improved from 3.33 ± 1.64 to 0.67 ± 1.21 ( p < 0.05). Aberdeen questionnaire scores decreased from 9.44 ± 6.18 to 2.47 ± 3.77 ( p < 0.05). For photopletismographic examination, the mean venous refilling time (normal value: > 25 s) improved from 17.94 ± 11.97 to 31.4 ± 11.99 ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Applying pre-terminal great saphenous vein interruption to UGFS of the saphenous stem achieved an occlusion rate at one year similar to that of endovenous thermal ablation. The procedure is simple, effective, office based, and may be used as a 10-min prolongation to a phlebectomy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastianina Contena ◽  
Stefano Taddei

Abstract. Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) refers to a global IQ ranging from 71 to 84, and it represents a condition of clinical attention for its association with other disorders and its influence on the outcomes of treatments and, in general, quality of life and adaptation. Furthermore, its definition has changed over time causing a relevant clinical impact. For this reason, a systematic review of the literature on this topic can promote an understanding of what has been studied, and can differentiate what is currently attributable to BIF from that which cannot be associated with this kind of intellectual functioning. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, we have conducted a review of the literature about BIF. The results suggest that this condition is still associated with mental retardation, and only a few studies have focused specifically on this condition.


2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 357-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Dermody ◽  
Marlin W Schul ◽  
Thomas F O’Donnell

Objective Portions of these data were presented in a poster at the XVII World Meeting of the International Union of Phlebology, 8–13 September 2013, Boston, MA, USA. We assessed the incidence of venous thromboembolism following treatment of great saphenous insufficiency by endovenous thermal ablation or foam sclerotherapy using meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials and case series. Methods Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Clinical Trials Registry databases were searched from January 2000 through January 2013 for randomized controlled trials and large case series employing endovenous thermal ablation or foam sclerotherapy as a single modality for the treatment of great saphenous insufficiency, with concomitant postoperative duplex scanning. Pooled (stratified) incidence of venous thromboembolism with 95% confidence intervals was estimated using the DerSimonian–Laird procedure for random effects meta-analysis. A bootstrap analysis was performed to examine between-modality differences. Results Twelve randomized controlled trials and 19 case series investigating endovenous thermal ablation (radiofrequency ablation with VNUS/Covidien ClosureFAST™ catheter only, endovenous laser ablation, or both) were included. Data from 12 randomized controlled trials and 6 case series investigating nonproprietary foam preparations were analyzed. Estimated incidence of venous thromboembolism was low (mostly <1%) and similar across treatment modalities and study types. Conclusions Treatment of great saphenous insufficiency by endovenous thermal ablation or foam sclerotherapy is a common vascular intervention. The stratified incidence of venous thromboembolism appears to be low as reported in both randomized controlled trials and case series investigating these modalities. Although duplex scans were obtained postoperatively, a minority of studies specified protocols for venous thromboembolism detection.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 683-689
Author(s):  
Thomas F Wright ◽  
Giulietta F Brunetti ◽  
Patrick Kennedy

Objectives For endovenous thermal ablation of the saphenous veins, tumescent lidocaine anesthesia is often used. Unfortunately, information is sparse on the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine absorption and its maximum safe dose. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma concentration of lidocaine on 12 lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and symptoms over time after the administration of tumescent lidocaine during endovenous thermal ablation procedures in healthy volunteers. Methods An observational study of symptoms, 12 lead ECGs, and serum lidocaine levels were obtained following the administration of either 15 mg/kg lidocaine or 35 mg/kg lidocaine in the perivenous saphenous space under ultrasound guidance. Blood was drawn at regular intervals in heparinized tubes and spun at 3000 r/min for 10 min. The plasma lidocaine levels were plotted vs. time for statistical comparisons. Results With the 35 mg/kg dose, four of 11 participants developed symptoms of lidocaine toxicity at 40 min, which resolved by 180 min. The 35 mg/kg dose resulted in a mean serum lidocaine peak of 2.55 µg/ml at 60 min. The 15 mg/kg dose did not result in any symptoms of lidocaine toxicity, and it resulted in a serum lidocaine plateau of 0.85 µg/ml at 180 min. No significant changes were seen on the 12-lead ECG after the administration of lidocaine at either dose. Conclusions The 15 mg/kg total lidocaine dose did not cause symptoms and appears to be a safe lidocaine dosage for tumescent anesthesia for saphenous endovenous thermal ablations. The 35 mg/kg lidocaine dose is associated with lidocaine toxicity. More study on the maximal safe dose of lidocaine for endovenous thermal ablations is needed.


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