Evolution of an Endovenous Laser Ablation Practice for Varicose Veins

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 248-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Samuel ◽  
T Wallace ◽  
D Carradice ◽  
G Smith ◽  
F Mazari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Technical Failure ◽  
Normal Functioning ◽  
Endovenous Laser Ablation ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Severity Scores

Objective: We aimed to assess the evolution of an endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) practice in the management of varicose veins in a university teaching hospital vascular surgical unit, over five years. Methods: This was a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing EVLA for great saphenous vein incompetence and followed up for a year. For inter- and intragroup comparison, patients were divided into three groups: group A: endovenous access generally established at the perigenicular level ( n = 105); group B: when practice changed to gain access at lowest point of demonstrable reflux ( n = 70); and group C: when tumescence delivery changed from manual injections to delivery via peristaltic pump ( n = 49). Outcomes including pain scores, time taken to return to normal functioning, quality of life (QoL), venous clinical severity scores (VCSS) and complication rates were evaluated. Results: Intergroup analysis: increase in the length of vein treated and laser density delivered was observed over time, even as median procedure duration decreased ( P < 0.001). An increase in sensory disturbance was noticed in group C ( P = 0.047) while better Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) ( P = 0.004), SF-36® physical domains ( P < 0.05) and patient satisfaction with treatment ( P = 0.025) were recorded in the same group at 52 weeks. No significant difference was observed in technical failure, pain scores, return to normal functioning, VCSS and recurrence rates post-intervention. Intragroup analysis: QoL measures (AVVQ, SF-36®, EQ-5D) and VCSS scores demonstrated significant improvement at 12 and 52 weeks compared with baseline ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Increase in length of vein treated and energy delivery seems to improve short-term outcomes; however, operators need to be wary of a possible concurrent increase in paraesthetic complications.

Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis after ablation with 1470 nm laser: Incidence, progression, and risk factors

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 325-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Sufian ◽  
A Arnez ◽  
N Labropoulos ◽  
S Lakhanpal
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Saphenous Vein ◽  
Great Saphenous Vein ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Endovenous Laser Ablation ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Vein Diameter ◽  
Saphenofemoral Junction

Objectives To evaluate the incidence of heat-induced thrombosis, its progression and risk factors that may contribute to its formation after endovenous laser ablation. Methods This was a prospective evaluation of all patients who had endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein, accessory saphenous vein, and small saphenous vein using 1470 nm wavelength laser, from March 2010 to September 2011. All patients who developed endovenous heat-induced thrombosis at the saphenofemoral junction or at the saphenopopliteal junction were included. Demographic data, history of venous thrombosis, body mass index, vein diameter, reflux time, catheter tip position, endovenous heat-induced thrombosis progression, number of phlebectomies, and venous clinical severity scores were analyzed. Duplex ultrasound was done in all patients preoperatively, and 2–3 days postoperatively. Results Endovenous laser ablation was performed in 2168 limbs. Fifty-seven percent had great saphenous vein, 13% accessory saphenous vein, and 30% small saphenous vein ablation. Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis was developed in 18 limbs (12 at saphenofemoral junction and six at saphenopopliteal junction) for an incidence of 0.9%. Eight were class 1 and 10 were > class 2. No pulmonary embolism was reported. The percentage of men with endovenous heat-induced thrombosis was higher compared to those without (39% vs. 24%, p = .14). The median age for endovenous heat-induced thrombosis patients was 59.6 compared to non-endovenous heat-induced thrombosis ( p = .021). Great saphenous vein/accessory saphenous vein diameter for endovenous heat-induced thrombosis patients was 8.0 mm versus 6.3 mm for non-endovenous heat-induced thrombosis patients ( p = .014), and for small saphenous vein it was 5.7 mm versus 4.5 mm ( p = .16). Multiple concomitant phlebectomies were performed in 55.6% of the endovenous heat-induced thrombosis patients compared to 37% in non-endovenous heat-induced thrombosis ( p = .001). All other parameters were similar between endovenous heat-induced thrombosis and non-endovenous heat-induced thrombosis group. Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis resolution occurred in 16 cases at 2–4 but two cases progressing from class 1 to 2, before resolution. The mean VCSS score for endovenous heat-induced thrombosis patients preoperatively was 5.6 and improved to 2.8 ( p = .003) at one month. Conclusion Risk factors associated with endovenous heat-induced thrombosis formation after endovenous laser ablation include: vein size, age, and multiple phlebectomies. Endovenous heat-induced thrombosis resolves in 2–4 weeks in most patients but it may worsen in few.

The clinical significance of below-knee great saphenous vein reflux following endovenous laser ablation of above-knee great saphenous vein

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
N S Theivacumar ◽  
R J Darwood ◽  
D Dellegrammaticas ◽  
A I D Mavor ◽  
M J Gough
Keyword(s):  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Saphenous Vein ◽  
Great Saphenous Vein ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Foam Sclerotherapy ◽  
Endovenous Laser Ablation ◽  
Residual Symptoms ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Group B

Aims The standard technique for endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for varicose veins due to great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux involves obliteration of the above-knee (AK) GSV. This study assesses the significance of persistent below-knee (BK) GSV reflux following such therapy. Methods Sixty-nine limbs (64 patients) with varicosities and GSV reflux underwent AK-EVLA. Post treatment, GSV reflux (ultrasound: six, 12 weeks) and Aberdeen varicose vein severity scores (AVVSS, 12 weeks) were assessed, and residual varicosities treated with foam sclerotherapy (six weeks). Results The untreated BK-GSV remained patent in all limbs. Ultrasound showed normal antegrade flow in 34/69 (49%, Group A), flash reflux <1 s in 7/69 (10%, Group B) and >1 s reflux in 28/69 (41%, Group C). Although AVVSS improved in all groups ( P < 0.001): A: 14.6 (8.4–19.3) versus 2.8 (0.5–4.4), B: 13.9 (7.5–20.1) versus 3.7 (2.1–6.8), C: 15.1 (8.9–22.5) versus 8.1 (5.3–12.6) the improvement was less in Group C ( P < 0.001 versus A and B) and was associated with a greater requirement (A: 4/34 [12%]; B: 1/7 [14%]; C: 25/28 [89%]) for sclerotherapy (persisting varicosities) ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Although AK-GSV EVLA improves symptoms regardless of persisting BK reflux, the latter appears responsible for residual symptoms and a greater need for sclerotherapy for residual varicosities.

scholarly journals Midterm varicose vein recurrence rates after endovenous laser ablation: comparison of radial fibre and bare fibre tips

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-82
Author(s):  
Burcin Abud ◽  
Ayse Gul Kunt
Keyword(s):  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Varicose Vein ◽  
Side Branch ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
First Year ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
Endovenous Laser Ablation ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bare Fibre

Abstract OBJECTIVES We evaluated and compared midterm recurrence results of our patients with great saphenous vein insufficiency who were treated with a 1470-nm diode laser using 2 different types of fibre catheter kits. METHODS A total of 61 consecutive patients were treated between 2013 and 2014 with a bare fibre (BF) tip (BF group) and 60 consecutive patients were treated with a radial fibre (RF) tip (RF group) from 2014 to 2016. First-year venous clinical severity scores (VCSSs) were compared with VCSS before endovenous laser ablation and at the first-month follow-up. Patients were examined for recurrence and classified according to the system developed by Stonebridge. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of VCSS. Examination with Doppler ultrasonography showed no recurrence in the RF group, whereas recurrences were detected in 6 patients in the BF group, which was statistically significant (P = 0.028). All of the recurrences were type 1b (incompetent tributaries) varicose vein recurrences. The VCSS of the patients with recurrence were the same as the scores of patients without recurrence (0.5 ± 0.55). CONCLUSIONS Varicose vein recurrence was more often seen in the BF group than in the RF group. Recanalization-induced and neovascularization-induced recurrences were not found in either group. Saphenofemoral side branch-induced recurrence was more significant in the group treated with the BF tip.

scholarly journals Endovenous laser ablation for great saphenous varicose veins

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 4502
Author(s):  
Asser Abd El Hamid Goda
Keyword(s):  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Main Trunk ◽  
Endovenous Laser Ablation ◽  
Venous Clinical Severity Score ◽  
The Mean

Background: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is one of the most accepted treatment options for great saphenous varicose veins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety EVLA in a 12 months follow-up.Methods: Patients with symptomatic great saphenous veins (GSV) reflux were undergo EVLA. The outcome measures the efficacy and safety along the follow up period (12 months). The efficacy assessed by measuring the occlusion rate of the GSV by duplex and by measuring the improvement in the mean venous clinical severity score (VCSS) by clinical examination. The safety assessed by clinical examination to detect the complications.Results: The rate of complete occlusion in the main trunk of the great saphenous vein was 34/35 (97.1%) at 6 and 12 months. The mean VCSS scores improved significantly after the procedure at 6 and 12 months. Complications detected within 1st week as pigmentation in 3 patients, local hematoma in one patient, and paresthesia in one patient but all complications disappeared within 6 and 12 months.Conclusions: EVLA is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of varicose great saphenous. 

scholarly journals Great saphenous vein mechanochemical sclerotherapy versus laser ablation in treatment of varicose vein

QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M I Ibrahim ◽  
K A Nabil ◽  
A M Abdalmageed ◽  
G K Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Saphenous Vein ◽  
Varicose Vein ◽  
Great Saphenous Vein ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Procedural Pain ◽  
Procedure Time ◽  
Endovenous Laser Ablation ◽  
High Incidence

Abstract Background Endovenous thermal techniques, such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), are the recommended treatment for truncal varicose veins. But it requires the administration of tumescent anaesthesia, which can be uncomfortable. Non-thermal, non-tumescent techniques, such as mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) have some advantages such as less post-procedural pain and less procedure time . MOCA combines physical damage to endothelium using sharply terminated metal claws, with the injection of a liquid sclerosant. Introduction Chronic venous insufficiency is one of the most common medical conditions among highly developed societies. The majority of patients (70%) suffer from saphenous veins incompetency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the primary efficacy of mechanochemical sclerotherapy by phlebogriffe (flebogrif) in comparison to laser ablation in treatment of varicose vein. Methods/Design The study was conducted on 30 patients, including 16 women and 14 men divided into 2 groups. The first group (15 patients) was treated with ablation with Flebogrif (MOCA) to treat varicose veins. The second group (15 patients) was treated with ablation with Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). All patients were qualified based on the ultrasound in a standing position confirming incompetence of the great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein. The primary outcomes are intra-procedural pain and technical efficacy at 1 year, defined as complete occlusion of target vein segment and assessed using duplex ultrasound. Secondary outcomes are post-procedural pain, analgesia use, procedure time, clinical severity, bruising, complications, satisfaction, time taken to return to daily activities and/or work, and cost-effectiveness analysis following EVLA or MOCA. Both groups will be evaluated on an intention-to-treat basis. Results The total primary obliteration rate after 3 days and 1 month was 100% with both EVLA-RTF and MOCA while after 3 months (ms) was 93.3% with both groups. After 6ms the total primary obliteration rate was 93.3% with EVLA-RTF and 86.7% with MOCA. The Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) presented similar and durable improvements in both groups between 3days and 6 months. While there is significant less post procedural pain, ecchymosis and bruises with the MOCA method and so high incidence of use of analgesics in EVLA patients than in MOCA group. The median time for return to work was 1 day after both treatments. No severe adverse events were observed. Discussion The aim of the study is to evaluate whether MOCA is superior to EVLA. The two main hypotheses are that MOCA may cause less initial pain and disability allowing rapid post-operative recovery. The second hypothesis is the efficacy, which may lead to increased recurrence and affect longer term quality of life, increasing the requirement for secondary procedures. Conclusions EVLA and MOCA have similarly high great saphenous vein (GSV) obliteration rates in the long term, and the treatments are equally effective clinically. While according to post procedural pain, ecchymosis, Bruises and long procedural time. The study showed significant high incidence of occurrence in EVLA group than MOCA group. So according to these items there is significant superiority of MOCA over EVLA.

scholarly journals Determinants and patterns of recurrence of primary varicose veins after Endovenous laser ablation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheref A. Elseidy ◽  
M. Hatem ◽  
Ahmed K. Awad ◽  
Obaie Mzaik ◽  
Debvarsha Mandal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Saphenous Vein ◽  
Varicose Vein ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Duplex Ultrasound ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Endovenous Laser Ablation ◽  
Venous Clinical Severity Score ◽  
Table Analysis ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

Abstract Background: The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the different recurrence patterns, sites and determinants impacting primary varicose vein recurrence after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).Methods: 127 symptomatic patients (127 limbs) with great saphenous vein incompetence who underwent EVLA were followed up for recurrence. Twenty-seven patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 100 patients (100 limbs) for analysis. Outcomes: Recurrence defined by venous clinical severity score (VCSS) or patterns of reflux on the duplex ultrasound examination. Assessments were done at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after the procedure.Results: Two-year life table analysis showed varicose vein recurrence in 9(7.1%) of limbs. Varicose vein recurrence was due to refluxing anterior accessory saphenous vein in 77.8% patients (p <0.001, 95% CI 3.2 to 1669.1), re-canalization (66.6%), non-truncal varicosities (55.5 %) and incompetent perforators 77.8% patients (p <0.001, 95% CI 2.7 to 69.3).Recurrence was mostly seen owed to both incompetent perforators and accessory saphenous vein, BMI more than 30.5 kg/m2 is noted in 77.8 % (p <0.001, 95% CI 1.105 to 1.590) of recurrence patients.

Conventional surgery and endovenous laser ablation of recurrent varicose veins of the small saphenous vein: a retrospective clinical comparison and assessment of patient satisfaction

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
L van Groenendael ◽  
L Flinkenflögel ◽  
J A van der Vliet ◽  
E A Roovers ◽  
S M M van Sterkenburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Saphenous Vein ◽  
Sural Nerve ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Endovenous Laser Ablation ◽  
Recurrent Varicose Veins

Objectives Recurrences of varicosities of the small saphenous vein (SSV) are common. Surgical reintervention is associated with increased complication rates. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in recurrent varicose veins of the SSV and to compare this technique with surgical reintervention. Methods All case files of patients treated for SSV varicosities between May 2006 and October 2008 were evaluated and recurrences were selected. Demographics, duplex findings, clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological classification, perioperative and follow-up data were all registered. Additionally, a questionnaire focusing on patient satisfaction was taken. Results Two hundred and eighty-one patients were treated for varicosities of the SSV, of which 42 were for recurrences. Twenty-six of these were treated with EVLA, all under local anaesthesia, and 16 were surgically treated. Most surgically treated patients were treated under regional anaesthesia (88%). Technical success was achieved in 94% of surgically treated patients and in all EVLA-treated patients. Complications in both groups were mostly minor and self-limiting. Sural nerve neuralgia appeared to be more frequent in the surgically treated group (20% versus 9%). After correction for length of follow-up, the incidence of rerecurrences was not statistically significant between groups. Conclusion EVLA is feasible in patients with recurrent varicose veins of the SSV with possibly a lower incidence of sural nerve injury. Patient satisfaction is high for both treatment modalities. Studies with larger samples are indicated to confirm these observations.

Change in perception of sclerotherapy results after exposure to pre–post intervention photographs

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 282-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabricio R Santiago ◽  
Mario Piscoya ◽  
Yung-Wei Chi
Keyword(s):  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Venous Clinical Severity Score ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Chi Square Test

Objective To evaluate patients’ self-perception of cosmetic improvement before and after they were presented with pre- and postprocedure photographs after sclerotherapy with 75% dextrose. Methods Treatments included sclerotherapy of reticular and varicose veins using 75% dextrose. All treated limbs were photographed and classified according to Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathology classification and Venous Clinical Severity Score pre- and posttreatment. The patients were queried before and after viewing the photos during these visits and indicated if they were very unsatisfied, dissatisfied, satisfied, or very satisfied. Nonparametric kappa correlation coefficient and a Chi square test were used to measure associations among agreement (p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance). The paired Wilcoxon test was used to compare statistical differences in mean Venous Clinical Severity Scores measured at different times (p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance). Data were analyzed using STATA software (version 12). Results Individuals were more satisfied with the results of sclerotherapy after exposure to images portraying their limbs two months after the procedure (p = 0.0028). This effect was maintained six months after sclerotherapy (p = 0.0027). Conclusion Patient exposure to pre- and postsurgical photographs is a simple intervention with the potential of improving patient satisfaction up to six months after treatment with sclerotherapy.

scholarly journals Evaluation of liquid or foam sclerotherapy in small varicose veins (ceap c1) with venous clinical severity score

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (12) ◽  
pp. 1117-1121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Ali Kaygin ◽  
Umit Halici
Keyword(s):  
Severity Score ◽  
Skin Necrosis ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Foam Sclerotherapy ◽  
Clinical Severity Score ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Venous Clinical Severity Score ◽  
The Mean

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of liquid or foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins using venous clinical severity scores and possible complications. METHODS: A total of 318 patients (268 females, 50 males) who were treated with liquid or foam sclerotherapy between January 2012 and December 2012 were included in this study. RESULTS: Skin necrosis was observed in only 6 patients (1. 8%), thrombophlebitis in 10 patients (3. 1%), and hyperpigmentation in 18 patients (5. 6%) in this study group. The mean venous clinical severity score was calculated as: pain score, 1. 23 ± 0.88; varicose vein score,1.85 ± 0. 8; edema score, 0.64 ± 0.77). Pain and edema decreased at the control examination, 1 month after completion of sclerotherapy sessions. Varicose veins completely disappeared after sclerotherapy. While the decrease in edema in the foam sclerotherapy group was significantly less (P<0.001), the decline in pain showed an increasing trend (P=0.069). While skin necrosis did not develop after foam sclerotherapy, rates of pigmentation and local thrombophlebitis were similar (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we observed that both sclerotherapy methods are effective with a low rate of complications, alleviating the complaints of patients with small varicose veins, and providing considerable improvement in venous clinical severity scores.

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