Endovenous saphenous ablation corrects the hemodynamic abnormality in patients with CEAP clinical class 3-6 CVI due to superficial reflux

This investigation was designed to determine whether minimally invasive radiofrequency or laser ablation of the saphenous vein corrects the hemodynamic impact and clinical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in CEAP clinical class 3-6 patients with superficial venous reflux. Patients with CEAP clinical class 3-6 CVI were evaluated with duplex ultrasound and air plethysmography (APG) to determine anatomic and hemodynamic venous abnormalities. Patients with an abnormal (>2 mL/second) venous filling index (VFI) and superficial venous reflux were included in this study. Saphenous ablation was performed utilizing radiofrequency (RF) or endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). Patients were reexamined within 3 months of ablation with duplex to determine anatomic success of the procedure, and with repeat APG to determine the degree of hemodynamic improvement. Venous clinical severity scores (VCSS) were determined before and after saphenous ablation. Eighty-nine limbs in 80 patients were treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (n = 58), or EVLT (n = 31). The average age of patients was 55 years and 66% were women. There were no significant differences in preoperative characteristics between the groups treated with RFA or EVLT. Postoperatively, 86% of limbs demonstrated near total closure of the saphenous vein to within 5 cm of the saphenofemoral junction. Eight percent remained open for 5-10 cm from the junction, and 6% demonstrated minimal or no saphenous ablation. The VFI improved significantly after ablation in both the RF and EVLT groups. Postablation, 78% of the 89 limbs were normal, with a VFI <2 mL/second, and 17% were moderately abnormal, between 2 and 4 mL/second. VCSS scores (11.5 +/-4.5 preablation) decreased significantly after ablation to 4.4 +/-2.3. Minimally invasive saphenous ablation, using either RFA or EVLT, corrects or significantly improved the hemodynamic abnormality and clinical symptoms associated with superficial venous reflux in more than 90% of cases. These techniques are useful for treatment of patients with more severe clinical classes of superficial CVI.     

两种不同术式治疗下肢静脉功能不全的近期疗效对照研究

目的 评价腔内射频闭合术联合TriVex刨吸术治疗下肢静脉功能不全的疗效. 方法 150例下肢静脉功能不全患者(150条患肢)随机分为A、B两组,每组75例.A组行大隐静脉射频闭合术联合曲张浅静脉TriVex刨吸术,B组行大隐静脉高位结扎抽剥术联合曲张浅静脉TriVex刨吸术.比较两组手术情况、术后4周患者对手术的自身评价、手术前后CEAP(clinic,etiologic,anatomic and pathophysiological classification)分级和临床严重程度计分(venous clinical severity score,vcss)的变化.结果 A、B两组手术时间分别为(67±11)min和(69±9)min(P＞0.05),A组术后疼痛轻、下地时间早、住院天数少、皮下血肿发生率低,但皮下硬结发生率高于B组;对手术的评价A组为(11.21±2.00)分优于B组(10.52±2.08)分,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两组手术前后CEAP分级和VCSS计分变化差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01),A、B两组手术前后VCSS分差为(4.6±2.5)分和(4.3±2.7)分(P＞0.05).结论 利用射频闭合术联合TriVex刨吸术治疗下肢静脉功能不全有效,且微创、并发症少.CEAP临床分级和VCSS临床记分可用于其疗效评价.     

静脉内射频消融术与激光消融术治疗大隐静脉曲张的比较

目的 比较静脉内射频消融术和激光消融术治疗大隐静脉曲张的安全性和有效性.方法 回顾性分析2018年4～12月接受静脉内射频和激光消融术治疗的80例大隐静脉曲张患者临床资料,其中射频组39例,激光组41例.比较两种方法的手术并发症发生率、术后疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、静脉临床...     

Case of the disappearing heat-induced thrombus causing pulmonary embolism during ultrasound evaluation

We report a case of a 58-year-old male patient who underwent successful endovenous radiofrequency ablation of the left great saphenous vein for CEAP class 4a venous disease. On the third postoperative day, he had a duplex ultrasound scan for evaluation which showed successful occlusion of the great saphenous vein (GSV) with class 2 endovenous heat-induced thrombus (EHIT) that disappeared during the evaluation and caused a pulmonary embolism. To our knowledge, no case of pulmonary embolism has been reported to occur during postoperative follow-up duplex scanning. Relevant literature is reviewed and a possible mechanism for thrombus dislodgement is entertained.     

Treatment of the incompetent great saphenous vein by endovenous radiofrequency powered segmental thermal ablation: first clinical experience

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation of saphenous veins has proven efficacy with an excellent side effect profile but has the disadvantage of a lengthy pullback procedure. This article reports a new endovenous catheter for radiofrequency-powered segmental thermal ablation (RSTA) of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs). METHODS: A prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and early clinical outcomes of RSTA of the GSV. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients with 252 GSVs with an average diameter of 5.7 +/- 2.2 mm (range, 2.0 to 18.0 mm) received RSTA under tumescent local anesthesia. In 58 patients (29.9%), bilateral treatment (average length treated, 36.7 +/- 10.8 cm) was done. The average total endovenous procedure time was 16.4 +/- 8.2 minutes, and the average total energy delivery time was 2.2 +/- 0.6 minutes. The corresponding endovenous fluence equivalent delivered to the proximal 7-cm vein segment was 82 +/- 25 J/cm(2) (range, 38 to 192). Follow-up at 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months was obtained from 250, 164, and 62 limbs, respectively. Occlusion rates were 99.6% for all three follow-up dates according to life-table analysis. The average Venous Clinical Severity Score was 3.4 +/- 1.2 at 3 days, 0.9 +/- 1.6 at 3 months, and 1.5 +/- 1.8 at 6 months compared with 3.9 +/- 2.0 at baseline. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation is feasible, safe, and well tolerated.     

Endovenous Ablation of Saphenofemoral Insufficiency: Analysis of 100 Patients Using RF Closure Fast Technique

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common problem leading to varicose veins of lower limbs which was traditionally being treated with ligation and stripping. Endovenous ablation is an attractive alternative minimally invasive technique to treat such patients. We analysed the results of 100 consecutive patients treated with Radiofrequency based endovenous ablation using Closure Fast Catheter. Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients with chronic venous insufficiency treated at our institution was done. All patients were classified pre and post procedure based on clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophyslogical classification, Venous clinical severity and Venous disablitity scores alongwith color doppler examination with follow up done at 2 weeks, 3 months and one year for any disease recurrence or residual symptoms. 97 of the 100 patients treated at 3 months and at 1 year showed good reduction of venous clinical severity and Venous disability scores to 0. Doppler showed complete closure of saphenofemoral junction and long saphenous vein at 2 weeks with no recanalisation at one year. No thrombus formation was observed. Minor complications like ecchymosis was seen in 9 patients and thrombophlebitis in 4 patients. Endovenous ablation using radiofrequency with Closure Fast technique showed improved short and long term results in patients with venous insufficiency with 100% closure seen on doppler studies along with lesser complications and no thrombus formation due shortened procedure time and improved catheter design.     

Endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein: analysis of early efficacy and complications

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are new, minimally invasive percutaneous endovenous techniques for ablation of the incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV). We have performed both procedures at the Mayo Clinic during two different consecutive periods. At the time of this report, no single-institution report has compared RFA with EVLT in the management of saphenous reflux. To evaluate early results, we reviewed saphenous closure rates and complications of both procedures. METHODS: Between June 1, 2001, and June 25, 2004, endovenous GSV ablation was performed on 130 limbs in 92 patients. RFA was the procedure of choice in 53 limbs over the first 24-month period of the study. This technique was subsequently replaced by EVLT, which was performed on the successive 77 limbs. The institutional review board approved the retrospective chart review of patients who underwent saphenous ablation. According to the CEAP classification, 124 limbs were C2-C4, and six were C5-C6. Concomitant procedures included avulsion phlebectomy in 126 limbs, subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in 10, and small saphenous vein ablation in 4 (EVLT in 1, ligation in 1, stripping in 2). Routine postoperative duplex scanning was initiated at our institution only after recent publications reported thrombotic complications following RFA. This was obtained in 65 limbs (50%) (54/77 [70%] of the EVLT group and 11/53 [20.8%] of the RFA group) between 1 and 23 days (median, 7 days). RESULTS: Occlusion of the GSV was confirmed in 93.9% of limbs studied (94.4% in the EVLT [51/54] and 90.9% in the RFA group [10/11]). The distance between the GSV thrombus and the common femoral vein (CFV) ranged from -20 mm (protrusion in the CFV) to +50 mm (median, 9.5 mm) and was similar between the two groups (median, 9.5 mm vs 10 mm). Thrombus protruded into the lumen of the CFV in three limbs (2.3%) after EVLT. All three patients were treated with anticoagulation. One received a temporary inferior vena cava filter because of a floating thrombus in the CFV. Duplex follow-up scans of these three patients performed at 12, 14, and 95 days, respectively, showed that the thrombus previously identified at duplex scan was no longer protruding into the CFV. No cases of pulmonary embolism occurred. The distance between GSV thrombus and the saphenofemoral junction after EVLT was shorter in older patients (P = .006, r(2) = 0.13). The overall complication rate was 15.4% (20.8% in the EVLT and 7.6% in the RFA group, P =.049) and included superficial thrombophlebitis in 4, excessive pain in 6 (3 in the RFA group), hematoma in 1, edema in 3 (1 in the RFA group), and cellulitis in 2. Except for two of the three patients with thrombus extension into the CFV, none of these adverse effects required hospitalization. CONCLUSION: GSV occlusion was achieved in >90% of cases after both EVLT and RFA at 1 month. We observed three cases of thrombus protrusion into the CFV after EVLT and recommend early duplex scanning in all patients after endovenous saphenous ablations. DVT prophylaxis may be considered in patients >50 years old. Long-term follow-up and comparison with standard GSV stripping are required to confirm the durability of these endovenous procedures.     

Combined endovenous ablation and transilluminated powered phlebectomy: is less invasive better?

This study was undertaken to evaluate the evolution of operative vein approaches from combined "open" saphenous stripping-stab avulsion phlebectomy to combined "minimally invasive" endovenous ablation-transilluminated powered phlebectomy with a focus on comparing clinical outcomes. All patients undergoing a combined operative approach for concomitant saphenous vein insufficiency and associated varicose tributary veins between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2005 were identified. Patients were stratified by operative approach into 3 groups: combined saphenous vein stripping-stab avulsion phlebectomy (STRIP-PHLEB); combined saphenous vein stripping-transilluminated phlebectomy (STRIP-TPP); and combined endovenous ablation-transilluminated phlebectomy (EVAB-TPP). Clinical volume, indications, technical details, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Over the 8-year period, there were 72 limbs in 59 patients treated with STRIP-PHLEB, 92 limbs in 81 patients with STRIP-TPP, and 99 limbs in 76 patients with EVAB-TPP, with a time-dependent transition in operative techniques noted. There was no difference in distribution of CEAP clinical classification between groups, overall with most limbs in the C2-C4 categories (93.1%) and fewer in the C5-C6 categories (6.9%). There was no difference in overall complication rates between STRIP-PHLEB and EVAB-TPP, although the distribution of complications did shift with a trend toward more wound problems noted in procedures involving saphenous stripping (STRIP-PHLEB 5.6%, STRIP-TPP 6.5%, EVAB-TPP 2.0%; P = NS), and more hematomas in procedures involving transilluminated powered phlebectomy (STRIP-PHLEB 5.6%, STRIP-TPP 16.3%, EVAB-TPP 6.9%; P < .05; see Table 2). Complications associated with the endovenous ablation portion were low including technical inability to cannulate 1.6%, saphenous re-cannulation 2.4%, hematoma 2.4%, severe phlebitis 3.1%, venous thromboembolism 0.8%, and no wound or thermal injury problems. With the shift of combined operative vein approaches for concomitant saphenous vein insufficiency and varicose tributary veins towards "minimally invasive" techniques the overall complication rate has remained unchanged. While combined endovenous ablation-transilluminated phlebectomy offers some advantage of "less" invasiveness, this perceived benefit should be balanced against unchanged overall risk over traditional operative approaches.     

Comparison of tumescent versus ultrasound guided femoral and obturator nerve blocks for treatment of varicose veins by endovenous laser ablation

BackgroundEndovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a new method for treating greater saphenous vein insufficiency. Most of physicians use local anesthesia for needle punctures and tumescent anesthesia (TA) to prevent pain and protects the surrounding tissues from the conduction of heat that would originate from the effects of laser energy on the venous wall. The aim of this study is to compare the use of local tumescent anesthesia alone or combined with ultrasound guided femoral and obturator nerve blocks for treatment of varicose veins by endovenous laser ablation.MethodologyThis is a randomized, double blind study included 80 patients scheduled for endovenous laser ablation for varicose veins of the great saphenous vein (GSV) located in the anterior or medial aspect of the leg were prospectively divided into two groups of 40 patients each. Group (A) had EVLA using tumescent anesthesia given by the surgeon. Group (B) had femoral and obturator nerves block before tumescent anesthesia was done. Intraoperative pain associated with applying the tumescent anesthesia and during performing ablation was measured using visual analogue scale. Volume of tumescent was compared in both groups. After finishing the operation, femoral and obturator motor block were evaluated. Postoperative VAS, time of stay in recovery area, patient and doctor satisfaction were also measured.ResultsPain on application of tumescent anesthesia and during surgery revealed that group (A) had more intense pain than group (B). Volume of tumescent used during surgery; group (B) used statistically significant less tumescent solution than group (A). Motor block was measured after finishing the operation, 100% of group (A) had no restriction to active movements while 2.5%, 80% and 7.5% had no restriction, mild restriction and moderate restriction to active movements, respectively in group (B). Group (A) had more pain than group (B) postoperatively. Duration of post procedure stay in recovery area showed no statistically significant difference between the two studied groups. Patients and doctors satisfaction was significantly higher in group (B) in comparison to group (A).ConclusionUltrasound guided femoral and obturator nerve blocks combined with tumescent anesthesia are effective methods of anesthesia during endovenous laser ablation than using tumescent anesthesia alone.     

Saphenous ablation: what are the choices, laser or RF energy

Endovenous ablation has been reported to be safe and effective in eliminating the proximal portion of the great saphenous vein from the venous circulation, with faster recovery and better cosmetic results than surgical stripping. However, the definition of a successful outcome in the literature has not been uniform. As in a successful stripping procedure, complete elimination of at least the proximal portion of the great saphenous vein should also be the standard for these endovenous ablation procedures. Our experience with over 1,400 endovenous ablation procedures, of which 1,150 were radiofrequency and over 250 were laser procedures, has allowed evaluation and comparison of these two techniques. And while we have not seen as high success rates as in published reports (especially with laser ablation), we have still concluded that both radiofrequency and laser techniques to destroy the saphenous vein are safe and effective. Patient acceptance is overwhelmingly better than stripping. Physicians performing these techniques should embrace a commitment to addressing all sites of venous insufficiency in a patient, not just the proximal great saphenous vein. Without this level of commitment, one will be left with poor results and a dissatisfied patient.     

Subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery combined with saphenous vein ablation: results and critical analysis

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the results of subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS) combined with ablation of superficial venous reflux. METHODS: Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for 74 consecutive limbs (65 patients) in which this combination treatment was performed at a university medical center. Preoperatively, 58 lower extremities had an open venous ulcer (CEAP clinical class 6 [C(6)]) and 16 had healed ulceration (C(5)). Preoperative and postoperative ulcer care remained constant. Main outcomes measured included perioperative complications, ulcer healing, and ulcer recurrence. Clinical severity and disability scores were tabulated before and after surgery. Mean patient follow-up was 44 months. RESULTS: Greater saphenous vein (GSV) stripping and varicose vein excision accompanied SEPS in 57 limbs (77%), and SEPS was performed alone or with varicose vein excision in 17 limbs that had previously undergone GSV stripping. Postoperative complications occurred in 12 limbs (16%), all with C(6) disease (P =.04). Ulcer healing occurred in 91% (53 of 58) of limbs with C(6) disease at a mean of 2.9 months (range, 13 days-17 months). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that ulcer healing was negatively affected by previous limb trauma (P =.011). Ulceration recurred in 4 limbs (6%) at 7, 20, 21, and 30 months, respectively. This was associated with a history of limb trauma (P =.027) and preoperative ultrasound evidence of GSV reflux combined with deep venous obstruction (P(R,O); P =.043). Clinical severity and disability scores improved significantly after surgery (both, P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Most venous ulcers treated with SEPS with ablation of superficial venous reflux heal rapidly and remain healed during medium-term follow-up. Ulcer healing is adversely affected by a history of severe limb trauma, and ulcer recurrence is similarly affected by a history of limb trauma in addition to superficial venous reflux combined with deep venous obstructive disease. Overall, there was marked improvement of postoperative clinical severity and disability scores compared with those obtained before surgery.     

Air plethysmographic assessment of external valvuloplasty in patients with valvular incompetence of the saphenous and deep veins

PURPOSE: The indications for deep venous valvuloplasty remain controversial in patients with incompetent deep vein valves associated with primary varicose veins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of external femoral valvuloplasty performed simultaneously with varicose vein surgery from the standpoint of venous function determined with air plethysmography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one limbs of 25 patients (12 men, 13 women; mean age, 56.3 years; range, 33 to 80 years) with chronic venous insufficiency caused by valvular incompetence of both deep veins and saphenous veins were studied in a prospective, nonrandomized fashion. Descending phlebography showed moderate to severe reflux of grade 3 or 4 with Herman and Kistner classifications. Clinical severity of disease was CEAP classification 2S (in six limbs), classification 3 (in three limbs), classification 4 (in 16 limbs), classification 5 (in two limbs), and classification 6 (in four limbs). We performed superficial venous surgery alone in 14 limbs (control group), which consisted of stripping or ligation of incompetent saphenous veins and ligation of all incompetent perforators. In the remaining 17 limbs (study group), we performed superficial venous surgery simultaneously with external valvuloplasty of the femoral vein with intraoperative endoscopic observation. Venous reflux of the limbs was evaluated with air plethysmographic examination before surgery and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery in both groups. RESULTS: Preoperative venous filling index (mean +/- standard deviation) in the control and study groups was 9.4 +/- 3.8 mL/min and 8.8 +/- 3.5 mL/min, respectively (not significant), and it decreased to 7.0 +/- 3.6 mL/min (P <.01) and 2.8 +/- 1.0 mL/min (P <.01), respectively, 1 month after surgery. Postoperative index values in the study group were significantly lower than values in the control group (P <.01), and this difference continued for more than 2 years after surgery (P <.05). After a follow-up period of 12 to 37 months (average, 25 months), the venous clinical severity score was higher in the control group (3.4 +/- 1.7) than in the study group (2.1 +/- 0.3; P <.05), and the venous disability score was higher in the control group (1.4 +/- 0.6) than in the study group (0.8 +/- 0.8; P <.05). CONCLUSION: Although further follow-up study is necessary, these results point to the functional and clinical usefulness of femoral valvuloplasty performed simultaneously with varicose vein surgery in patients with moderate to severe deep venous reflux. The venous filling index obtained with air plethysmography is an excellent predictor of the clinical severity of the disease and of postoperative clinical results.     

剥脱联合腔内激光治疗大隐静脉曲张

目的:探讨剥脱术联合腔内激光治疗大隐静脉曲张的疗效.方法:回顾性分析2006年4月-2009年3月采用大隐静脉的大腿段剥脱联合小腿段激光腔内治疗的128例患者(176条肢体)的临床资料.结果:全组患者手术效果满意,症状缓解率100％,无伤口感染、下肢深静脉血栓形成等.近期并发症为胫前皮下淤血或小血肿12肢(6.8％),皮肤条状烧伤2肢(1.1％),浅静脉周围炎12肢(6.8％),踝部水肿2肢(1.1％);无胫前麻木感,无远期严重并发症;3年内无静脉曲张复发.结论:剥脱术联合腔内激光治疗大隐静脉曲张疗效确切,并发症少,是安全可靠的微创治疗方法.     

腔内射频闭合术联合TriVex刨吸术治疗下肢静脉功能不全

目的 评价腔内射频闭合术联合TriVex刨吸术治疗下肢静脉功能不全的疗效.方法 150例下肢静脉功能不全患者(150条患肢)随机分为A、B两组,每组75例.A组行大隐静脉射频闭合术联合曲张浅静脉TriVex刨吸术,B组行大隐静脉高位结扎抽剥术联合曲张浅静脉TriVex刨吸术.比较两组的手术时间、术后首次下床时间、术后48 h的疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAPS)值、术后住院天数、皮下血肿和皮下硬结的发生情况;比较患者对手术的自身评价、手术前后美国静脉联盟CEAP分级、临床严重程度计分(VCSS)、慢性静脉功能不全问卷(CIVIQ)生活质量评分的变化.结果 两组手术时间差异不显著,A组术后疼痛轻、下床时间早、住院天数少、皮下血肿发生率低,但皮下硬结发生率高于B组;术后4周对手术的评价A组优于B组;A、B手术前后CEAP分级、VCSS、CIVIQ评分变化差别有统计学意义(P<0.05),两组间VCSS分差、CIVIQ评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 利用射频闭合术联合TriVex刨吸术治疗下肢静脉功能不全有效,且微创、并发症少、更具人性化;CEAP临床分级、VCSS临床计分和CIVIQ生活质量评分可用于评价其疗效.     

Long-term outcomes of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration of saphenous reflux as a treatment for superficial venous insufficiency

BACKGROUND: Endovascular radiofrequency obliteration has been used as an alternative to conventional vein-stripping surgery for elimination of saphenous vein insufficiency. A clinical registry was established in 1998, and its mid-term results have been reported previously. This study is to demonstrate the long-term treatment outcomes and to determine the risk factors that affect treatment efficacy. METHODS: Data were collected in an ongoing multicenter, prospective registry. Patients were treated before October 2004. Clinical and duplex ultrasound follow-up was performed 1 week, 6 months, 1 year, and yearly thereafter to 5 years. Treatment efficacy and clinical improvement after the procedure were analyzed. Three types of anatomical failure were identified. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the existence of any significant risk factors associated with anatomical failure. Risk factors considered were age, gender, body mass index, vein diameter, and pullback speed. The impact of anatomical failure on clinical symptoms and varicose vein recurrence was also analyzed. RESULTS: There were 1,006 patients (1,222 limbs) treated, their mean age was 47.4 +/- 12.1 years, and 78.1% were female. Veins treated included 89.1% great saphenous vein above-knee segments, 1.2% great saphenous vein below-knee segments, 4.1% great saphenous vein groin-to-ankle, 4.3% small saphenous veins, and 1.3% accessory saphenous veins. Mean vein diameter was 7.5 mm, with a maximum of 24 mm. Vein occlusion rates were 87.1%, 88.2%, 83.5%, 84.9%, and 87.2%, and reflux-free rates were 88.2%, 88.2%, 88.0%, 86.6%, and 83.8% at each annual follow-up. Clinical symptom improvement was seen in 70% to 80% of limbs with anatomical failures and in 85% to 94% of limbs with anatomical success from 6 months to 5 years after the radiofrequency obliteration. Logistic regression analysis showed that catheter pullback speed (P < .0001) and body mass index (P < .0333) were risk factors for anatomical failure. Limbs that had type II and type III anatomical failures were found to be more prone to varicose vein recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular radiofrequency obliteration of saphenous vein reflux exhibits enduring efficacy. Adequate pullback speed during the procedure should be emphasized to ensure the proper thermal dose delivery. A whole treatment strategy to address hemodynamically significant tributaries and perforators can further improve treatment outcomes. Body mass index is a risk factor for anatomical failure, indicating the impact of hemodynamic factors on disease progression and recurrence.     

射频消融治疗大隐静脉曲张的近期有效性及安全性

目的观察射频消融(RFA)治疗大隐静脉曲张的近期有效性及安全性。方法回顾性分析接受超声引导下RFA治疗的17例大隐静脉曲张患者(26条患肢)术前1周、术后即刻及术后1、3、6个月临床资料。结果 26条患肢中,术后即刻及术后1、3、6个月大隐静脉闭塞率均为100%(26/26)。术后3、6个月患肢活动能力较术前1周好转(P均0.05),术后6个月疼痛程度较术前1周缓解(P0.05)。术后1、3、6个月患肢临床-病因-解剖-病理生理(CEAP)临床分级及修订版静脉临床严重程度评分(rVCSS)与术前1周比较分级均降低(P均0.01)。术后6个月内7条患肢发生皮下条索僵硬静脉,1条隐股点不适,3条皮下出血。结论 RFA治疗大隐静脉曲张近期疗效好,且并发症少。     

Aneurysmal dilatation of the great saphenous vein stump after endovenous laser ablation

Endoluminal ablation either by laser or radiofrequency energy of the great saphenous vein has become the standard therapy for varicose veins caused by great saphenous vein insufficiency. The rapid recovery time and low complication profile are both reasons practitioners and patients choose this treatment modality. Complications are rare and are usually minor. This report presents a patient who presented with aneurysmal dilatation of the saphenous vein remnant, with evidence of an arteriovenous fistula, 15 months after endovenous laser therapy. The abnormality was surgically resected and the fistula successfully ligated. This may be the first report of the formation and treatment of a venous aneurysm with arteriovenous fistula involving the great saphenous vein stump after endovenous laser therapy.     

Endovascular obliteration of saphenous reflux: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the differences in clinical outcomes in patients treated with endovenous saphenous vein obliteration with technical outcome of either complete occlusion (CO), near complete occlusion (NCO), defined as < or =5-cm segment of flow in treated vein, or recanalization, defined as >5-cm segment of flow in treated vein. STUDY DESIGN: The study was designed as a prospective registry with follow-up at intervals through 24 months. The subjects were 286 patients from 30 clinical sites with saphenous vein reflux as measured with duplex scanning. A total of 319 limb treatments were performed. Intervention included endovenous catheter obliteration of insufficient saphenous veins with temperature controlled radiofrequency heat, without high ligation of the saphenofemoral junction. The main outcome measures were status of occlusion of treated vein segments, presence of varicose veins and reflux, clinical symptoms scores, physician evaluation of procedure success, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: At 12 months, 83.6% of treated limbs were classified as CO, 5.6% were categorized as NCO, and 10.8% were recanalized. At 24 months, 85.2% of treated veins were CO, 3.5% were NCO, and 11.3% were recanalized. Varicose veins were present in 95% of limbs before treatment. The presence of varicose veins in limbs with CO was 10.5%, 7.3%, 5.7%, and 8.3% at 1 week, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, respectively. The presence of varicose veins in NCO limbs was similar at each interval. Overall, 91.4% of 232 limbs followed to 12 months and 90.1% of 142 limbs at 24 months were free of saphenous vein reflux, regardless of technical outcome. Paresthesia was reported in 3.9% of limbs at 1 year and in 5.6% at 2 years. The pretreatment mean symptom severity score was 2.0. Mean posttreatment symptom scores decreased to 0.07, 0.0, and 0.50 for CO, NCO, and recanalized limbs, respectively, at 6 months. At 12 months, the mean scores were 0.06, 0.0, and 0.32 for CO, NCO, and recanalized limbs, respectively; at 24 months, the scores were at 0.10, 0.40, and 0.63. Patient satisfaction was achieved in 195 of 212 patients (92%) at 1 year and in 121 of 128 (94.5%) at 2 years. CONCLUSION: Endovenous vein obliteration without high ligation dramatically reduces the presence of varicosities and reflux and, when performed with the prescribed pull-back methodology, is comparable with vein stripping at 1 and 2 years. Patient satisfaction with the procedure is high at 2 years, regardless of technical outcome. At 2 years, the closure procedure is a viable alternative to stripping.     

Extension of saphenous thrombus into the femoral vein: a potential complication of new endovenous ablation techniques

Endovenous techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser therapy (ELT) have emerged as percutaneous minimally invasive procedures for ablation of incompetent great saphenous veins in patients with varicosity and venous insufficiency. Early reports showed safety and efficacy of both techniques, with excellent technical success rates and few major complications, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. During our initial experience with ELT in 56 limbs of 41 patients, 39 underwent postoperative duplex scanning. We encountered three cases (7.7%) with thrombus extension into the common femoral vein. All three patients were anticoagulated, and a temporary inferior vena cava filter was placed in one. All remained asymptomatic. The thrombus resolved by 1 month in all three patients. Review of the literature revealed that the incidence of thrombus extension into the common femoral vein or deep vein thrombosis in published clinical series is 0.3% after ELT and 2.1% after RFA. This possibility warrants routine postoperative duplex scanning, more alertness during these procedures, and patient education on this possible complication.     

日间手术模式下腔内射频消融术与静脉剥脱导管主干剥脱术治疗大隐静脉曲张疗效比较

目的 比较日间手术模式下大隐静脉腔内射频消融术与静脉剥脱导管主干剥脱治疗大隐静脉曲张的安全性及有效性.方法 收集2020年2月至2021年1月大连市金州区第一人民医院收治的84例行日间手术的大隐静脉曲张患者的临床资料,根据手术方式的不同将患者分为射频组(n=44,采用大隐静脉主干射频消融术+小腿浅表静脉泡沫硬化+部分小...