Role of endovenous laser treatment in the management of chronic venous insufficiency

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a recognized option in the treatment of uncomplicated varicose veins. This uncontrolled case series evaluates its effectiveness in the management of chronic venous insufficiency. Patients with a history of active or healed ulcers were selected for EVLT. The procedure was carried out in an outpatient setting over a period of 12 months. Assessment was carried out for evidence of ulcer healing and recurrence, long saphenous vein occlusion, and patient satisfaction at 3, 12, and 22 months. Results are expressed as means with range. EVLT was used to treat 23 limbs in 20 patients with a median age of 59 years (range 32-76) including 12 females and eight males. All patients had evidence of chronic venous insufficiency, graded at C5 or greater on the CEAP classification (C5 16, C6 7). Patients with long saphenous vein insufficiency were included, whereas those with either deep or combined deep and superficial venous incompetence were excluded. The cumulative 3-, 12-, and 22-month healing rates were 87% (20/23), 100% (23/23), and 95% (21/22), respectively. The only patient having a recurrence of ulcers at 22 months' follow-up (CEAP 6) had mid-calf perforator incompetence with recanalized long saphenous vein. Duplex scan demonstrated long saphenous vein occlusion in 100% (23/23), 96% (22/23), and 91% (20/22) at 3, 12, and 22 months, respectively. In all, 84% (16/19) of patients were satisfied with the results of treatment without any major procedure-related complication. These results demonstrate that EVLT, carried out in an outpatient setting, is effective in the treatment and prevention of chronic venous ulcers, with good patient satisfaction and no major complication.     

腔内激光与腔内激光联合泡沫硬化剂治疗下肢静脉曲张的比较研究

目的探讨腔内激光联合泡沫硬化剂治疗下肢静脉曲张的疗效和安全性。方法 2010年7月～2011年10月将120例下肢静脉曲张按就诊顺序编号,每10例为一分配单元,1～10号为单纯激光组,11～20号为联合治疗组,以此类推,每组60例。单纯激光组:大隐静脉高位结扎后,用980 nm波长半导体激光腔内治疗大隐静脉主干、大隐静脉属支及曲张的静脉团;联合治疗组:大隐静脉高位结扎后,用980 nm波长半导体激光腔内激光治疗大隐静脉主干,泡沫硬化剂5 ml(1 ml聚桂醇注射液及4 ml空气经三通器混合制成5 ml泡沫硬化剂,现用现配)静脉注射治疗属支静脉及静脉团。结果所有患者随访6～12个月,平均9个月。单纯激光组痊愈56例,显效4例,总有效率100%;联合治疗组痊愈58例,显效2例,总有效率100%,2组疗效比较差异无显著性(Z=-0.834,P=0.404)。2组术后复发率无统计学差异[6.7%(4/60)vs.3.3%(2/60),χ2=0.175,P=0.675]。腔内激光组并发症发生率为35.0%(21/60),联合治疗组并发症发生率为3.3%(2/60),2组比较差异有显著性(χ2=19.417,P=0.000)。结论与单纯腔内激光治疗比较,腔内激光联合泡沫硬化剂治疗下肢静脉曲张并发症少,疗效无差别。     

Chronic venous disease treated by ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy.

AIM: To report the outcome of a series of patients with chronic venous disease due to incompetence of saphenous trunks managed by ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UFS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 808 patients comprise this series. CEAP clinical class for limbs was C1: 15%, C2: 81%, C3: 0.5%, C4: 2%, C5: 0.2%, C6: 0.4%. UFS using 1% polidocanol (107 limbs), 1% sodium tetradecyl (102 limbs), 3% sodium tetradecyl (900 limbs) was employed to treat incompetent saphenous trunks. In patients with unilateral varices 1 treatment was required in 43% of patients and 2 treatments in 48% of patients to obliterate incompetent saphenous trunks and varices. For bilateral varices 2 treatments were required in 40% of patients and 3 treatments in 46% of cases. The clinical outcome and patency of treated veins on duplex ultrasonography was assessed at a mean follow-up interval of 11 months. RESULTS: A total of 459 limbs were available for assessment at a follow-up interval of 6 months or greater. The CEAP clinical stage was C0:182 limbs, C1: 241, C2: 22, C3: 0, C4: 11, C5: 2, C6:1. The GSV had remained obliterated in 88% of limbs and the SSV in 82% of limbs. Recurrent venous incompetence following previous surgery was as effectively treated by UFS as primary incompetence. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is useful in the management of chronic venous disease as an alternative to surgery.     

腔内激光治疗静脉曲张的探讨

摘要：目的: 探讨腔内激光(EVLT)联合手术个性化治疗静脉曲张的综合方法。方法:下肢慢性静脉功能不全（CVI）285例（295条患肢），根据临床表现和双功超声、静脉造影，基于CEAP分期，分为A，B，C 3组，采取3种手术方式进行治疗。A组用单纯腔内激光闭塞术;B组用腔内激光加点式结扎；C组用股浅静脉包窄术加腔内激光加点式结扎。结果:全组曲张浅静脉均消失，皮肤颜色变浅，肿胀改善，溃疡愈合或缩小。结论:EVLT技术治疗下肢浅静脉曲张是有效的微创手术治疗方法，只要根据CEAP分期，通过标准化的诊断，选择好适应证，采用EVLT联合其他手术治疗原发性下肢深静脉瓣膜功能不全是可行和有效的。     

Great Saphenous Vein Stripping with Liberal Use of Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Vein Surgery (SEPS)

This study is based on a unique registry of 632 patients who underwent great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping and liberal use of subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS) for minimal to severe lower limb venous insufficiency. Clinical examinations and color-coded duplex scanning were performed on a randomly selected, manageable sample of 170 limbs to assess the affect of early SEPS on junctional (saphenofemoral [SFJ] and/or saphenopopliteal [SPJ]) and perforator vein (PV) insufficiencies and superficial varicosities at a median of 6.5 years. PV incompetence was present in 68 legs (40%), as the sole transfascial insufficiency in 28 limbs and combined with SFJ or SPJ incompetence in 40 limbs. Junction incompetence alone characterized an additional 38 limbs, bringing the total transfascial insufficiency prevalence to 62%. Superficial varicosities affected 46% of limbs. Overall CEAP clinical class was unimproved beyond preoperative values. PV incompetence was associated with higher CEAP and clinical venous severity scores than were junctional insufficiencies alone. We concluded that PV incompetence alone or combined with junctional insufficiency is associated with increased symptoms and disease progression. The prevalence of SFJ, SPJ, and PV incompetence (62%) and recurrent varicosities (46%) suggests that early use of SEPS does not prevent disease progression and offers no benefit over GSV stripping in the absence of deep vein insufficiency or threatened ulceration.     

Single-visit endovenous laser treatment and tributary procedures for symptomatic great saphenous varicose veins

Introduction

Endovenous ablation of saphenous varicose veins has decreased morbidity and recovery time compared with open surgery. This study assessed the outcome and mid-term patient satisfaction of single-visit endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) alone, EVLT combined with phlebectomies and endovenous chemical ablation.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients (n=91) in 2008–2009 who underwent single-visit day-case EVLT using local anaesthesia under a single surgeon. Postoperative venous ultrasonography at 2 and 14 months was reviewed. A telephone questionnaire was carried out to assess recurrence of symptoms and quality of life at 42 months.

Results

Overall, 124 limbs underwent day-case EVLT under local anaesthesia using an 810nm diode laser at a continuous setting of 14W. Forty-eight of these underwent EVLT alone while fifty underwent EVLT with phlebectomies and twenty-six underwent EVLT with endovenous chemical ablation. Ninety-one per cent of limbs underwent two-month postoperative imaging. All had satisfactory great saphenous vein (GSV) ablation (anterior thigh vein patency: n=1). The majority (84%) of limbs underwent 14-month imaging with a 98% GSV ablation rate. Three per cent had anterior thigh vein and saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Recurrence of GSV patency and reflux was <1%. The response rate to the questionnaire was 60%: 95% of respondents confirmed improvement following treatment, 62% remained symptom free at 42 months while 65% of patients with a return of symptoms deemed them mild. The questionnaire was scored out of 56 for symptoms and quality of life. Those with symptoms scored significantly higher.

Conclusions

At 42 months, the majority of limbs remained asymptomatic. The short-term GSV ablation rates were excellent. Overall mid-term review of patients has shown a well received single-visit service with concomitant phlebectomy or endovenous ablation, and good ablation and patient satisfaction rates.     

Clinical and hemodynamic significance of the greater saphenous vein diameter in chronic venous insufficiency

HYPOTHESIS: As the compliant greater saphenous vein (GSV) adjusts its luminal size to the level of transmural pressure, measurement of its diameter, reflecting the severity of hemodynamic compromise in limbs with GSV reflux, may simplify the hemodynamic criteria of patient selection for saphenectomy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of GSV diameter determined in the thigh and calf as a marker of global hemodynamic impairment and clinical severity in a model comprising patients with saphenofemoral junction and truncal GSV incompetence. DESIGN: A cohort study. SETTING: University-associated tertiary care hospitals in Brazil and England. PATIENTS: Eighty-five consecutive patients, aged 28 to 82 (mean, 46.2) years; 112 lower limbs with saphenofemoral junction and truncal GSV incompetence were investigated. INTERVENTIONS: Clinical examination was followed by clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological classification (CEAP), vein duplex, and air plethysmography. The GSV diameter was measured on standing at the knee, and at 10, 20, and 30 cm above and below the knee, and in the thigh and calf, respectively, using B-mode imaging. The venous filling index (VFI), venous volume (VV), and residual volume fraction (RVF) were measured by air plethysmography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The GSV diameter was correlated with the VFI, VV, RVF, and CEAP. The value of the GSV diameter for predicting the presence of critical reflux (VFI >7 mL/s) or the absence of abnormal reflux (VFI <2 mL/s) was determined with receiver-operator curves. RESULTS: The GSV diameter increased significantly overall with CEAP (P<.001) and also increased progressively with proximity to the saphenofemoral junction. The VFI, VV, and RVF increased significantly from CEAP(0) through CEAP(4-6); the VFI correlated well with VV, RVF, and CEAP (P<.001 for all). The GSV diameter at all 7 limb levels studied correlated well with VV (except at the distal calf), VFI, RVF, and CEAP (P< or =.009 for all). A GSV diameter of 5.5 mm or less predicted the absence of abnormal reflux, with a sensitivity of 78%, a specificity of 87%, positive and negative predictive values of 78%, and an accuracy of 82%. A GSV diameter of 7.3 mm or greater predicted critical reflux (VFI >7 mL/s), with an 80% sensitivity, an 85% specificity, and an 84% accuracy. CONCLUSION: The GSV diameter proved to be a relatively accurate measure of hemodynamic impairment and clinical severity in a model of saphenofemoral junction and GSV incompetence, predicting not only the absence of abnormal reflux, but also the presence of critical venous incompetence, assisting in clinical decision making before considering greater saphenectomy.     

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.     

泡沫硬化剂注射术与大隐静脉剥脱术的近期疗效对照研究

目的 评价泡沫硬化剂注射术联合高位结扎术治疗下肢大隐静脉曲张的近期临床效果.方法 55例(55条肢体)下肢大隐静脉曲张患者随机分为两组:传统大隐静脉剥脱术组(A组,23例);大隐静脉高位结扎联合泡沫硬化剂注射术组(B组,32例),比较两组手术前后CEAP分级及静脉临床严重程度评分(VCSS)的变化.结果 A、B两组手术...     

内镜深筋膜下穿通静脉离断联合腔内激光治疗下肢静脉曲张

目的: 探讨内镜深筋膜下穿通静脉离断术（subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery, SEPS）联合腔内激光治疗（endovenous laser treatment,EVLT）术治疗下肢静脉曲张的可行性。方法: 2016年8月至2017年10月,静脉顺行造影诊断下肢穿通静脉瓣膜功能不全患肢81条,选择40条患肢行SEPS术,联合EVLT术闭合浅表曲张静脉,保留健康大隐静脉作为研究组;41条患肢作为对照组,行传统大隐静脉高位结扎抽剥术。结果: 研究组曲张静脉团块消失,下肢静脉血淤滞得到缓解,色素沉着减轻,溃疡愈合,随访5~11个月无复发。研究组手术时间少于对照组（1.1 h比3.0 h）,切口数也少于对照组（2.1个比5.8个）,住院时间缩短（1.1 d比3.9 d）,下肢淤斑面积减少（5.2 cm³比20.3 cm³）,差异均有显著统计学意义（P<0.01）。结论: SEPS联合EVLT术适合个体化微创治疗下肢静脉曲张,创伤小、恢复快。     

腔内激光联合手术治疗下肢静脉曲张的评价

目的 评价腔内激光(EVLT)联合手术治疗下肢静脉曲张的疗效.方法 下肢静脉曲张172例,198条下肢.按不同病因分为3组,采用EVLT 相应手术方法治疗:①A组:原发性下肢深静脉瓣膜功能不全45条患肢,行股浅静脉瓣膜包窄 EVLT 内镜下小腿内侧功能不全交通静脉离断术(SEPS);②B组:轻度原发性深静脉瓣膜功能不全55条下肢,行EVLT SEPS;③C组:单纯性大隐静脉曲张,98条下肢,行EVLT.结果 随访2～44个月,平均32个月,5例有曲张静脉复发,再次行EVLT后未再复发;其余167例症状消退或明显好转,溃疡均愈合,彩超示大隐静脉全程闭合,深静脉通畅.结论 EVLT具有微创、安全、易于操作的特点,联合手术治疗下肢静脉曲张的效果满意.     

Treatment of superficial and perforator venous incompetence without deep venous insufficiency: is routine perforator ligation necessary?

PURPOSE: We investigated whether routine ligation of incompetent perforator veins is necessary in treatment of symptomatic chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) due to combined superficial and perforator vein incompetence, without deep venous insufficiency. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Twenty-four limbs with both superficial and perforator venous incompetence but no deep venous insufficiency were identified at venous duplex scanning. Air plethysmography (APG) was performed preoperatively, to obtain venous volume (VV), venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF) of the affected limb. Saphenous vein stripping from the groin to knee and powered transilluminated phlebectomy for varicosity ablation were performed in all patients. Postoperatively, all patients underwent duplex scanning and APG to determine the status of the perforator veins and hemodynamic improvement from surgery. RESULTS: Average patient age was 55.8 years; 62% of patients were women. CVI was class 3 in 4 limbs, class 4 in 12 limbs, and class 5 and class 6 in 4 limbs each. Postoperative duplex scans demonstrated that 71% of previously incompetent perforator vessels were now competent or absent. Significant improvement in all APG values was documented after superficial surgery. VFI improved from 6.0 +/- 2.9 preoperatively to 2.2 +/- 1.3 after surgery (P <.001); EF improved from 56.3 +/- 18 to 62 +/- 21 (P =.02); and RVF improved from 40.1 +/- 19 to 28.3 +/- 18 (P =.009). Mean preoperative symptom score (5.3 +/- 1.9) was significantly improved at mean follow-up of 18.3 months (1.4 +/- 1.2; P <.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with superficial and perforator vein incompetence and a normal deep venous system experienced significant improvement in APG-measured hemodynamic parameters and clinical symptom score after superficial ablative surgery alone. This suggests that ligation of the perforator veins can be reserved for patients with persistent incompetent perforator vessels, with abnormal hemodynamic parameters or continued symptoms after superficial ablative surgery.     

应用股浅静脉瓣膜环形缩窄术治疗原发性下肢深静脉瓣膜功能不全的疗效评价

目的用CEAP分类记分法 (clinical,etiologic ,anatomic ,andpathophysiologic ,CEAP)评价股浅静脉瓣膜环形缩窄术治疗原发性下肢深静脉瓣膜功能不全 (PDVI)的疗效和应用价值。方法将 97例 (97侧肢体 )经顺行性静脉造影证实PDVI的患者分为A组 79侧 ,B组 18侧。A组行大隐静脉高位结扎剥脱 交通支结扎术同时行股浅静脉瓣膜环形缩窄术 ,B组仅行大隐静脉高位结扎剥脱 交通支结扎术。以CEAP临床分类与临床记分评价疗效。结果A、B两组术后临床记分均明显下降 (A组由 6 4± 3 7降至 1 7± 1 8,P <0 0 1;B组由 3 8± 3 6降至 1 4± 1 5 ,P <0 0 5 ) ,A组较B组下降程度更大 (P <0 0 1)。结论从CEAP临床记分结果看 ,股浅静脉瓣膜环形缩窄手术有助于PDVI患者临床症状缓解。因此术前明确诊断为PDVI的患者 ,应行股浅静脉瓣膜环形缩窄手术。     

Endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein versus high ligation: long-term results

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) for greater saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency is a relatively new method of treatment only recently made available in Iran. This is the first long-term randomized trial comparing EVLT with high ligation of saphenous vein (HLS) in the Iranian population. Sixty-five patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into homogenous treatment groups of EVLT (n?=?30) or HLS (n?=?35). Clinical severity, etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology (CEAP) classification and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Symptom Severity Scores (AVSS) were used to determine disease severity and symptoms before and after the procedure in both groups. Outcome was measured by the rate of recurrence as shown in Doppler ultrasonography evaluation. Follow-up was conducted 1 week and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after the intervention. The occlusion rate of GSV was similar in both groups (93.6 % for EVLT, 88.3 for HLS) at 18 months of follow-up. The median CEAP score showed a dramatic decrease in both groups after 1 week which was sustained for the rest of the study. The Aberdeen Varicose Vein Symptom Severity score was significantly lower in the EVLT group at 12 and 18 months of follow-up. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction in both groups. Our findings show that EVLT may offer a better long-term relief of symptoms. This, alongside its better cosmetic outcome, and less invasive anesthesia requirements may make it the favorable choice for treatment of GSV insufficiency.     

Sapheno-femoral Junction Reflux in Patients with a Normal Saphenous Trunk

OBJECTIVE: To determine the patterns and clinical importance of saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) reflux in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) and a normal great saphenous vein (GSV) trunk. METHODS: Fifteen hundred consecutive patients were examined using duplex ultrasound (DU) in three centres. Patients with reflux involving the SFJ and/or its tributaries only were included and its prevalence and patterns were studied. Patients with GSV trunk reflux or in any other veins were excluded. The SFJ diameter was categorised as normal, dilated or varicose. The results of surgery were evaluated by DU in 42 patients 1 year after the procedure. RESULTS: SFJ area incompetence with a competent GSV trunk occurred in 8.8% of limbs. It was significantly more common in CEAP class 2, 13.6% compared to class 3, 8.2% (p=0.03), class 1, 2.7%, class 4, 4.4% and classes 5 and 6 together, 1.5% (p<0.001 for all). The SFJ had a normal diameter in 21%, dilated in 62% and varicose in 17%. Reflux was seen in 39% of limbs with a normal SFJ diameter, in 85% of those with a dilated SFJ and in all varicose SFJs. Of the 42 operated limbs, 27 had ligation and division of the SFJ and tributary phlebectomies. Fifteen had tributary phlebectomies only, leaving the SFJ intact. At one-year follow-up, SFJ area reflux was found in six limbs (14.3%), involving the SFJ alone in 1, a main tributary in 1 and 4 small tributaries. No reflux was found in the GSV trunk. All but two of the 42 patients were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSIONS: SFJ reflux with tributary involvement and sparing of the GSV trunk occurs in 8.8% of CVD patients. Such reflux is found in the entire spectrum of CVD, but it is more common in class 2. Local surgery with or without SFJ ligation has very good results at 1 year. DU scanning prior to treatment is important in all patients so that the intact GSV can be spared.     

腹腔镜交通静脉离断联合激光治疗下肢交通静脉瓣膜功能不全

目的:探讨腹腔镜静脉交通支离断(subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery,SEPS)联合静脉腔内激光(endovenouslaser treatment,EVLT)治疗下肢交通静脉瓣膜功能不全的可行性。方法:彩超诊断下肢静脉曲张合并交通静脉瓣膜功能不全患肢共82条,随机选择62条患肢行SEPS,联合大隐静脉EVLT为腔镜治疗组。20条患肢为对照组,行传统大隐静脉剥脱术。结果:腔镜治疗组曲张静脉团块及下肢静脉血淤滞均消失,色素沉着减轻,溃疡愈合,随访6~12个月无复发。与对照组相比,缝合创口平均减少4.8个,住院时间平均缩短6.8d,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论:SEPS联合EVLT适于微创治疗下肢静脉曲张和交通静脉瓣膜功能不全者,患者创伤小,康复快。     

腔镜深筋膜下交通支静脉离断术联合激光闭合术治疗大隐静脉曲张的疗效

背景与目的 手术为治疗大隐静脉曲张（GSV）有效措施,传统交通支静脉结扎术虽疗效肯定,但创伤较大,并发症多,且术后复发率高,增加二次治疗风险。腔镜深筋膜下交通支静脉离断术（SEPS）、激光闭合术（EVLT）为新型的治疗手术,各具优势,本研究探讨EVLT与SEPS联合治疗GSV的临床效果,以期为临床治疗选择提供参考。方法 选取2018年6月—2019年10月承德医学院附属医院收治的78例GSV患者,依据简单随机数字表法分为研究组与对照组,各39例。研究组采取SEPS+EVLT,对照组采取传统交通支静脉结扎术+EVLT。比较两组手术情况、创伤定量指标水平、生活质量、并发症发生率以及疾病复发率。结果 术前两组间一般资料、术前创伤定量指标与生活质量评分差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。研究组手术时间、住院时间短于对照组,术中失血量、住院费用少于对照组,下肢瘀斑面积、切口长度小于对照组（均P<0.05）;研究组术后24、72 h血清丙二醛、一氧化氮、IL-6水平均低于对照组,谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶水平高于对照组（均P<0.05）。术后1周研究组精神心理、体能、社会活动、疼痛评分均优于对照组（均P<0.05）;研究组并发症发生率低于对照组（2.56% vs. 20.51%,P<0.05）;研究组术后12个月疾病复发率低于对照组（5.56% vs. 26.47%,P<0.05）。结论 SEPS联合EVLT治疗GSV,具有创伤小、手术时间短、术后恢复快、并发症少、住院费用低、提高生活质量等优势,推荐临床使用。     

Defining the role of extended saphenofemoral junction ligation: a prospective comparative study

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the added effect of extended saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) ligation when the greater saphenous vein (GSV) has been eliminated from participating in thigh reflux by means of endovenous obliteration. GSV obliteration, unlike surgical stripping, can be done with or without SFJ ligation to isolate and study SFJ ligation's specific contribution to treatment results. METHODS: Sixty limbs treated with SFJ ligation and 120 limbs treated without high ligation were selected from an ongoing, multicenter, endovenous obliteration trial on the basis of their having primary varicose veins, GSV reflux, and early treatment dates. RESULTS: Five (8%) high-ligation limbs and seven (6%) limbs without high ligation with patent veins at 6 weeks or less were excluded as unsuccessful obliterations. Treatment significantly reduced symptoms and CEAP clinical class in both groups (P =.0001). Recurrent reflux developed in one (2%) of 49 high-ligation limbs and eight (8%) of 97 limbs without high ligation by 6 months (P =.273). New instances of reflux did not appear thereafter in 57 limbs followed to 12 months. Recurrent varicose veins occurred in three high-ligation limbs and four limbs without high ligation by 6 months and in one additional high-ligation limb and two additional limbs without high ligation by 12 months. Actuarial recurrence curves were not statistically different with or without SFJ ligation (P >.156), predicting greater than 90% freedom from recurrent reflux and varicosities at 1 year for both groups. CONCLUSION: These early results suggest that extended SFJ ligation may add little to effective GSV obliteration, but our findings are not sufficiently robust to warrant abandonment of SFJ ligation as currently practiced in the management of primary varicose veins associated with GSV vein reflux.     

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.     

In situ hemodynamics of perforating veins in chronic venous insufficiency

PURPOSE: The prevalence of incompetent perforators increases linearly with the clinical severity of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and the presence of deep vein incompetence. Putative transmission of deep vein pressure to skin may cause dermal hypoxia and ulceration. Despite extensive prospective interest in the contribution of perforators toward CVI, their hemodynamic role remains controversial. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the in situ hemodynamic performance of incompetent perforating veins across the clinical spectrum of CVI, by means of duplex ultrasonography. METHODS: A total of 265 perforating veins of 90 legs that had clinical signs and symptoms consistent with CVI in 67 patients referred consecutively to the blood flow laboratory were studied. The clinical distribution of the examined limbs was CEAP(0), 10 limbs; CEAP(1-2), 39 limbs; CEAP(3-4), 21 limbs; and CEAP(5-6), 20 limbs. With the use of gated-Doppler ultrasonography on real-time B-mode imaging, the flow velocity waveforms were obtained from the lumen of perforators on release of manual distal leg compression in the sitting position and analyzed for peak and mean velocities, time to peak velocity, volume flow, venous volume displaced outward, and flow pulsatility. The diameter and duration of outward flow (abnormal reflux > 0.5 seconds) were also measured. RESULTS: Incompetent perforators had bigger diameters, higher peak and mean velocities and volume flow, longer time to peak velocity, and bigger venous volume displaced outward (VV(outward)) than competent perforators (all, P <.0001). The diameter of incompetent perforators did not change significantly with CEAP class (all, P >.1). Incompetent thigh and lower-third calf perforators had a significantly bigger diameter than perforators in the upper and middle calf combined (both, P <.05), in incompetent perforators: reflux duration was unaffected by CEAP class or site (P >.3); peak velocity was higher in those in CEAP(3-4) than those in CEAP(1-2) (P =.024); mean velocity in those in CEAP(3-6) during the first second of reflux was twice that of those in CEAP(1-2) (P <.0001); both higher volume flow and VV(outward) were found in the thigh perforators than those in the upper and middle calf thirds (P <.03); CEAP(3-6) volume flow and VV(outward), both in the first second, were twice that in those in CEAP(1-2) (P <.002); flow pulsatility in those in CEAP(5-6) was lower than in those in CEAP(1-2) (P =.014); in deep vein incompetence, higher peak velocity, volume flow, VV(outward), and diameter occurred than in its absence (P <.01). CEAP designation correlated significantly with mean velocity and flow pulsatility, both in the first second (r = 0.3, P <.01). The flow direction pattern in perforator incompetence was uniform across the CVI spectrum: inward on distal manual limb compression, and outward on its release; competent perforators had a smaller percentage of outward flow on limb compression (P <.01). CONCLUSION: In addition to an increase in diameter, perforator incompetence is characterized by significantly higher mean and peak flow velocities, volume flow, and venous volume displaced outward, and a lower flow pulsatility. Differences in early reflux enable a better hemodynamic stratification of incompetent perforators in CVI classes. In the presence of deep reflux, incompetent perforators sustain further hemodynamic impairment. In situ hemodynamics enable quantification of the function of perforators and can be used in the identification of the clinically relevant perforators and the impact of surgery.